For passionate hunters, a successful hunt is more than just the thrill of the chase—it’s a story worth remembering. Taxidermy ensures that those moments are preserved forever, transforming a fleeting encounter into a timeless masterpiece.

This “Guide to the Taxidermy Process” will discuss important topics about this exciting subject.

At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we believe taxidermy is not just a process—it’s an art form that blends anatomy, sculpture, and fine craftsmanship. Whether you’re new to taxidermy or preparing your first trophy for mounting, this step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how the process works.

Step 1: Field Care – Setting the Foundation for a Great Mount

A flawless taxidermy mount begins in the field. Proper handling of the animal immediately after the hunt determines how well the final trophy will turn out.

Hunter’s Checklist for Field Preparation:

✔ Avoid dragging the animal—this can cause fur loss and skin damage.
✔ Cool the hide as soon as possible to prevent decomposition.
✔ Do not cut the throat—blood stains are difficult to remove.
✔ Leave extra skin—your taxidermist will trim it to perfection.
✔ Freeze or salt the hide if immediate taxidermy isn’t possible.

Tip: The fresher the specimen, the better the results! If you’re unsure how to skin the animal properly, leave it to your taxidermist to ensure a flawless preservation.

Step 2: Skinning and Hide Preparation

Once the specimen reaches the taxidermy studio, the next step is careful skinning. This process requires patience and precision to ensure no tears or distortions occur.

Depending on the type of mount requested, the taxidermist will use different techniques:
🦌 Cape Skinning – For shoulder mounts.
🐆 Full-Body Skinning – For life-sized displays.
💀 European Mount Preparation – For skull or antler mounts.

Once skinned, the hide is thoroughly cleaned and treated. This ensures the hair, fur, or feathers remain intact, preventing deterioration over time.

Step 3: Tanning – Preserving the Hide

To prevent the hide from rotting or stiffening, it undergoes a process called tanning. This chemical treatment softens and preserves the skin, keeping it supple and durable.

There are two common tanning methods:
✔ Wet Tanning – Keeps the hide soft and flexible, best for life-size mounts.
✔ Dry Tanning – Leaves the hide firm, ideal for shoulder mounts.

Tanning is one of the most time-consuming steps, but it is critical for long-lasting quality. Properly tanned hides can last for decades without deterioration.

Step 4: Sculpting the Mannequin – Where Art Meets Science – (Guide to the Taxidermy)

Many people assume that taxidermists “stuff” animals, but modern taxidermy is a sculptural art form. Instead of stuffing, we use precisely sculpted foam mannequins that replicate the animal’s original muscle structure.

✔ Each mannequin is custom-fitted to match the exact dimensions of the trophy.
✔ Adjustments are made to the head, legs, and body to capture the natural posture.
✔ The pose is selected based on the hunter’s preference, creating a lifelike and dynamic display.

This is the artistic heart of taxidermy, where skill and creativity merge to breathe life back into the animal.

Step 5: Mounting – Bringing the Trophy to Life

Once the hide is tanned and the mannequin is ready, it’s time to reassemble the trophy.

✔ The hide is stretched carefully over the form and secured in place.
✔ Glass eyes are inserted, giving the mount depth and a true-to-life gaze.
✔ Fine details such as ears, whiskers, and nose texture are perfected.

This process can take weeks as the mount dries and sets into its final shape.

Step 6: Finishing Touches – The Final Layer of Realism

To ensure absolute realism, taxidermists add subtle finishing touches such as:
✔ Airbrushing to restore natural skin tones.
✔ Smoothing and styling fur for a pristine appearance.
✔ Custom habitat bases (rocks, grass, or wood) for a stunning display.

These small details make a world of difference, turning a simple mount into a breathtaking masterpiece.

Step 7: Trophy Delivery & Maintenance Tips

Once the mount is fully set, Collett’s Wildlife Artistry ensures it is expertly crated and shipped worldwide—whether to the USA, Europe, or anywhere else in the world.

How to Maintain Your Trophy:

✔ Keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
✔ Dust it gently with a soft cloth or compressed air.
✔ Store it in a climate-controlled area to avoid moisture damage.
✔ Avoid insect exposure—moths and beetles can damage the fur.

With proper care, a well-crafted taxidermy mount can last for generations.

Why Choose Professional Taxidermy?

Choosing a skilled taxidermist makes all the difference. A poorly mounted trophy can deteriorate quickly, while a professionally crafted piece remains a true work of art.

Why Hunters Trust Collett’s Wildlife Artistry:

✔ Unmatched craftsmanship with lifelike precision.
✔ Expertise in African big game and plains game taxidermy.
✔ Secure trophy shipping to the USA and worldwide.
✔ Custom habitat displays for the ultimate presentation.

Your hunting story deserves to be told through a mount that captures every detail of the moment.

Preserve Your Hunting Memories with Expert Craftsmanship

Taxidermy is more than just preserving an animal—it’s about honoring the hunt, the adventure, and the legacy behind it. At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we are passionate about bringing those memories to life with the highest level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

If you’re looking for the finest taxidermy services in South Africa, contact us today! Let’s turn your hunt into a timeless masterpiece.

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