Gateswood Taxidermy

Gateswood Taxidermy works on big game, small game, birds, freshwater and saltwater fish, reptiles, and other wildlife, including European mounts and tanning.

They offer life-size mounts, shoulder mounts, bird mounts, European mounts, fish skin and reproduction mounts, horn-on-plaque pieces, and custom bases and habitat-style presentations.

The family’s taxidermy roots date back to 1968, and the business has operated in the same location since 1978, with Michael and his brother Melvin also teaching others the trade.

They emphasize realism and durability by using carefully researched forms, eyes, and chemicals, and long-time customers report mounts that still look as good as the day they were picked up.

Gateswood Taxidermy posts a detailed 2025–2026 price list with required non-refundable deposits, competitive pricing across mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, European mounts, horn-on-plaque work, and tanning, and notes that prices may change without notice.

They describe offering a fair turnaround and reviewers mention quick yet careful completion, but the shop asks you to call ahead and schedule an appointment for drop-off.

The studio provides custom bases and habitat work, tanning services, specialty items such as snake belts and gun racks, mounts for sale, and can crate and ship animals, fish, and fowl across North America, with special handling instructions for alligators and out-of-state deer.