Bear Claw Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Spring City, Utah

(435) 469-140743 E 100th S, Spring City, UT 84662View on Yelp

About Bear Claw Taxidermy

Bear Claw Taxidermy is located in Spring City, Utah, a historic Sanpete County community known for its 19th-century pioneer architecture and its position in central Utah's prime hunting country. Sanpete Valley sits surrounded by mountain ranges that produce consistent harvests of mule deer, elk, and wild turkey each year. The studio's name signals a connection to bear country, fitting for a region where hunters pursue predators alongside big game. Clients looking for a taxidermist in this part of the state can reach Bear Claw at (435) 469-1407.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Bear Claw Taxidermy handles the wide variety of species that Sanpete County hunters bring in throughout the year. Shoulder mounts for mule deer and elk are the most common requests, but the studio's name suggests experience with larger predator work including black bear rugs and full body mounts. Bear rug mounts are particularly involved, requiring careful tanning of thick hide, head mounting with an open or closed mouth option, and detailed claw preservation. Turkey and upland bird mounts, along with antler plaques and European skull mounts, round out the services for hunters working this diverse region.

Service Area

Bear Claw Taxidermy serves clients throughout Sanpete County and the surrounding central Utah area. Hunters from Manti, Ephraim, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Sanpete Valley make up a large portion of the clientele. It's also accessible for hunters coming out of the Manti-La Sal National Forest units to the east.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's involved in a black bear rug mount?
A bear rug mount starts with a full skin, including the head and paws, which is then tanned to make it pliable and durable. The head is mounted with a foam form and glass eyes, and you can choose an open-mouth pose that shows the teeth or a more relaxed closed-mouth look. The finished rug is backed with felt and can be displayed flat on a floor or wall-hung.
How should I handle a bear hide in the field before reaching the taxidermist?
Remove the hide from the carcass as soon as possible and get it cooled, since bear hides are thick and retain heat longer than deer. Fold it hair-out and pack it on ice or hang it in a cool, shaded area if you're in camp. Salting the flesh side lightly can help draw moisture and preserve the hide on a long pack-out, but call your taxidermist for specific guidance before your hunt.
Does Sanpete County have good bear hunting?
Utah's central mountain ranges, including those bordering Sanpete County, hold black bear populations and fall under the state's spring and fall bear seasons. Hunters in this region pursue bear over bait in permitted areas and through spot-and-stalk methods in dense oak brush and aspen terrain. Check Utah DWR regulations for current Sanpete unit information and permit availability.
Can I mount a wild turkey from a spring hunt?
Turkey mounts are popular and can be done in several configurations, including fan-only mounts that display the tail feathers, half-body mounts, or full-strut poses with the bird in full display. Full-strut mounts are dramatic but require significant wall space and careful feather arrangement. It's worth deciding on the style before you contact the taxidermist so they can guide your field care accordingly.
How long does it typically take to complete a bear rug versus a deer shoulder mount?
Bear rugs often take longer than deer mounts because of the complex tanning process required for thick hides and the detailed head mounting work involved. Deer shoulder mounts at a busy studio might take 6 to 12 months during a heavy season, while a bear rug could run 12 to 18 months or more at some shops. Ask Bear Claw directly for their current queue times since they vary significantly by season.
Is Spring City a good base for hunting in central Utah?
Spring City sits at roughly 5,700 feet in Sanpete Valley and is surrounded by the Wasatch Plateau to the east and the San Pitch Mountains to the west, both of which see consistent big game harvests. The Manti-La Sal National Forest borders the valley and provides access to some of Utah's better deer and elk country. It's a quiet area that serious hunters appreciate for its proximity to quality terrain without the crowds of more popular northern units.

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