Adams Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Montesano, Washington

(360) 249-1179441 Brady Lp Rd E, Montesano, WA 98563View on Yelp
Adams Taxidermy - taxidermy in Montesano, WA

About Adams Taxidermy

Adams Taxidermy operates out of Montesano, Washington, a small city in Grays Harbor County where elk and black bear hunting are deeply embedded in local culture. The surrounding Willapa Hills and Olympic Peninsula foothills offer some of the best Roosevelt elk habitat in the state, which means taxidermists in this area handle a very specific and impressive class of trophy work. Montesano sits close enough to the coast that salmon and steelhead are common requests too. It's a working-class hunting community, and local taxidermists know how to deliver quality that respects both the animal and the hunter's experience.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Full body mounts and shoulder mounts for Roosevelt elk are a signature service in this part of Grays Harbor County, requiring precise anatomical knowledge of a species that tops 700 pounds. Deer and bear taxidermy are also in regular demand, with rug mounts being a popular choice for black bear. Fish work covers steelhead, salmon, and coastal bottomfish that anglers haul in from the nearby Chehalis River and the Pacific coast. Skull cleaning, often done through maceration or beetle colonies, produces museum-quality results for hunters who prefer a clean bone display.

Service Area

Adams Taxidermy serves Montesano and the broader Grays Harbor County area, including Aberdeen, Hoquiam, and Elma. Hunters from as far as the Olympic Peninsula and Lewis County regularly bring work here given the studio's reputation with Roosevelt elk and coastal game species.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare a Roosevelt elk for a shoulder mount?
Cut the hide well behind the front shoulders, leaving plenty of cape for the taxidermist to work with. Keep the hide away from direct sunlight and get it cooled or salted quickly, since elk hides are thick and can slip fast in warm weather.
Can you do a full body mount on a black bear?
Full body bear mounts are one of the more involved pieces a taxidermist takes on, requiring detailed attention to facial expression, paw positioning, and hide stretching. Many hunters in the Grays Harbor area opt for rug mounts as a more affordable alternative that still makes a dramatic display piece.
How much does taxidermy typically cost in this area?
Prices vary based on the species and type of mount, but shoulder mounts for deer generally run a few hundred dollars while elk shoulder mounts can be significantly more. Full body mounts and complex habitat displays carry higher price tags and longer timelines, so it's best to get a written estimate upfront.
What's the turnaround time for fish mounts from the Chehalis River?
Steelhead and salmon skin mounts typically take three to six months depending on the studio's schedule. Bringing your fish in fresh or properly frozen and noting the exact measurements and coloring at time of catch helps the taxidermist achieve the most accurate result.
Do you handle skull cleaning for deer and elk?
Skull cleaning is a popular service, producing a clean, odor-free display piece that shows off antler mass and beam character. Methods include European maceration, beetle colonies, and boiling, each with different timelines and results depending on what level of whitening and detail you want.
Is it legal to have a taxidermist work on my harvested game in Washington state?
Yes, as long as your animal was legally harvested with the appropriate tags and licenses, a licensed taxidermist can work on it. Washington state requires taxidermists to keep records of all specimens received, so always bring your harvest documentation when you drop off your animal.

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