Kemper's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Forest Grove, Oregon

(503) 357-23041418 Willamina Ave, Forest Grove, OR 97116View on Yelp
Kemper's Taxidermy - taxidermy in Forest Grove, OR

About Kemper's Taxidermy

Kemper's Taxidermy is located in Forest Grove, Oregon, a city at the western edge of the Tualatin Valley where farm country starts giving way to the coast range foothills. Hunters in this corner of Washington County have solid access to blacktail deer, Roosevelt elk, black bear, and a strong variety of upland birds. A family-style shop with a name like Kemper's tends to carry a long history of serving the local hunting community, and Forest Grove's rural character means the clientele knows their game well. You're dealing with people who take this work seriously.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Kemper's handles trophy and full body mounts for big game commonly taken in the Oregon coast range, including blacktail deer, elk, and black bear. Shoulder mounts involve detailed hide preparation, quality foam forms, and careful eye and nose finishing to capture the animal's natural expression. Rug mounts for bear or other large game are also available, with the hide tanned and fitted with a felt backing and open-mouth form if desired. Bird and small game mounts round out the service list for upland hunters working the valley edges.

Service Area

Kemper's Taxidermy serves Forest Grove and the surrounding Washington County communities. Customers from Gaston, Banks, and Hillsboro regularly make the trip. The shop's location near the coast range corridor makes it a natural fit for hunters coming out of the Tillamook State Forest area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to field care a blacktail deer cape for a shoulder mount?
Cut the cape behind the shoulders, leaving plenty of hide for the taxidermist to work with. Don't cut up the throat or brisket, and avoid hanging the carcass by the neck for extended periods. Get the cape cooled down fast and to your taxidermist within a day or two, or freeze it flat.
Can Kemper's do a full body mount of a black bear taken in the coast range?
Full body bear mounts are absolutely possible and make a dramatic display piece. The process involves tanning the full hide and fitting it to a sculpted foam form in whatever pose you choose, from a standing threat pose to a more natural foraging position. They take longer than shoulder mounts but are worth the wait.
How do rug mounts work for bear or other large game?
A rug mount uses the tanned hide laid flat with the head attached, sometimes with an open-mouth form showing the teeth and tongue. The backing is typically felt, and the edge is finished with a sewn border. It's a classic display option that works well on floors or walls.
Do you work with hunters who harvest game in the Tillamook State Forest?
Tillamook State Forest is a major hunting destination for this part of Oregon, and the shop is well-positioned to serve those hunters. Blacktail deer and elk taken in that area are common drop-offs, and familiarity with those animals' specific coloring helps produce accurate mounts.
How long does a full body deer mount take compared to a shoulder mount?
A full body mount can take two to three times longer than a shoulder mount due to the additional hide surface, posing complexity, and finishing work involved. Where a shoulder mount might take six to nine months, a full body could take a year or more depending on backlog.
Can I request a specific pose for my mount, or do you use standard forms?
Most taxidermists work with a range of commercial forms in different poses and can accommodate specific requests within reason. If you have a photo of a pose you want to replicate, bring it in during your consultation. Custom poses may involve additional cost and time.

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