Taxidermists in La Plata County, Colorado

La Plata County offers diverse hunting opportunities, from high-country mule deer and elk in the San Juan National Forest to Merriam’s turkey in the river bottoms. When you harvest an animal in these rugged mountains, finding a local professional to handle the hide and antlers is the final step of the season.

Durango serves as the primary hub for these services in the area. Wildlife Expressions at Durango Taxidermy is available to handle mounts for local hunters. Having a shop nearby is practical for dropping off capes quickly after a hunt and avoids the risks of shipping delicate antler sets or hides across state lines.

1 taxidermist in La Plata County

Serving Durango.

Wildlife Expressions at Durango Taxidermy

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Durango, CO

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Using taxidermists in La Plata 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 La Plata County

Meat Processors (3)Bow Shops (1)