Animal Afterlife Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Irwin, Pennsylvania

(724) 787-352010443 Cannas St, Irwin, PA 15642View on Yelp

About Animal Afterlife Taxidermy

Animal Afterlife Taxidermy operates out of Irwin, Pennsylvania, a borough in Westmoreland County located southeast of Pittsburgh. The name itself signals a thoughtful approach to preservation, treating each animal as something worth honoring rather than just processing. Westmoreland County has a deep hunting tradition, with access to both public and private land that produces quality whitetail, wild turkey, and waterfowl. Having a local studio in Irwin means southwest PA hunters don't have to travel far to work with someone who knows the regional game.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Animal Afterlife Taxidermy covers the preservation needs of hunters, anglers, and pet owners looking to memorialize animals in a lasting way. Deer and big game shoulder mounts are a natural focus given the region's hunting activity, involving precise form fitting and hand-painted detail work on eyes and nose leather. Bird mounts, including wild turkey and waterfowl, require a different skill set involving wire armatures and careful feather positioning. The studio likely also handles fish mounts and small mammal work for customers with a wider range of trophies.

Service Area

Animal Afterlife Taxidermy is located in Irwin, PA and serves customers from across Westmoreland County and the greater Pittsburgh region. Nearby communities including Greensburg, Jeannette, and North Huntingdon are all within easy reach for drop-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer pet preservation or memorial taxidermy services?
Some taxidermists, including those with names that reflect a broader view of their work, do offer pet preservation alongside traditional game mounting. It's best to call ahead to confirm this service and discuss the options, as pet taxidermy requires different techniques than game animals.
How do I transport a fish for a mount without damaging it?
Wrap the fish in a damp cloth and place it in a sealed bag before freezing. Avoid bending the fish or pressing the fins flat, as the taxidermist will need them intact to recreate a natural position.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a fish reproduction?
A skin mount uses the actual skin of your fish stretched over a carved form and then painted. A reproduction is a cast replica painted to match your specific fish's coloration, which eliminates concerns about skin degradation over time.
Can I choose the pose and expression for my deer mount?
Yes, most taxidermists offer multiple form options that determine the head angle and ear position of the finished mount. You can typically choose from upright alert poses, semi-sneak positions, or aggressive postures depending on personal preference.
How should I store my finished mount at home?
Keep your mount away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and heating vents. UV rays fade color over time, and moisture can cause mold or hide damage, so an interior wall in a climate-controlled room is ideal.
Do taxidermists in the Pittsburgh area handle wild turkey mounts?
Wild turkey mounts are common in western Pennsylvania given the strong spring turkey hunting season in Westmoreland and surrounding counties. Full body strut mounts and fan and beard displays are both popular options that a qualified local studio should be able to handle.

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