Taxidermists in Las Animas County, Colorado

Las Animas County covers a vast stretch of southern Colorado, ranging from the high desert to the heavy timber of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Whether you are hunting the local elk herds or chasing Merriam’s turkeys along the Purgatoire River, finding a local shop to handle your trophy is important. Most hunters coming through this region pass through Trinidad, which serves as the primary hub for services and supplies before heading into the backcountry.

There is currently one specialized shop in Trinidad focused on preserving game from the area. AJ's Bird Taxidermy handles avian mounts for those hunting waterfowl or upland birds across the county’s diverse terrain. Having a professional nearby helps ensure your hide or feathers are prepped quickly after the harvest, preventing spoilage during the drive home from the field.

2 taxidermists in Las Animas County

Serving Trinidad.

Using taxidermists in Las Animas 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 Las Animas County

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