Jiggin Jim's Fishing Guide Service & Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Buffalo, Minnesota

(763) 301-5481503 Central Ave, Buffalo, MN 55313View on Yelp
Jiggin Jim's Fishing Guide Service & Taxidermy - taxidermy in Buffalo, MN

About Jiggin Jim's Fishing Guide Service & Taxidermy

Jiggin Jim's Fishing Guide Service and Taxidermy in Buffalo, Minnesota is a unique combination that puts fishing expertise and preservation craft under one roof. Buffalo sits at the heart of Wright County, surrounded by lakes that produce walleye, muskie, and northern pike that anglers want to remember forever. Jim's background as a fishing guide means he understands exactly what a trophy catch means to the person who caught it. That firsthand knowledge of the water and the fish makes a real difference when it's time to recreate a lifelike mount.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Fish taxidermy is clearly the centerpiece here, covering skin mounts and reproduction mounts for walleye, northern pike, bass, muskie, and crappie from the many lakes surrounding Buffalo. Reproduction mounts, which use a fiberglass cast rather than the actual skin, are a great option for catch-and-release anglers who only have photos and measurements. Beyond fish, the shop likely handles deer shoulder mounts, turkey mounts, and other common Minnesota game species. The combination of a guide service and taxidermy studio means Jim has seen these species in their natural environment, which shows in how he poses them.

Service Area

Jiggin Jim's serves anglers and hunters in Buffalo and throughout Wright County. The surrounding communities of Monticello, Delano, Rockford, and St. Michael are all within a reasonable drive. Given the high concentration of lakes in this part of Minnesota, the customer base draws from a wide area of the greater Buffalo region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a skin mount and a reproduction mount for fish?
A skin mount uses the actual fish's skin stretched over a foam form, while a reproduction is cast from fiberglass and painted to match your fish's coloring using photos. Reproductions are more durable over time since natural fish skin can fade or crack, and they're the only option if you released the fish. For trophy catches, many serious anglers prefer reproductions for their longevity.
What measurements and photos do I need for a reproduction fish mount?
You'll need the total length from tip of the mouth to the end of the tail, the girth at the widest point, and ideally the weight. Clear photos showing the side, top, and belly of the fish right after the catch are extremely helpful for matching colors accurately. The more detail you capture in those first moments, the better the finished mount will look.
How do I care for a trophy walleye before bringing it to the taxidermist?
Keep the fish wet and cool immediately after the catch, then freeze it as flat as possible wrapped in a damp cloth inside a sealed bag. Don't put it in a live well for extended periods since this degrades the slime coat and colors. If you're unsure about field care, call ahead and Jim can walk you through the best steps for your specific situation.
Can I get a habitat background added to my fish mount?
Yes, many taxidermists offer habitat displays that place the fish in a painted or sculpted scene representing the type of water where it was caught, whether that's a weedy bay, a rocky point, or open water. These displays cost more than a standard wall mount but make for a much more dramatic finished piece. Talk through your vision at drop-off to get an accurate quote.
Does Jiggin Jim's also handle deer and bird mounts?
Given the shop's location in Buffalo and its roots in Minnesota hunting and fishing culture, deer shoulder mounts and game bird mounts are likely available alongside the fish taxidermy work. It's worth calling directly to confirm which species they currently accept. Many combo shops like this one handle the full range of common Minnesota game.
How long does a fish mount typically take to complete?
Fish mounts generally take four to eight months depending on the type of mount, the size of the fish, and how busy the shop is. Reproductions can sometimes be completed faster since the casting and painting process differs from traditional skin mounting. Your taxidermist should give you an estimated timeline at drop-off.

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