For hunters, a successful hunt is more than just the moment of the shot—it’s a story, an experience, and a deep respect for wildlife. Taxidermy transforms that fleeting moment into a lifelong memory, allowing hunters to preserve their trophies with artistry and craftsmanship. At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we take pride in making your hunting memories last for generations through the meticulous and time-honored craft of taxidermy.

A Fusion of Science and Art

Taxidermy is often misunderstood as simply “stuffing” an animal, but it is much more than that. It is a blend of science, sculpture, and artistry—a way to honor the animal and the hunt itself. Every detail, from the curve of a horn to the expression in the eyes, is carefully recreated to capture the animal’s spirit and preserve its natural beauty.

At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we see taxidermy as a form of storytelling. Each mount tells a unique tale—of patience, skill, and adventure in the great outdoors.

Step-by-Step: The Artistic Process of Taxidermy

Bringing a trophy to life requires dedication, patience, and skill. Here’s an inside look at our artistic taxidermy process:

1. Field Preparation: Setting the Foundation for a Quality Mount

The process starts in the field. Proper care of the trophy before it reaches a taxidermist ensures the best possible final product. Hunters are advised to:
✔ Keep the hide cool and dry to prevent bacteria growth.
✔ Avoid dragging the animal on rough surfaces that could damage the skin.
✔ Freeze or salt the hide if immediate taxidermy is not possible.

2. Skinning and Tanning: Preserving the Natural Beauty

Once the specimen arrives at our studio, the first step is careful skinning. This requires precision to ensure that every detail—especially around delicate areas like the eyes, ears, and lips—is intact.

After skinning, the hide undergoes a tanning process to preserve the leather and prevent decay. Traditional tanning methods can take weeks, but they are essential for a high-quality, long-lasting mount.

3. Sculpting the Form: The Artistic Heart of Taxidermy

This is where artistry meets science. We do not simply “stuff” an animal; instead, we carefully sculpt a lifelike form using foam mannequins that mimic the muscle structure of the species. These forms are often modified to match the exact dimensions of the trophy to ensure an anatomically correct and realistic pose.

This stage is where a taxidermist’s artistic eye comes into play. Adjustments are made to ensure the proper flow of muscles, the natural tilt of the head, and the lifelike positioning of limbs. The goal is to make the animal look as though it could leap back into the wild at any moment.

4. Eye Setting and Facial Detailing: Capturing the Soul

The eyes are the soul of the mount. A well-crafted mount should feel like it is looking right at you. We use premium glass eyes that mimic the natural reflection and depth of real animal eyes.

Careful facial detailing is also done at this stage—shaping the ears, adding natural wrinkles, and ensuring the nostrils and lips appear realistic. These small details are what make a taxidermy piece truly lifelike.

5. Mounting and Drying: Bringing It All Together

Once the hide is carefully stretched over the sculpted form, it is secured and left to dry for several weeks. During this time, minor adjustments are made to maintain lifelike positioning.

6. Finishing Touches: The Final Layer of Artistry

After the mount has dried, the final step is adding artistic touch-ups. This includes:
🎨 Airbrushing subtle color details on the nose, ears, and around the eyes to match the original look.
🎨 Smoothing and conditioning the fur to give it a natural sheen.
🎨 Adding habitat elements like rocks, branches, or grass for a custom display.

This final stage ensures that the piece looks as if it were frozen in time—a stunning tribute to the animal and the hunt.

Why Choose Professional Taxidermy?

Many hunters underestimate the importance of high-quality taxidermy. A poorly mounted trophy can deteriorate quickly, losing its color, shape, and even structural integrity. Choosing an experienced taxidermist like Collett’s Wildlife Artistry ensures that:
✅ Your trophy will last for generations without fading or falling apart.
✅ Every detail will be preserved with lifelike precision.
✅ Your mount will be an art piece, worthy of display in your home or trophy room.

Beyond the Hunt: A Legacy That Lives On

For many, taxidermy is not just about the animal—it’s about honoring the experience. It represents the adventure, the patience, and the respect that hunters have for wildlife.

At Collett’s Wildlife Artistry, we believe that taxidermy is a way to keep memories alive. Each piece we create tells a story and preserves a legacy—one that can be passed down for generations.

If you’re looking to preserve your trophy with expert craftsmanship, contact us today. Let us turn your hunting memories into a timeless work of art.