High Desert Skullworks

Taxidermist in Prescott Valley, Arizona

(903) 830-5726, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314View on Yelp
High Desert Skullworks - taxidermy in Prescott Valley, AZ

About High Desert Skullworks

High Desert Skullworks is located in Prescott Valley, Arizona, a community that sits at roughly 5,100 feet elevation and is surrounded by some of the best big game country in the state. The Prescott area draws serious hunters after mule deer, elk, black bear, and antelope, so demand for quality preservation work runs high here. The name alone signals a focus on one of taxidermy's most popular specialties: skull cleaning and European-style mounts. For outdoorsmen who want a clean, striking display without a full cape mount, this studio is worth a call.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

High Desert Skullworks specializes in skull cleaning and European mounts, using methods like beetle cleaning or whitening to produce a crisp, natural-looking finished skull. Antler mounting and antler-only displays are another strong offering, giving hunters a sleek way to show off a trophy rack. The studio also handles traditional shoulder mounts and full body work for deer, elk, and other game common to the Prescott Highlands and surrounding units. Rug mounts for bear and mountain lion are available as well, with a range of backing and border options to choose from.

Service Area

High Desert Skullworks serves Prescott Valley and the wider Prescott metro area, including Prescott itself, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt. Hunters from across Yavapai County regularly bring their trophies here, and some customers travel from Flagstaff or the Verde Valley for the studio's specialty skull work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a European mount and how is it different from a shoulder mount?
A European mount displays just the cleaned skull and antlers, without the hide or cape. It's a minimalist style that's become very popular in the last decade, and it typically costs less and takes less time than a traditional shoulder mount.
How do beetle cleaners work for skull cleaning?
Dermestid beetles are small flesh-eating insects that are kept in a controlled colony specifically for skull cleaning. They strip the meat and tissue from the bone naturally, leaving the skull intact and undamaged in a way that's hard to match with other methods.
How long does skull cleaning take in Prescott Valley?
Turnaround depends on the method used and the studio's current volume. Beetle cleaning can take one to three weeks for most deer or elk skulls. Whitening and finishing add a little more time, but European mounts generally move faster than full taxidermy projects.
Can I bring in just the antlers if I don't want the skull done?
Yes, antler-only mounts are a popular option. A taxidermist can attach the antlers to a decorative panel or a shed antler base, giving you a clean display without any skull work involved. It's a good choice for antler sheds you find in the field too.
What animals are most commonly mounted in the Prescott area?
Mule deer and elk are by far the most common, given the strong hunting pressure in Units 6A, 7, and 8 nearby. Black bear, antelope, and javelina also come through regularly, and the studio sees its share of upland bird work during quail and turkey seasons.
Do I need to bring the whole head in, or just the skull?
For skull cleaning services, you can bring in the whole head fresh or frozen, and the studio handles the rest. If you've already done some field dressing on the skull, that's fine too, just make sure it's kept frozen or chilled until you drop it off.

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