Dave's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Saint Clair, Missouri

(314) 640-30541505 Gravois Rd, Saint Clair, MO 63077View on Yelp

About Dave's Taxidermy

Dave's Taxidermy is located in Saint Clair, Missouri, a Franklin County town along Route 30 southwest of St. Louis. This area is deep in Missouri's whitetail country, where public and private land hunting is a serious pursuit and quality mounts are a point of pride. Franklin County sits in the heart of the Meramec River valley, where fishing for smallmouth bass and other species adds a second stream of taxidermy demand. Dave's serves the kind of working sportsman community where a reliable, no-nonsense taxidermist is exactly what people are looking for.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Dave's Taxidermy is equipped to handle the bread-and-butter Missouri taxidermy work: whitetail deer shoulder mounts, full body deer mounts for exceptional bucks, and European skull mounts for hunters who want a clean, striking display. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and catfish mounts are a natural fit given the Meramec River running through the county. Turkey mounts, both fan displays and full body poses, are common requests in this part of the state where spring gobbler hunting is popular. Antler mounting for sheds or dropped racks is another lower-cost service worth asking about.

Service Area

Dave's Taxidermy serves Saint Clair and surrounding Franklin County communities, including Union, Pacific, and Washington. Hunters from Sullivan and the Meramec River corridor also find this a convenient local option. The studio is close enough to the greater St. Louis area to attract clients from the western suburbs looking for a rural Missouri taxidermist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to transport a deer cape to the taxidermist?
After field dressing, cape the deer behind the front shoulders and turn the ears and lips before freezing if you can't deliver it within 24 hours. Place the hide in a breathable bag initially to let heat escape, then transfer to a plastic bag for freezing. Avoid leaving it in a hot truck bed for hours, since hair slippage starts quickly in warm conditions.
Can a smallmouth bass from the Meramec River be mounted?
Smallmouth bass are excellent candidates for mounting, and the Meramec River produces some beautiful specimens worth preserving. Keep the fish wet and cool after the catch and get it to the taxidermist or into a freezer as soon as possible. Photographing the fish immediately after the catch helps the taxidermist recreate the vivid color patterns that fade quickly after death.
How much deposit do taxidermists usually require upfront?
Most Missouri taxidermists ask for 30 to 50 percent of the total cost at drop-off, with the balance due at pickup. This covers the cost of forms, materials, and initial labor before the piece is complete. Always confirm the deposit policy and total price quote before leaving your specimen.
Are there options for displaying a turkey other than a full body mount?
Yes, fan mounts, which display just the tail feathers spread out on a plaque, are a popular and affordable alternative to a full body turkey mount. Beard and spur mounts are another option that captures the trophy elements without the full bird. Full body mounts are impressive but take more wall or floor space and cost significantly more.
How do I know if my deer hide is in good enough condition to mount?
A taxidermist can usually assess hide condition at drop-off, but warning signs include patches of missing hair, a strong odor, or skin that feels slimy. Capes that were cut too short behind the brisket can sometimes be worked with but may limit pose options. When in doubt, bring it in and let the professional make the call rather than assuming it's too damaged.
Do taxidermists in the Franklin County area handle antler mounting for shed antlers?
Many studios will mount shed antlers on a plaque or panel for display, which is a great option for sheds picked up on property you hunt. Paired sheds from a known buck are especially popular and can be mounted symmetrically on a single panel. Pricing for antler-only mounting is usually well below the cost of a full or shoulder mount.

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