Woodland Wonders Taxidermy
Taxidermist VerifiedClosed
Columbia, MO
Taxidermists in Boone County, Missouri
Boone County offers a mix of river bottoms and hardwood ridges that produce heavy-racked whitetails and large eastern turkeys. With the Missouri River forming the southern border and plenty of conservation land nearby, local hunters often need reliable shops to handle their trophies. Having a professional close to Columbia makes it easier to drop off a cape while it is still fresh and discuss specific poses for a shoulder mount or a rug.
There are currently three taxidermists listed in the county, all based out of Columbia. These shops, including Woodland Wonders Taxidermy, handle everything from standard deer heads to small game and birds. You can find someone in town to manage the skinning and preservation process to ensure your mount lasts. Most of these local outfits are familiar with the specific antler characteristics and body sizes typical of central Missouri game.
3 taxidermists in Boone County
Serving Columbia.
Bur Oak Taxidermy
TaxidermistClosed
Columbia, MO
Columbia Taxidermy Studio
TaxidermistClosed
Columbia, MO
Using taxidermists in Boone 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.