Above The Clouds Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Woodland Park, Colorado

(719) 660-2526250 S Burdette St, Woodland Park, CO 80863View on Yelp

About Above The Clouds Taxidermy

Above The Clouds Taxidermy is based in Woodland Park, Colorado, a mountain town sitting at 8,465 feet in the shadow of Pikes Peak. This puts them right in the heart of some of Colorado's most productive elk, mule deer, and black bear country. Hunters coming off units in the Rampart Range or Tarryall area don't have to haul their trophies far to reach a local specialist who understands the terrain and the game. That regional familiarity often shows in the quality and realism of the finished work.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

A taxidermist in this area typically handles the full range of big game work, including shoulder mounts, full body mounts, and pedestal mounts for elk, deer, bear, and mountain lion. Skull cleaning using beetles or maceration brings out crisp bone detail without chemical damage. Antler mounting and European-style skull plates are popular, lower-cost options for hunters who want a clean display piece. Fish mounts, using either skin or reproduction methods, are also available for anglers targeting trout in the nearby South Platte River drainage.

Service Area

Above The Clouds Taxidermy serves hunters and anglers throughout the Pikes Peak region, including Woodland Park, Divide, Florissant, and the broader Teller County area. Customers from Colorado Springs and surrounding communities also make the short drive up Highway 24 to work with a mountain-based specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after harvesting an animal should I bring it in?
You should get the cape or hide to a taxidermist as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours if it hasn't been frozen. Bacteria start breaking down the hair follicles fast, especially in warmer temperatures, which can cause slippage and ruin the mount.
What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a European mount?
A shoulder mount includes the full head, neck, and upper chest area posed on a form and covered with the preserved hide. A European mount is just the cleaned skull, often with antlers attached, which gives a more minimalist look at a lower price point.
Can I get a mount done for a fish I caught on the South Platte?
Yes, fish mounts are a common request. Reproduction mounts, cast from fiberglass, are now the preferred method because they hold color better over time and don't require keeping the actual fish, just accurate measurements and good photos.
How long does a typical elk shoulder mount take?
Most big game shoulder mounts take anywhere from six to fourteen months depending on the shop's backlog and the time of year you drop off your cape. Peak season drop-offs in October and November tend to have the longest wait times.
Do I need to do anything special to the cape before dropping it off?
Salt the cape thoroughly if you can't get it to the taxidermist within a few hours, especially in warm weather. Avoid leaving it in a warm truck or sealed plastic bag, since heat and moisture speed up decomposition significantly.
What kinds of birds can be mounted in Colorado?
Legally harvested game birds like wild turkey, pheasant, and grouse are commonly mounted. Raptors and songbirds are federally protected and cannot be mounted without special permits, so it's worth confirming legality before bringing in a bird specimen.

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