Judkins Custom Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Sandy, Utah

(801) 694-44662733 E Willow Wick Dr, Sandy, UT 84093View on Yelp

About Judkins Custom Taxidermy

Judkins Custom Taxidermy is based in Sandy, Utah, a city at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in the southern Salt Lake Valley. Sandy's location gives hunters quick access to some of Utah's most productive big game country, including units in the central and southern Wasatch where elk and deer populations are strong. The name "Custom Taxidermy" signals a focus on individualized work, which typically means more attention to specific poses, habitat elements, or artistic details than a high-volume production shop would offer. For hunters who want something beyond a standard mount, custom-focused studios are worth seeking out.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Custom taxidermy studios like Judkins typically go beyond the basics to offer habitat displays, which incorporate natural materials like rocks, branches, and simulated terrain into the mount's base or backdrop. Standard shoulder and full body mounts for big game are likely offered alongside skull cleaning and European mount preparation. Fish work at a custom studio often means hand-painted reproductions that closely match the coloring of a specific fish rather than a generic species template. Bird mounts with custom perches or natural settings are another hallmark of a studio that prioritizes artistic presentation over speed.

Service Area

Judkins Custom Taxidermy serves Sandy and the broader southern Salt Lake Valley, including Draper, Riverton, Herriman, and South Jordan. It's also conveniently located for hunters coming out of Utah County communities like Lehi and American Fork, who want quality custom work without a long drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'custom taxidermy' actually mean compared to standard taxidermy?
Standard taxidermy typically uses catalog forms, standard poses, and consistent finishes across all mounts of a given species. Custom taxidermy means the taxidermist adjusts or sculpts forms to your specific animal, creates unique posing, and may incorporate habitat elements or artistic details that make the piece one-of-a-kind. It usually costs more and takes longer, but the results are more personalized.
Can I bring in reference photos to guide the finished look of my mount?
Yes, and a custom taxidermist will actually encourage it. Photos of your animal in the field, images of poses or settings you like, or even pictures from hunting magazines can all help the taxidermist understand what you're envisioning. The more specific you can be upfront, the better the final mount will match your expectations.
What is a habitat display and how much do they typically cost?
A habitat display incorporates environmental elements like rocks, logs, dried grasses, simulated snow, or painted backdrops into the mount's base or setting. Prices vary widely based on complexity, from a few hundred dollars for a simple base addition to several thousand for an elaborate multi-animal scene. A custom taxidermist can walk you through options at different price points.
How close is Sandy to Utah's top hunting units?
Sandy is at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, putting hunters within easy driving distance of high-elevation terrain in the central Wasatch. Units in Juab, Sanpete, and Sevier counties are also reachable within a couple of hours. Having a taxidermist close to home makes it easier to get your specimen processed quickly after a harvest.
Does a custom studio handle smaller projects like bird mounts or antler mounting?
Most custom studios take on a range of project sizes, not just elaborate big game pieces. An antler mounting, bird mount, or European skull is a perfectly reasonable request at a custom shop, and you'll likely get more attention to detail on the finishing than you would at a high-volume operation. It's worth calling to confirm what they're currently taking on.
How long should I expect to wait for a custom mount compared to a standard one?
Custom mounts generally take longer because each piece involves more planning, individual adjustments, and finishing work. Where a standard shoulder mount might take six to twelve months, a custom piece with habitat elements or modified forms could run twelve to eighteen months or more at a busy studio. Asking for a realistic timeline estimate upfront will help you set expectations.

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