Keith Capps Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Gastonia, North Carolina

(704) 689-01843600 Robinson Cir, Gastonia, NC 28056View on Yelp

About Keith Capps Taxidermy

Keith Capps Taxidermy is based in Gastonia, North Carolina, a city in Gaston County that sits just west of Charlotte and draws hunters from the surrounding Piedmont region. Gastonia has a strong outdoor culture, with Crowders Mountain State Park nearby and easy access to hunting lands throughout the western Piedmont. Keith Capps brings a personal, craftsman-driven approach to the work, which matters when you're trusting someone with a once-in-a-lifetime trophy. If you're a hunter or angler in the greater Charlotte metro's western suburbs, this is a local option worth a call.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Keith Capps handles the core taxidermy services that hunters and anglers in Gaston County need most. Deer shoulder mounts are the bread and butter, requiring skilled hide preparation, precise form selection, and detailed finishing work on eyes, nose, and ears. Full body mounts for predators and game animals are available for customers who want a dramatic, lifelike display piece. Fish mounts, both traditional and reproduction-style, round out the offering for bass anglers and trout fishermen working the nearby Catawba River and Crowders Creek drainages.

Service Area

Keith Capps Taxidermy serves Gastonia and the broader Gaston County area, including Belmont, Bessemer City, and Dallas. Customers from neighboring Lincoln and Cleveland counties regularly make the drive. The shop is also convenient for hunters coming out of the western Charlotte suburbs like Mount Holly and Cramerton.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a full body mount?
A shoulder mount displays the head and front shoulders of the animal, which is the most common and affordable option for deer and similar game. A full body mount shows the entire animal in a posed position, which requires more materials, more time, and significantly more studio space. Full body mounts are popular for predators like coyotes, bears, or foxes where the full form tells a better story.
Do I need to do anything special to the hide before bringing it in?
For deer, you should cape the animal cleanly and avoid cutting too close to the brisket, since taxidermists need extra hide to work with. Rinse away any blood, keep the cape cool, and get it to the studio as quickly as you can. If freezing is necessary, freeze it flat without folding the ears or nose, which can cause damage.
Can you mount a deer from Crowders Mountain area? I hunt nearby.
Absolutely. Keith Capps serves hunters throughout Gaston County and the surrounding region, including those who hunt near Crowders Mountain State Park and private lands in the area. Local hunters are a core part of the clientele, and the studio is familiar with the typical body size and coloring of Piedmont-region whitetails.
How do I know which form or pose to choose for my deer mount?
Most studios will walk you through a catalog of available forms, which range from alert and upright poses to relaxed feeding positions. Your choice should reflect how the animal appeared when you encountered it, or simply what looks best for your display space. The taxidermist can make recommendations based on the size of your trophy and the measurements of your cape.
Is a reproduction fish mount better than a skin mount?
Reproduction mounts are cast from fiberglass molds and hand-painted, making them very durable and resistant to fading over time. Skin mounts use the actual fish skin, which can shrink or discolor over the years if not properly maintained. Many serious anglers prefer reproductions because they can release the fish and still get a high-quality display piece.
How far in advance should I contact a taxidermist before hunting season?
It's smart to reach out before the season starts, especially if you're planning a specific hunt or want a detailed habitat display. Introducing yourself early lets the taxidermist know you're coming and may help you get a better spot in the queue when deer season kicks off. Studios in hunting-heavy areas like Gastonia fill up fast in October and November.

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