Gates Wildworks

Taxidermist in Hastings, Michigan

(906) 251-03671170 S Charlton Park Rd, Hastings, MI 49058View on Yelp
Gates Wildworks - taxidermy in Hastings, MI

About Gates Wildworks

Gates Wildworks operates out of Hastings, Michigan, the seat of Barry County and a hub for sportsmen throughout southwest Michigan. The area's mix of farmland, river corridors, and woodlots makes it a consistent producer of quality whitetail deer, and the Thornapple River running through the region adds strong fishing opportunities to the mix. Despite the 906 area code, which is more typical of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, this studio serves the Hastings market and brings serious craftsmanship to every piece. Gates Wildworks is the kind of studio that treats each mount as a long-term display piece, not just a transaction.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Gates Wildworks takes on the full spectrum of taxidermy projects that Michigan hunters and collectors bring through the door. Whitetail shoulder mounts are the bread-and-butter work, but the studio is equally capable with full-body deer mounts, predator mounts for coyote and fox, and bird work covering everything from pheasant to wild turkey. Fish mounts from the Thornapple River and surrounding lakes, including both skin and reproduction options, are part of the regular service lineup. Skull cleaning via maceration or beetle colonies produces museum-quality European mounts that are popular with hunters who want a cleaner, more modern display option.

Service Area

Gates Wildworks serves customers in Hastings and throughout Barry County, drawing hunters from as far as Kent County to the north and Kalamazoo County to the south. The studio's location in Hastings makes it convenient for sportsmen coming in from the surrounding rural communities. Anyone willing to make the drive from the broader west Michigan region will find the trip worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's involved in a full-body deer mount compared to a shoulder mount?
A full-body mount requires significantly more material, labor, and wall or floor space than a shoulder mount. The taxidermist needs the complete hide, and the form work is far more complex since every limb and muscle group has to be posed and finished accurately.
Can you create a habitat display for my trophy?
Habitat displays add natural elements like rocks, logs, foliage, and ground cover to create a scene around the mount. They're more expensive and time-consuming than standard mounts but create a dramatic display piece that stands out in any room.
Do you handle predator mounts like coyote or fox?
Predator mounts are a regular part of the service menu and are particularly popular with Michigan hunters who trap or call predators during the off-season. Full-body poses with a natural stance or action pose are the most requested options.
How does skull cleaning work, and how long does it take?
The most common methods are beetle colonies, which use dermestid beetles to clean the skull naturally, and maceration, which involves soaking in water. Both methods take weeks to complete but produce clean, white skulls without the damage that boiling can cause.
What should I do with a bird I want mounted?
Place the bird in a plastic bag without wrapping it in anything that might damage the feathers, then freeze it as quickly as possible. Don't wash the bird or try to fluff the feathers, since the taxidermist will handle all of that during the mounting process.
Are reproduction fish mounts as realistic as skin mounts?
Modern fiberglass reproductions painted by a skilled artist are often more lifelike than skin mounts because the paint can be applied with precision to match reference photos exactly. They also hold up better in humid or variable-temperature environments where skin mounts can shrink or crack.

Is this your business?

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

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists

All taxidermists in Hastings, MI →All taxidermists in Michigan →Browse all states →