Policies
- A 50% deposit is required at drop-off; the balance is due upon pickup. Certain species, such as large migratory birds or those requiring special permits, may require full payment in advance. If, after inspection, a bird is deemed unsuitable for mounting as requested, the deposit will be refunded in full.
- All birds are carefully inspected on arrival. Any visible damage and potential repair needs will be discussed before work begins. Additional fees may apply for specimens with severe damage (e.g., extensive shot patterns, dog bites, dispatched or breasted birds) or for salted skins.
- Federal tags are required for all migratory birds. Wild turkeys must be accompanied by Harvest Tags. Protected nongame species require State and Federal special permits.
- Clients are kept informed throughout the process. Completed work must be picked up within 14 days of notification. Storage fees apply thereafter, and mounts left unclaimed beyond 30 days may be forfeited and disposed of.
- This policy ensures mounts are never left unattended for long periods, where they may risk damage, occupy valuable space, or delay the work of other clients. We proceed only with your explicit consent and always provide advance notice so you can plan ahead. Storage fees and forfeiture are applied only if deadlines are disregarded. Clear communication is essential to maintaining a smooth process and the highest level of care for your mount.
What is your pricing?
Pricing varies by species, pose complexity, and display options. Standard pricing includes a ghost hanger or a simple earth base. Additional charges apply for upgraded bases and displays, including driftwood, urethane rock, and more elaborate custom habitats. Please note that pricing is subject to change without notice, reflecting the availability and fluctuating costs of quality materials. We encourage clients to contact us directly for a personalized estimate.
What is your turnaround time?
Our standard turnaround is one year or less, with a maximum of 18 months in the rare event of unforeseen delays.
Do you accept species other than birds?
While birds remain our specialty, we accept a select number of projects involving small mammals (no larger than a mink or ferret), reptiles (excluding large crocodilians), and invertebrates such as crustaceans and arachnids. Pet memorials often fall within these categories.
Do you do pets?
Yes, although we do not work with dogs or cats. We recommend relaxed poses such as sleeping, resting, or simply sitting quietly. Our brains naturally associate active poses with movement, and when the animal is still, that creates some dissonance, especially for owners who spent years seeing their pet in motion and full of expressions. A calm, lifelike pose instead conveys peace, familiarity, and comfort, just like the countless quiet moments you remember them at rest.
Do you ship completed mounts?
Finished mounts must be picked up in person. Frozen birds may be shipped to our studio (see “How To Ship Your Bird” article), and we offer professional crating services (30% of the total mount cost) for clients who wish to arrange their own shipping.
Do you offer expedite service?
Yes. A limited number of expedited projects are accepted each year. Expedite service carries an additional fee of 50% of the total project cost, with a maximum turnaround of two months.
Do you offer a veteran discount?
As immigrants, we hold a deep respect for the men and women who have served the United States, the country that welcomed us. To honor them, we offer Free Expedited service for veterans and active-duty service members (normally subject to a 50% surcharge). Proper identification is required (VA ID card or VA medical card).
Can I provide a photo of a mount for you to replicate?
Reference photos are welcome to help us understand a client’s vision. However, out of respect for our artistry and professional ethics, we do not replicate the work of other taxidermists. Each mount is created as a unique piece, shaped by our artistic interpretation and guided by references from living specimens.
Do you offer competition-quality service?
Yes. Each year we accept a select number of competition-quality projects, quoted individually and subject to specimen suitability.
