Beetle and Bones

Taxidermist in Sterling, Connecticut

(860) 334-3901263 Newport Rd, Sterling, CT 06377View on Yelp
Beetle and Bones - taxidermy in Sterling, CT

About Beetle and Bones

Beetle and Bones is a taxidermy studio based in Sterling, Connecticut, a rural corner of Windham County known for its dense woodlands and active hunting community. Connecticut's forests produce quality white-tailed deer, turkey, and small game, giving local taxidermists a steady stream of meaningful projects each season. The studio's name hints at a specialty in osteological work alongside traditional mounting, which makes it an interesting option for collectors and educators as well as hunters. You can reach them directly at (860) 334-3901 to discuss your project.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Beetle and Bones likely handles the full range of taxidermy work you'd expect from a studio with that name, including dermestid beetle skull cleaning, which produces exceptionally clean bone preparation for deer, bear, and other game animals. Beyond skeletal work, the studio almost certainly offers traditional trophy mounts for whitetail deer, turkey fans, and small mammals common to northeastern Connecticut. Fish mounts for local catches from the Quinebaug River and nearby ponds are another probable offering. European skull mounts have become especially popular in recent years and fit naturally with the studio's apparent focus.

Service Area

Beetle and Bones serves hunters and collectors throughout northeastern Connecticut, including surrounding towns like Voluntown, Plainfield, and Killingly. The studio's Sterling location puts it within easy driving distance of much of Windham County, and customers from Rhode Island's border communities frequently cross over for quality local work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the beetle skull cleaning process actually involve?
Dermestid beetles are small flesh-eating insects that are kept in a controlled colony and used to strip soft tissue from skulls without damaging the bone. The process typically takes one to three weeks depending on the size of the animal, and the result is a much cleaner, more detailed skull than boiling or chemical methods usually produce.
Do I need to bring my deer in right after the harvest?
You should get the specimen to the studio as quickly as possible, especially for full or shoulder mounts, because decomposition and hide slippage start fast, particularly in warm weather. If you can't get there immediately, cape the deer properly and keep the hide frozen until you can drop it off.
How long does a typical deer shoulder mount take to complete?
Most shoulder mounts take anywhere from three months to a full year, depending on the studio's current backlog and the complexity of the project. It's worth asking for a realistic timeline upfront so you can plan for where you want to display the finished mount.
Are there any Connecticut regulations I need to know about before bringing in a specimen?
Yes, Connecticut requires that certain game animals be accompanied by proof of a valid hunting license and a properly tagged harvest. Your taxidermist is familiar with state DEEP regulations and can tell you exactly what documentation is needed for your specific animal.
Can taxidermists work on animals I didn't hunt myself, like a family heirloom mount that needs restoration?
Absolutely. Restoration work on old or damaged mounts is a common service, and it doesn't involve the same harvest documentation requirements as fresh specimens. Bring in the piece and describe the damage so the studio can assess what's involved and give you an honest cost estimate.
What's the difference between a European mount and a full skull mount?
A European mount typically refers to a cleaned skull displayed without the lower jaw, often mounted on a simple wooden plaque, while a full skull mount retains the lower jaw for a complete skeletal look. Both are cleaned using the same process, but the display style and hardware differ based on personal preference.

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