Taxidermists in Wilson County, North Carolina

Wilson County offers a few reliable options for mounting your harvest, whether you are hunting the local swamps for whitetail or bringing back ducks from the coast. With active shops located in Elm City and Stantonsburg, you won't have to drive far to find a professional to handle your trophy. Most local taxidermists in this part of the coastal plain are familiar with the large-bodied deer common to the region's agricultural fields.

Nicholson's Taxidermy in Elm City is one of the established operations serving the area. These shops typically handle everything from shoulder mounts to small game and waterfowl. It is a good idea to call ahead during the peak of the rifle season to check their current turnaround times and drop-off procedures. Most of these professionals work out of private studios and can provide specific advice on field dressing to ensure the cape stays in good condition for the mount.

2 taxidermists in Wilson County

Serving Elm City, Stantonsburg.

Using taxidermists in Wilson 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.

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