International Big Game Studio Of Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Sebastopol, California

5(2 reviews)
(707) 829-8888240 Watertrough Rd, Sebastopol, CA 95472View on Yelp

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About International Big Game Studio Of Taxidermy

International Big Game Studio of Taxidermy operates out of Sebastopol, a small city in Sonoma County wine country that sits close to some of California's most scenic hunting terrain. The name alone signals a focus on large, prestigious trophy work, and the shop holds a perfect 5.0 rating. Sebastopol's location in Western Sonoma County puts it within reach of the Coast Range, where blacktail deer and wild boar are common harvest targets. For sportsmen who pursue bigger trophies both locally and on out-of-state or international hunts, having a specialist nearby is a serious advantage.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

The studio's name points directly toward its core strength, which is large and exotic big game trophy preservation. Full body mounts for animals like elk, bear, and wild boar require skilled anatomical work, accurate skin preparation, and detailed habitat finishing. Skull cleaning and antler mounting are likely part of the offering, giving clients clean European-style displays as an alternative to shoulder mounts. For clients who travel internationally for safari or guided hunts, the studio likely has experience handling imported specimens and the documentation requirements that come with them.

Service Area

International Big Game Studio of Taxidermy serves clients in Sebastopol and throughout Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and communities along the Sonoma Coast. The studio also draws clients from neighboring Marin and Napa counties who are looking for specialized big game expertise. Hunters returning from out-of-state or international trips often seek out this level of specialization regardless of distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the studio handle trophies brought back from African safaris or international hunts?
A studio specializing in international big game is typically experienced with imported trophies and familiar with U.S. Fish and Wildlife import requirements. You'll want to confirm they can handle the specific species you're bringing in, since certain animals have strict CITES documentation requirements that affect how and whether they can be mounted.
What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a full body mount?
A shoulder mount preserves just the head, neck, and upper chest of an animal, mounted on a form attached to a wall panel. A full body mount captures the entire animal in a lifelike pose and is significantly more labor-intensive, requiring a custom or commercial form, complete skin preparation, and detailed finishing work.
How does Sebastopol's studio handle large specimens like elk or bear?
Large specimens require commercial forms or custom-built forms that match the specific measurements of your animal. The taxidermist will take detailed measurements from your cape and hide to ensure an accurate fit, which is critical to the finished mount looking natural rather than oversized or sunken.
What's a European skull mount and is it a good option for California blacktail deer?
A European mount involves cleaning the skull down to bare bone, usually through boiling or beetle cleaning, and mounting just the skull and antlers on a plaque or panel. It's a popular, lower-cost alternative to a full shoulder mount and works especially well for blacktail deer, which are common in Sonoma County's coastal hills.
How long does a full body bear mount take to complete?
Full body bear mounts are among the most time-consuming projects in taxidermy, often taking eight months to over a year depending on studio workload and the size of the animal. Bear hides require careful fleshing and preservation, and the finished mount needs precise detailing on the face and paws to look realistic.
Is the studio equipped to create habitat displays for museums or educational use?
Studios with big game experience often have the skills to build habitat-style displays that include naturalistic bases, ground cover, and environmental elements around the mounted animal. These setups are popular with collectors and occasionally requested by schools, nature centers, and small museums looking to add educational specimens.

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