TaxidermyXSleepy Creek Tannery & Fur Dressing
Taxidermist in Wellsburg, Iowa
Small GameAbout Sleepy Creek Tannery & Fur Dressing
Sleepy Creek Tannery & Fur Dressing is a taxidermy studio located in Wellsburg, Iowa that operates as a commercial tannery and fur dressing shop serving trappers, hunters, and other customers.
They focus on tanning, skinning, fleshing, and drying hides and furs, handling both whole carcasses and prepared skins with an emphasis on quality work and customer satisfaction.
Animal Mount Types
small game
- • Otter
- • Bobcat
Animal Mount Details
They primarily work on a wide range of fur-bearing game animals, preparing hides and pelts for taxidermists, makers, and individual customers.
Their work centers on professional tanning and fur dressing rather than finished mounts.
Owner Ben Deters has over 20 years of trapping experience, formal training from the Montana School of Commercial Tanning, a conservation program degree from Ellsworth College, and hands-on experience at other tanning operations before founding the tannery in 2011.
They highlight strong values, hard work, and a commitment to careful, consistent tanning from tagging and preparation through rehydration, shaving, oiling, and finishing.
Pricing & Turnaround
They provide a detailed price guide with quantity-based rates, add-on fees for services like skinning and fleshing, and clear shipping, handling, and tax policies, and they encourage you to contact the shop for current pricing details.
Average turnaround is about 4–5 months depending on season, with an optional Rush Order Service that completes hides within 60 days for a 50% surcharge.
They operate a small retail shop with fur pelts, trapping and hunting supplies, branded merchandise, and other fur products, and they welcome walk-in drop-offs and pickups during normal business hours.
What Customers Say
Most reviewers report very good tanning results with soft leather and attractive, intact furs, though a noticeable minority describe serious damage or mix-ups with some pelts.
Many customers praise the staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to work with, while some express frustration with communication or policy changes.
Turnaround is often described as quick or matching estimates, but a number of reviews mention delays, missed promised dates, and hides waiting a long time before processing, so experiences vary.
Find Out More
They are based at a physical shop in Wellsburg, Iowa, serving trappers, hunters, and fur customers from the region and beyond through in-person visits and shipped orders.
You can ship hides to the shop or visit during business hours for drop-off and pickup, and you should call or check their current information for specific hours, shipping instructions, and order details.
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