Elk Ridge Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Colorado Springs, Colorado

3(2 reviews)
(719) 495-325810705 Holmes Rd S, Colorado Springs, CO 80908View on Yelp

Customer Reviews

3
out of 5
2 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

Read reviews on Yelp

About Elk Ridge Taxidermy

Elk Ridge Taxidermy works out of Colorado Springs, Colorado, a city that punches well above its weight as a hunting destination thanks to its position at the edge of both the Southern Rockies and the eastern plains. The name alone signals a focus on the big game that defines Colorado hunting culture. With a 3-star average across 2 reviews, the studio is still building its reputation, and customers doing their homework will want to ask specific questions before committing. Colorado Springs has several taxidermists competing for local hunters' business, so studios here have real incentive to deliver solid work.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Elk Ridge's name suggests a focus on the antlered big game that Colorado is famous for, including elk, mule deer, and pronghorn that hunters take across the southern half of the state every fall. Shoulder mounts for these species require precise cape preparation, the right commercial form sized to your animal, and careful finishing of facial features to look natural. Beyond big game, the studio likely handles full body mounts for smaller predators and game animals, as well as antler mounting and skull cleaning for hunters who want a simpler display option. Habitat displays, which place a mounted animal in a recreated natural setting, are an option for collectors or institutions wanting something more dramatic.

Service Area

Elk Ridge Taxidermy serves the Colorado Springs metro and surrounding communities throughout El Paso County. Hunters from Manitou Springs, Black Forest, and the eastern plains communities near Falcon and Peyton are all a reasonable drive away. The studio is also well-positioned for clients coming down from Teller County after hunting the high country west of Colorado Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's involved in an elk shoulder mount compared to a deer mount?
Elk mounts require significantly larger forms, heavier capes, and more time to prepare and finish due to the animal's size. The antlers also need to be cleaned, sealed, and properly attached, which adds to the work involved and typically raises the price compared to a deer shoulder mount.
Can a taxidermist fix a mount that was done poorly by someone else?
Restoration work is possible in some cases, depending on how far the original mount has deteriorated. Common issues like sunken eyes, cracked nose leather, or loose seams can often be repaired, but severe mold damage or a poorly fitted form is much harder to correct after the fact.
What is a habitat display and who typically orders one?
A habitat display combines a mounted animal with a recreated natural setting, using artificial rocks, grasses, logs, or water features to place the specimen in context. Museums, schools, and serious collectors are the most common customers, though some hunters commission them for lodges or dedicated trophy rooms.
How do I know if my cape is still usable when I bring it in?
A taxidermist will inspect the cape for slippage, which is when hair begins to pull away from the skin due to decomposition. If the cape smells strongly, has bare patches, or was left in warm conditions for more than a day or two, there may be limitations on what can be done with it.
Do taxidermists in Colorado Springs work with out-of-state hunters?
Yes, many local studios are happy to work with hunters who harvested their animals in Colorado but live elsewhere. You'll need to arrange shipping or drop-off of the specimen, and the taxidermist can ship the finished mount back to you, though shipping large mounts adds cost and requires careful packaging.
What's the going rate for skull cleaning in Colorado?
Skull cleaning through a European mount process typically runs $75 to $200 in the Colorado market, depending on species size and the method used. Beetles and boiling are the two most common approaches, with beetle cleaning generally considered cleaner and more precise for preserving fine bone detail.

Is this your business?

Claim your listing to update your info and connect with customers.

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists