Can I Sell Taxidermy?

By MountChief Editorial Team|Updated Mar 2026

The short answer: It depends on the species. Most legally taken domestic game species (deer, elk, wild turkey, non-migratory birds) can be sold as finished mounts under US law. Migratory birds are heavily restricted. CITES-regulated species have complex rules. African game trophies can generally be sold with the original import documentation.

Here's how to think through whether a specific piece can be legally sold.

TL;DR

You can legally sell most taxidermy mounts, but federal and state law restricts sales of specific species.
Migratory birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act generally cannot be sold commercially.
CITES-listed species require documentation of legal origin before any commercial sale.
Eagles and most other raptors are prohibited from commercial sale under federal law.
Whitetail deer, turkey, and most upland game mounts can generally be sold without federal restrictions.
Vintage mounts of restricted species require clear documentation of legal acquisition before sale.

Domestic Game Mounts (Deer, Elk, Non-Migratory)

Finished mounts of legally harvested domestic game can generally be sold in the US. The key requirements:

The animal was legally taken under applicable hunting regulations
The original hunter has documentation of legal harvest
The sale complies with state law in both the seller's and buyer's state

Most states allow private sale of legally harvested domestic game mounts without additional permits. If you've got a finished whitetail shoulder mount and want to sell it, federal law generally doesn't prevent that, but your state may have specific rules.

Important: "Selling taxidermy" commercially, as a business buying and reselling wildlife specimens, may require additional state licenses beyond your commercial taxidermist license. Check with your state wildlife agency about what permits are required for buying and reselling finished wildlife specimens.

Migratory Birds, Significantly Restricted

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal to buy or sell migratory birds or their parts (including mounted specimens) for most purposes. This covers virtually all ducks, geese, doves, and hundreds of other bird species.

Exceptions:

Antique mounts (legally taken before certain cutoff dates, with documentation)
Certain scientific and educational use permits
Special Scientific Collector permits

Practically: if you have a mounted duck or goose you want to sell, you almost certainly can't do so legally without specific federal permits. This applies even if the original hunter had all proper harvest documentation, the resale of migratory bird mounts is separately prohibited.

If you're a taxidermist who wants to sell your own display pieces featuring migratory birds: contact USFWS for guidance on your specific situation before selling.

CITES Species

CITES-regulated species (African lions, leopards, elephants, mountain lion, alligator, etc.) can often be sold legally but the original documentation must accompany the mount throughout the chain of ownership.

The general rule: If the mount came with valid CITES export permits from the country of origin and USFWS import documentation, and those documents are maintained, the mount can generally be sold with those documents transferred to the new owner.

The practical problem: Many people acquire CITES-regulated mounts without complete documentation, they inherit them, buy them at estate sales, receive them as gifts. Without the original permits, the legal status of the specimen becomes questionable. Selling a CITES species without documentation is a risk.

Before selling any CITES-regulated mount, consult a wildlife attorney or contact USFWS for guidance.

Antler, Skull, and Non-Skin Pieces

Deer antlers: Generally legal to sell in most states. Shed antlers, antlers from legally taken deer, European skull mounts, these are broadly saleable with minimal restrictions.

Bear parts: Black bear parts are legal to sell in most US states. Bears are not CITES-regulated in North America. Some states have specific restrictions, check your state.

Mountain lion: CITES Appendix II. See CITES rules above.

Feathers from non-protected species: Legal. Feathers from migratory birds: subject to MBTA restrictions.

What Taxidermists Need to Know About Customer Resales

If a customer asks you to create a mount that they explicitly intend to resell immediately, not display, you're within your rights to ask about their intended use. You're not responsible for what customers do with finished mounts after delivery, but if a customer is using taxidermy as cover for wildlife trafficking, your shop's records may be part of a subsequent investigation.

The practical protection: maintain complete documentation for every job, photograph every intake, and keep records current. An organized, well-documented shop that demonstrates clear compliance in its records is significantly less exposed than one with spotty documentation.

FAQ

Can I sell mounted deer antlers without the skull?

Yes, in most states. Naturally shed antlers and antlers from legally harvested deer are generally saleable as personal property. State rules vary, some states have regulations about antler sales during certain periods, particularly around shed hunting seasons. Check your specific state's regulations.

I inherited a collection of old mounted birds. Can I sell them?

This is legally complex. Antique mounts of migratory birds may qualify for exceptions under the MBTA if they can be documented as having been taken and mounted before certain dates (generally pre-1918 for the MBTA's original passage). The documentation burden is significant. Without being able to prove the antique exception, selling mounted migratory birds is risky. Consult a wildlife attorney before selling inherited bird mounts of questionable history.

Do I need a special license to sell taxidermy commercially as a business?

Possibly. Operating as a commercial buyer and seller of wildlife specimens is typically regulated at the state level and may require a commercial wildlife dealer license in addition to your taxidermist license. If you plan to buy finished mounts and resell them, not just sell your own work, check with your state wildlife agency about the appropriate licensing.

Can I sell vintage taxidermy mounts I did not make myself?

Generally yes for non-restricted species. For restricted species like migratory birds or CITES-listed animals, documentation of legal origin travels with the piece. If you cannot establish the legal origin of a vintage mount, consult a wildlife attorney before selling. US Fish & Wildlife Service enforcement takes illegal wildlife commerce seriously regardless of specimen age.

What documentation do I need to sell a bear mount?

Retain the original skull seal documentation or acquisition records showing the bear was legally harvested. For interstate sales, CITES Appendix II documentation for black bear may be required. Keep a copy of the original intake record or acquisition paperwork with the mount.

Are there any exceptions that allow selling migratory bird taxidermy?

Yes, narrow ones. Pre-Act specimens acquired before the Migratory Bird Treaty Act may qualify for exemption with proper documentation. Certain scientific and educational institutions can transfer specimens under permits. Commercial sale of migratory bird taxidermy by private individuals or shops is not generally permitted. Contact US Fish & Wildlife Service for guidance on any specific specimen.

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Sources

US Fish & Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Program
US Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement
CITES Secretariat
National Taxidermists Association (NTA)
State wildlife agencies

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Knowing what you can and cannot sell protects your shop from costly violations. MountChief helps you maintain the intake and compliance documentation that establishes legal chain of custody for every specimen in your shop. Try MountChief to build records that support compliant sales.