Doran's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Gardnerville, Nevada

4(1 reviews)
(775) 790-1765, Gardnerville, NV 89460View on Yelp

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4
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1 reviews

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About Doran's Taxidermy

Doran's Taxidermy serves hunters and collectors in Gardnerville, Nevada, a town sitting at the base of the Carson Valley with easy access to the Sierra Nevada foothills and the rich hunting grounds of Douglas County. This region draws serious big game hunters chasing mule deer, antelope, and elk each season, making a reliable local taxidermist genuinely valuable. With a 4.0 rating, Doran's has built a presence among local sportsmen looking to preserve their trophies close to home. You won't have to ship a prized mount across state lines when skilled work is available right here.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Doran's handles the core taxidermy work hunters in the Carson Valley need most. Trophy shoulder mounts are a staple, involving careful skinning, fleshing, and fitting the hide over a sculpted form that captures the animal's natural posture. Full body mounts and skull cleaning services round out the typical offering for deer, antelope, and smaller game common to western Nevada. Antler mounting, where cleaned antlers are mounted on plaques or decorative panels, is another popular request from hunters who want a simpler but striking display piece.

Service Area

Doran's Taxidermy is based in Gardnerville and serves customers throughout Douglas County, including Minden, Genoa, and the greater Carson Valley. Hunters coming in from the surrounding basin and the eastern Sierra slopes regularly bring their trophies here rather than traveling to Reno.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a harvest should I bring my animal to the taxidermist?
Ideally, you should get the hide or whole animal to the shop within 24 hours, especially in warmer weather. Bacteria begin breaking down the skin quickly, and slipping, where hair or feathers detach, can ruin a mount entirely.
What does a shoulder mount include?
A shoulder mount covers the head, neck, and upper chest of the animal, displayed on a wall plaque. The taxidermist removes the skin, preserves it, and stretches it over a foam form sculpted to match the animal's anatomy.
How long does a typical deer mount take to complete?
Most shoulder mounts take between four and eight months from drop-off to pickup, though timelines vary by shop workload and the complexity of the piece. Busy seasons right after deer or elk season in Nevada can push turnaround times longer.
What is skull cleaning and how is it done?
Skull cleaning removes all tissue from an animal's skull to produce a clean, natural bone display. Common methods include maceration in water, beetle colonies, or boiling, each producing slightly different results in whiteness and detail preservation.
Can I get a mount done for an animal I didn't hunt myself?
Yes, taxidermists work on animals from a variety of sources, including farm-raised specimens, animals that died naturally, or hides purchased legally. You'd just need to confirm the animal was obtained legally and provide any required documentation.
How should I care for a finished mount at home?
Keep mounts away from direct sunlight, which fades hides and fur over time, and dust them gently with a soft brush. Avoid humid environments like basements or kitchens, since moisture can cause mold or loosen the hide from the form.

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