Taxidermists in Chaffee County, Colorado

Chaffee County sits in the heart of the Sawatch and Sangre de Cristo ranges, drawing hunters seeking elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. After a successful pack out from the high country or the banks of the Arkansas River, you need a local professional who understands the anatomy of these mountain species. Having a shop nearby in the valley makes it easier to drop off your harvest while the hide is fresh and reduces the logistics of transporting heavy mounts later.

You will find taxidermy services available in Salida, including operations like Real Wilderness Taxidermy. These local shops specialize in everything from standard shoulder mounts to rug work and European mounts. Working with a professional in the county ensures your trophy is handled by someone familiar with Colorado’s specific game and habitat. It is a practical choice for hunters who want to preserve their season without traveling far from the trailhead.

1 taxidermist in Chaffee County

Serving Salida.

Real Wilderness Taxidermy

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Salida, CO

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Using taxidermists in Chaffee County

A taxidermist takes your cape and antlers, preps and tans the hide, then mounts the animal on a form. Most shops want the cape caped out and frozen, or the whole head delivered cold and unfrozen within a day or two of the kill.

What to ask before you commit

What is your current turnaround time, in months?
Do you tan in-house or send hides out?
What deposit do you require, and is it applied to the final price?
Can I see finished mounts of the same species?
How should I care for the cape before I bring it in?

What it usually costs

Shoulder mounts commonly run several hundred to well over a thousand dollars depending on species, form and finish work. European mounts are typically the least expensive option. Deposits of 30-50% are standard.

Timing matters

Get the cape cold fast. Do not salt or freeze a cape you plan to have mounted without asking the shop first — hair slip from a warm hide is the single most common ruined mount.

Other services in Chaffee County

Meat Processors (1)Bow Shops (1)