Just Tines Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Jenison, Michigan

(616) 706-1711, Jenison, MI 49428View on Yelp

About Just Tines Taxidermy

Just Tines Taxidermy operates out of Jenison, Michigan, a community on the western edge of the Grand Rapids metro area in Ottawa County. The name makes a clear statement about what they love most: antlers and the trophy mounts that showcase them. West Michigan hunters have strong access to both whitetail deer and Lake Michigan fishing, giving a local studio like this a diverse seasonal workload. You can reach the studio directly at (616) 706-1711 to talk through your project and get current turnaround estimates.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Deer shoulder mounts are the bread and butter of most Michigan studios, and here the name signals extra attention to antler presentation, including precise antler positioning that shows off tine length and spread to best advantage. Skull mounts and antler panel displays offer a second option for hunters who want a clean look without a full skin mount. Given the proximity to Lake Michigan and the Grand River system, fish mounting, including both skin mounts and reproduction casts for popular species like walleye, salmon, and pike, is almost certainly part of the service lineup. Bird mounts for pheasant, turkey, and waterfowl are common requests in Ottawa County as well.

Service Area

Just Tines Taxidermy serves Jenison and the broader Ottawa County area, including Hudsonville, Georgetown Township, and nearby communities. Customers from the Grand Rapids metro frequently use Jenison-area studios rather than searching deeper into the city. The studio is also within easy reach of hunters from Allegan and Kent counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does antler positioning matter so much on a shoulder mount?
The angle and tilt of the antlers dramatically change how large and impressive the rack looks on the wall. A skilled taxidermist will consider the ceiling height of your display room and the natural look of the deer's head carriage when setting the pose. Getting this wrong can make even a genuinely large rack look smaller than it was in the field.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a reproduction fish mount?
A skin mount uses the actual fish hide stretched and dried over a form, while a reproduction is a hand-painted fiberglass replica. Reproductions tend to hold their color better over decades and are the only option for catch-and-release fish. For fish with striking natural color, like a fresh King Salmon, good photography at boatside is critical for a quality reproduction.
Can I request a specific pose or expression for a deer mount?
Yes, and most taxidermists will show you a catalog of commercial forms with different head positions, from a straight alert pose to a sniffing or aggressive posture. Some studios can also do semi-custom forms for unusual requests. Picking a pose that fits your wall space and feels natural to the harvest setting often leads to the most satisfying result.
Do you need to freeze the specimen right away if I can't drop it off immediately?
Freezing is the best option if you can't get to the studio within a day or two, especially in warm fall weather. Wrap the animal in a plastic bag to prevent freezer burn and keep it flat to avoid creasing the hide. Don't salt the hide yourself unless the taxidermist has specifically told you to, since improper salting can cause problems.
What's a typical price range for a deer shoulder mount in West Michigan?
Prices vary by studio but most Michigan shoulder mounts run somewhere between $500 and $900 or more depending on complexity, form quality, and the studio's experience level. Don't choose a taxidermist on price alone since a cheap mount done poorly is a permanent disappointment. Asking to see finished work samples before committing is always a smart move.
Can a studio in Jenison handle waterfowl mounts for duck and goose seasons?
Most full-service Michigan studios handle waterfowl, including mallards, Canada geese, and wood ducks, which are popular display species in West Michigan. Waterfowl require careful feather cleaning and a different mounting technique than big game. Freezing birds whole in a plastic bag right after harvest is the best way to protect them for mounting.

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