Pricing & Policies
Our process is designed to deliver the highest standards of craftsmanship, the shortest possible turnaround without compromising quality, clear and consistent communication, and confidence and peace of mind from the first conversation to the final pickup. Every commission entrusted to our studio is approached with the same care, attention to detail, and respect we would expect for our own most treasured memories.
General Policies
Ethics & Respect for the Wild
We hold a deep respect for wildlife and for the animals entrusted to our care. Our commitment is to honor each specimen through the highest standards of craftsmanship, representing every species as accurately and lifelike as possible. Our work is guided by authenticity, anatomical accuracy, and natural history. Accordingly, our studio is dedicated exclusively to naturalistic taxidermy, a philosophy that excludes anthropomorphic and rogue taxidermy.
Originality of Work
Reference photographs of other mounts are always welcome as inspiration and to help us better understand your vision. However, out of respect for our own work and that of other taxidermists, we do not replicate other artists’ creations. Every commission is interpreted through our own artistic vision and informed by photographs of living birds, ensuring that each piece remains original and uniquely yours.
Photography
We believe your first impression of a finished piece should be experienced in person. Photographs seldom convey the depth, color, texture, and craftsmanship that can only be fully appreciated firsthand, and may therefore create misleading expectations. Furthermore, immediately after mounting, birds are still carded, taped, and pinned, with finishing and painting yet to be completed. Photographs taken at this stage do not accurately represent the finished piece. For these reasons, we do not provide photos or videos of pieces before pickup. Afterward, we will be happy to provide professional studio photographs of your piece upon request, which you are welcome to share with family and friends.
Discretion
We take discretion very seriously. Client identities, personal and financial information, and contextual details surrounding their commissions are treated as strictly confidential and are never disclosed without the client's express consent. Any instances in which identifying details, such as names or locations, have appeared on our social media profiles have been shared with the clients' knowledge and consent.
Legal Compliance
Clients are responsible for ensuring that all wildlife submitted for taxidermy has been legally obtained and is accompanied by the required permits and documentation. We reserve the right to refuse any specimen associated with unlawful or unethical practices. Payments made toward commissions involving wildlife confiscated as a result of violations attributable to the client are nonrefundable.
All migratory game birds, including ducks, geese, cranes, coots, rails, woodcock, snipe, and crows, must be accompanied by a completed federal migratory bird tag. We can provide the necessary form at drop-off, or you may download it here and print it beforehand, particularly if shipping your bird. Protected nongame birds, such as songbirds, hawks, and owls, may only be accepted from game wardens, federal agents, or holders of appropriate state and federal permits.
Turkeys must be accompanied by the appropriate harvest documentation. You may present a digital copy at drop-off, which we can print at the studio.
Pickup Deadlines
Communication is central to how we work. We notify our clients well in advance and keep them updated throughout the process, allowing ample time to make the necessary arrangements or postpone their commissions in the event of unforeseen circumstances. We proceed with mounting only with our clients’ explicit consent.
With this in mind, we allow two weeks (10 business days) following notification of completion for pickup. Pieces not collected within this period will incur a daily late-collection fee equivalent to 2% of the total commission price, added to the outstanding balance. Pieces remaining unclaimed for more than 30 days after notification of completion may be subject to further action, including lawful disposition following any required notice.
This policy prevents finished pieces from remaining at our studio for extended periods, where they may be exposed to damage, occupy valuable space, or delay work on other commissions.
Pricing Policies
Deposit & Payments
We require a 50% deposit at drop-off, with the remaining balance due upon pickup. Large migratory birds, such as Canada geese, swans, and sandhill cranes, require full payment before mounting begins. This may be paid in full at drop-off or in two installments: 50% at drop-off and the remaining 50% when the bird is scheduled for mounting.
Clients may also pay their outstanding balance progressively after the initial deposit. In all cases, full payment is required before any finished piece is released.
We accept credit cards, cash, checks, Venmo, and Zelle.
Inspection & Condition Report
Final acceptance of any specimen is subject to inspection. Any damage, deterioration, or other condition that may compromise the final result will be documented and communicated to the client for approval before work proceeds. Birds arriving frozen may not be fully inspected until they are thawed for mounting. Major repairs or restorations may incur additional charges, subject to the client's approval.
We cannot be held responsible for pre-existing spoilage, feather slippage, or other hidden deterioration revealed during thawing or processing, as such conditions may compromise the final result despite proper preservation methods.
If a bird is deemed unsuitable for the originally requested pose, alternative options may be offered. Should the client decline these alternatives, or the bird be deemed unsuitable for mounting altogether, the full deposit will be refunded.
Turnaround & Expedite Service
Most projects are completed within 12 months, with a maximum of 18 months for unforeseen delays.
For clients who wish to receive their finished pieces sooner, we offer three levels of expedited service, available for a limited number of commissions at any given time:
PLATINUM: Mounting begins within two weeks of arrival, with final completion time depending on the size of the bird and required drying, usually two to four weeks, at 3× the standard total price.
GOLD: Completion within three months at 2× the standard total price.
SILVER: Completion within six months at 1.5× the standard total price.
Veterans & Active-Duty Service Members
You may be eligible for our Gold Expedite Service at no additional charge, subject to availability. Please let us know your current status and present a valid form of identification at intake, such as a Common Access Card, Uniformed Services ID card, VA identification card, or VA medical card. We are deeply grateful for your service.
Pricing
Our prices vary depending on the species, pose, and presentation. They currently range from over $3,500 for a dramatic flying Mute Swan with an open mouth to $800 for a small duck in a standard, closed-wing pose.
We distinguish between closed-wing and open-wing poses in our pricing. Additional features, such as open mouths, elaborate display poses, and custom habitat bases, may also affect the final cost.
Explore our Commission Pricing for a detailed breakdown by species, pose, and other considerations. Contact us for a personalized quote and to discuss how you envision your finished piece.
Atlantic Brant, Branta bernicla hrota Müller, OF, 1776 in a standard, closed-wing pose on a custom-made habitat base.
Where Natural History Meets Your Own.