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Taxidermists in Dare County, North Carolina

Taxidermists in Dare County handle a wide range of local wildlife, from Outer Banks puddle ducks to heavy offshore pelagics. With three shops serving the area, you can find a local mount specialist whether you are coming off the sound or heading back to the mainland. These shops understand the specific challenges of working in a salt-air environment and preserve everything from sea ducks to trophy deer.

You will find these services located in Kill Devil Hills, Manteo, and Wanchese. Ducktail Taxidermy in Kill Devil Hills is one of the convenient spots for waterfowlers finishing a trip on the sound. Whether you need a simple skin mount or a custom display for a citation catch, these local businesses provide the specialized finishing work required for coastal trophies.

3 taxidermists in Dare County

Serving Kill Devil Hills, Manteo, Wanchese.

Using taxidermists in Dare 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.

Taxidermists in nearby North Carolina counties

Alamance County (4)Alexander County (2)Alleghany County (3)Anson County (1)Ashe County (3)Avery County (2)Beaufort County (1)Bertie County (4)Bladen County (1)Brunswick County (4)Buncombe County (3)Burke County (3)Cabarrus County (6)Caldwell County (4)Camden County (1)Carteret County (2)Caswell County (1)Catawba County (4)Chatham County (4)Cherokee County (1)Chowan County (2)Clay County (2)Cleveland County (4)Columbus County (5)