Taxidermists in Monroe County, Indiana

Monroe County offers several options for getting your trophies mounted after a successful season in the Hoosier National Forest or on local private acreage. With five local taxidermists operating near Bloomington and Gosport, you can find shops experienced in shoulder mounts, European mounts, and small game. Most of these professionals work out of the Bloomington area, making it a short drive for anyone hunting the southern ridges or the public land around Lake Monroe.

If you head north toward Gosport, you will find additional specialists like Wish Valley Wildlife. These local shops handle the heavy lifting of skinning and tanning to preserve your deer, turkey, or bobcat. It is best to call ahead before your hunt to check their current turnaround times and drop-off procedures, as space fills up quickly during the peak of the fall rut.

5 taxidermists in Monroe County

Serving Bloomington, Gosport.

Using taxidermists in Monroe 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 Monroe County

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