Cold Shoulder taxidermy
A Shot Well Taken Deserves a Mount Well Made
We offer traditional and custom mounts for small to large mammals
What Sets Us Apart
Continuous Growth
Taxidermy has been around a long time—but that doesn’t mean the old ways are always the best ways. I believe in constant learning and getting better at my craft. That’s why I invest time in taking hands-on classes and working alongside other taxidermists. I want every mount I produce to reflect the most up-to-date techniques and be built with the highest quality materials available—because your trophy deserves nothing less.
Customer Relationship
When you drop off your trophy, you’re not just another customer—you’re trusting me with something that matters. And I don’t take that lightly.
Your mount never leaves my shop. I handle every step myself, including the tanning, so you can feel confident knowing you’ll get your exact cape back—no swaps, no surprises.
From start to finish, I keep you in the loop. Whether it’s a quick text update or a video to clarify a detail, I believe in being upfront about progress, pricing, and pickup. You worked hard for that animal—my job is to honor that with clear communication and solid work, every step of the way.
I started Cold Shoulder Taxidermy to do it right — no fluff, no shortcuts. Just mounts I’d be proud to hang on my own wall.
Education
I earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 2024 and completed hands-on, one-on-one mammal taxidermy training at Southern Slayers Taxidermy in McAlester, Oklahoma. In 2026, I plan to pursue additional training to expand Cold Shoulder Taxidermy's services to include feathered mounts.
Field Care
I can only work with what you give me. Make it worth mounting.
The quality of your mount depends directly on the condition of the animal when it’s brought in. Proper field care is essential — prompt cooling, clean handling, and timely delivery all make a big difference. If an animal has been left in the heat, washed with a hose, or brought in several days later in poor condition, the final result will reflect that. Great care in the field leads to great results in the shop.
Are you a legal hunter?
I do not work on animals unless they are properly obtained. Ensure that your license is valid and that you have the proper tags. It is your job to know when, what, where, and how to tag.
Basic field care for ALL mammals
Shot placement will slightly vary species to species, but the general rule for mammals is to avoid the head and neck. These are the hardest places to repair.
Never slit the throat of any animal
Never hang an animal by the throat
Never tie a rope to pull by the throat
Do not drag an animal unless you have something under it. The ground will damage the hide
Keep it as COLD as possible and drop it off as SOON as possible
Keep it dry! Moisture can lead to hair loss and promote bacterial growth.
The fridge is not cold enough, and your cooler is not cold enough. These can work temporarily, but it is not ideal. Get it to a freezer within a few hours.
NO SALT!
Take pictures! It is your trophy; you want the pictures for memories. I want the photos so that I can return the best-looking mount. I would rather have too many pictures than not enough. You can send photos by text, Facebook Messenger, or email.
Small/Medium Mammals
If you plan to mount as a full body, it is best to leave the skinning to us.
Once your animal cools, bag it and freeze it whole if you cannot bring it in immediately. Try to remove as much air as possible from the bag.
You must allow the animal to cool before placing it in a plastic bag. The bag will trap moisture. Only place it in a plastic bag right before placing it in the freezer.
Double or triple bag it to play safe. While not required, if you know it will be in the freezer for an extended period of time, you can use plastic cling wrap around the face, ears, and feet before placing in the bag. This reduces the risk of freezer burn.
If you are planning to freeze a mammal until you have the funds to mount it, it is still best to bring it in so it can be prepped properly.
Shoulder Mount
ALWAYS save plenty of hide. Too much is better than too little.
Peel the skin forward up to the ears and jaw, exposing the head/neck junction. Cut into the neck approximately three inches down from this junction. Circle the neck cutting down to the spinal column. After this cut is complete, grasp the antler bases and twist the head off the neck. (Figure 3). This should allow the hide to be rolled up and put in a freezer until transported to me.
Gallery
Hunter photos are not added without permission. If you would like your photo featured on this page please email it to [email protected]
All Photos are the sole ownership of Cold Shoulder Taxidermy, any copying of photos will be in violation of copyright laws.
Price List
Effective for 2025/2026 Season
Deposit (33%) and appropriate tags are required before ANY work is performed.
Prices are subject to change.
Balance must be paid in full at the time of pickup.
Payment plans are available.
| Animal | Shoulder | Lifesize |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail | $600 | - |
| Fox | $400 | $650 |
| Bobcat | $425 | $800 |
| Coyote | $500 | $900 |
| Hog | $900 | - |
| Raccoon | $400 | $650 |
| Beaver | - | $900 |
| Otter | - | $800 |
If not listed above, it can likely still be done. Call for pricing.
We are not currently offering rugs or birds
Prices are starting points. All habitat is additional and priced at estimated time & materials once details are discussed.
Custom mounts are priced upon request.
Antler repair quoted per situation
Plaques and displays are extra.
Want something not listed? Reach out. If I can mount it, I will.
1. Deposits are required at the time of drop off. All deposits are non-refundable.
2. After first notice, customers have 30 days to pick up their mount before a storage fee incures.
3. I am not responsible for damages due to fire or theft.
4. I reserve the right to refuse service to any customer for any reason.
Contact
Hours & Appointments
My taxidermy shop is located at my home in Pottsville, which means I can keep prices fair and get your mounts back to you faster. Since it’s a home-based setup, I work by appointment — so just give me a call or shoot me a text anytime, and we’ll find a time that works for you. I’m happy to offer after-hours and weekend drop-offs or pickups whenever I can. I want it to be as easy and stress-free as possible!
Phone:
479-310-6909
Email:
[email protected]