TaxidermyXBeetles to Bones Skull Cleaning
Taxidermist in Mandan, North Dakota
Big Game
Fish
Small GameAbout Beetles to Bones Skull Cleaning
Beetles to Bones Skull Cleaning is a taxidermy studio located in Mandan, North Dakota that focuses on professional skull cleaning and European-style mounts.
This family-run studio uses dermestid beetles to clean skulls through a detailed multi-step process that includes preparation, beetle cleaning, degreasing, whitening, and careful re-gluing of teeth.
They primarily provide European mounts and plaque-mounted skulls rather than traditional shoulder or full-body taxidermy.
Animal Mount Types
big game
- • Antelope
- • Whitetail deer
- • Mule deer
- • Bear
- • Elk
- • Buffalo
fish
small game
- • Badger
- • Fox
- • Coyote
Animal Mount Details
They work on a range of big game, small game, and select fish species, with all services centered on skull cleaning and European mounts.
You can choose bare European skulls or have your cleaned skull mounted on oak, barnwood, or walnut plaques, with other plaque options available by request.
The business started as a hobby and has grown into a dedicated skull cleaning operation that processes large numbers of heads each year.
They emphasize a beetle-cleaning method that preserves delicate bone structure and nasal cartilage better than boiling.
Pricing & Turnaround
They post clear, fixed prices by species, such as around $130 for deer skull cleaning, $140 for bear, $240 for elk, and higher rates when mounted on a plaque, with additional charges for skinning and wholesale pricing available by phone.
Reviews describe turnaround as reasonable to prompt, often around 2–3 months, and shorter than some competing shops, though customers note that work volume can affect timing.
They offer mounting on wood plaques and provide wholesale pricing options for taxidermists who call to discuss orders.
What Customers Say
Most reviewers praise the finished skulls and European mounts as fantastic, excellent, and very pleasing, though one customer reports a highly negative experience related to over-bleached antlers and ruined color.
Customers consistently highlight friendly, informative service, noting that the owner takes time to answer questions, communicate throughout the process, and even show families and kids how the beetle cleaning and whitening work.
Reviewers generally find the turnaround acceptable to quick and mention coming back with multiple heads, but opinions on price and value are mixed, with some calling the work affordable and at least one feeling they paid a premium for unsatisfactory results.
Find Out More
Beetles to Bones Skull Cleaning operates at 2175 Sommer Drive N in Mandan, North Dakota, serving hunters and taxidermists from the local area and beyond who want professional European skull work.
You can review their price list, then call or visit the shop to discuss your specific skull, plaque options, and timing before you drop off or ship your trophy.
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