Kyle, TX
Taxidermists in Hays County, Texas
Hays County offers a few reliable options for mounting your harvest, whether you pulled a buck out of the Edwards Plateau or brought a bird back from the coast. The local shops in this area handle everything from standard shoulder mounts to complex European mounts. Most of these professionals work out of San Marcos and Kyle, providing convenient drop-off points for hunters living between Austin and San Antonio.
You will find experienced taxidermists like Igor’s Taxidermy in Kyle who understand the specific anatomy of Texas whitetail and exotic species. These shops typically handle hides, skulls, and full-body displays with a focus on long-term preservation. Since there are only three main listings in the county, it is smart to call ahead during the busy general season to check their current turnaround times and freezer space.
3 taxidermists in Hays County
Serving Kyle, San Marcos.
San Marcos, TX
San Marcos, TX
Using taxidermists in Hays 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.
