American Wild Life Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Albuquerque, New Mexico

(505) 268-16154410 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108View on Yelp
American Wild Life Taxidermy - taxidermy in Albuquerque, NM

About American Wild Life Taxidermy

American Wild Life Taxidermy brings taxidermy services to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a city that serves as a hub for hunters heading into the surrounding Sangre de Cristo foothills, the Jemez Mountains, and the vast public lands of central New Mexico. The shop's name reflects a broad, wildlife-focused approach that could serve hunters, collectors, and institutions looking for professional specimen work. Albuquerque's size means there's consistent demand for quality taxidermy year-round, not just during peak hunting season. For hunters in the metro area, having a local shop with wildlife in the name suggests a wide range of species experience.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Full body and shoulder mounts for the Southwest's signature big game species, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorn, are likely at the core of what this shop handles. Bird mounts are another relevant service in New Mexico, where upland bird hunters pursue quail, pheasant, and dove across the state's agricultural and desert terrain. Skull cleaning and European mounts give hunters a more affordable preservation option that's grown significantly in popularity over the past decade. Rug mounts for black bear, which are harvested in New Mexico's mountain zones, are a specialty piece that takes considerable skill to produce well.

Service Area

American Wild Life Taxidermy serves the greater Albuquerque area, including Rio Rancho to the northwest and communities in the East Mountains like Tijeras and Edgewood. Hunters traveling back from trips to the Jemez, Sandia, or Manzano mountain ranges often stop in Albuquerque for taxidermy services on their way home. The shop's central location in New Mexico's largest city makes it accessible to customers from across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does American Wild Life Taxidermy handle bird mounts for New Mexico upland hunting?
New Mexico has strong populations of scaled quail, Gambel's quail, and pheasant, and many taxidermists in the state work with upland birds. It's worth calling ahead to confirm they accept bird work, since not every shop specializes in the delicate feather preservation those mounts require.
What's involved in a bear rug mount?
A bear rug mount involves skinning and tanning the full hide, then mounting it flat with a sculpted head form in an open-mouth pose. It's one of the more labor-intensive pieces in taxidermy and requires careful attention to the face, ears, and lip lines to look realistic.
How do I choose between a shoulder mount and a European mount for my elk?
Shoulder mounts are more dramatic and lifelike but cost significantly more, often two to three times the price of a European mount. If budget or wall space is a concern, a European mount showing just the cleaned skull and antlers can be just as striking and is a perfectly respectable way to commemorate a trophy bull.
Can I ship a trophy to an Albuquerque taxidermist if I hunt out of state?
Many taxidermists accept shipped specimens, but there are regulations around transporting game across state lines that you'll need to follow. Always confirm with the shop that they accept shipped work and ask for their specific packing and preservation instructions before you send anything.
How do I know if a taxidermist does quality work before I commit?
Asking to see photos of finished mounts or visiting the shop to see examples on display is the best way to assess quality. Look for natural eye placement, clean seam lines, and realistic skin texture, since these details separate skilled work from rushed or low-quality results.
Are there wildlife regulations I need to know about before getting an animal mounted in New Mexico?
Yes, New Mexico Game and Fish requires that legally harvested game have proper documentation, and taxidermists are required to keep records of specimens they receive. Make sure your harvest tags and licenses are in order before drop-off, as a reputable shop will ask for this information.

Is this your business?

Claim your listing to update your info and connect with customers.

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists