Taxidermists in Watauga County, North Carolina

Finding a taxidermist in Watauga County usually means heading toward the outskirts of Banner Elk or over toward Deep Gap. The rugged terrain here produces some heavy-bodied mountain bucks and plenty of black bear, so you need a shop that understands the specific anatomy of High Country game. Most local outfits are small operations run by guys who hunt these same ridges and know how to handle a cape properly.

Rominger's Taxidermy in Banner Elk is a familiar name for those coming off the slopes or out of the national forest. Whether you are looking for a standard shoulder mount or something more custom, having a professional nearby saves you from driving down the mountain while your trophy is still on ice. These local shops handle the heavy lifting so you can get your mount back on the wall.

2 taxidermists in Watauga County

Serving Banner Elk, Deep Gap.

Rominger's Taxidermy

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Banner Elk, NC

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Smith's Taxidermy

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Deep Gap, NC

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Using taxidermists in Watauga 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 Watauga County

Bow Shops (1)