Koch Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Sullivan, Missouri

(573) 259-85032019 Hwy H, Sullivan, MO 63080View on Yelp

About Koch Taxidermy

Koch Taxidermy is based in Sullivan, Missouri, in Crawford County along the I-44 corridor southwest of St. Louis. Sullivan sits in the middle of some of Missouri's best Ozark hunting and fishing country, with the Meramec River running nearby and thousands of acres of Mark Twain National Forest within driving distance. Hunters in this part of the state regularly pursue whitetail deer, wild turkey, and small game, making a local taxidermist a practical necessity rather than a luxury. Koch Taxidermy is a regional resource for sportsmen throughout the Ozark fringe counties.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Koch Taxidermy handles the full spectrum of Ozark-region requests, starting with whitetail deer shoulder mounts and European skull mounts that are staples of any Missouri studio. Wild turkey mounts, both full body and fan-only displays, are a frequent request given the strong spring gobbler hunting in Crawford and surrounding counties. Smallmouth bass and other Meramec River species make fish mounts a consistent part of the workload. Predator mounts, including coyote and bobcat, are also realistic offerings for this region where trapping and predator hunting are common.

Service Area

Koch Taxidermy serves Sullivan and the surrounding Crawford County area, including Steelville, Cuba, and communities along the I-44 corridor. Hunters from Phelps County and the Rolla area also make the drive to Sullivan for Ozark-area taxidermy. The studio is accessible from both the St. Louis side and the Springfield-area side of the I-44 route.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best fish from the Meramec River to have mounted?
Smallmouth bass are the most popular Meramec River mount request, especially larger fish in the 15-to-18-inch range. Spotted bass, largemouth bass, and the occasional big flathead catfish are also mountable and make striking display pieces. Keep the fish alive or immediately cool and wet after the catch, and photograph it right away before the colors fade.
Do you mount bobcat or other Ozark predators?
Bobcat mounts are a specialty at many Ozark-area studios, and the natural habitat context makes poses like a tree branch or rock outcropping look especially realistic. You'll need to check Missouri Department of Conservation regulations on keeping bobcat pelts, as there are tagging and reporting requirements. Coyote, fox, and raccoon mounts are also common and don't carry the same regulatory requirements.
How do I choose between a shoulder mount and a European mount?
It mostly comes down to budget, wall space, and personal taste. Shoulder mounts cost more but give you the full neck and head presentation with lifelike detail. European mounts are cleaner and more minimalist, often preferred in modern or rustic home styles, and they're typically a fraction of the price. Some hunters do both: a European mount for a secondary buck and a shoulder mount for the best of the season.
Can I hunt in Mark Twain National Forest and bring my game to a local taxidermist?
Yes, and Sullivan is well-positioned as a drop-off point for hunters coming out of the National Forest land in Crawford and surrounding counties. Just make sure you have the required permits and licenses on hand, since a taxidermist may ask to confirm the harvest was legal before accepting the specimen. Deer and turkey from the National Forest areas are commonly processed at studios along the I-44 corridor.
What happens if my mount is damaged during the taxidermy process?
Reputable taxidermists will communicate honestly if a hide develops slippage or damage that wasn't visible at drop-off, usually before proceeding further on the mount. Some damage can be repaired with skilled patchwork and paint blending, while severe damage may mean the piece isn't mountable. This is why drop-off condition matters so much and why most taxidermists document the hide's state when you bring it in.
Is there a best time of year to drop off a deer mount to get a faster turnaround?
January through early September is typically the slowest period at Missouri studios, and dropping off during those months often means a shorter wait than if you bring in a rut-season buck in November. Some taxidermists even offer a small discount for off-season drop-offs as an incentive. If you have deer capes in the freezer from last season, bringing them in during the spring or summer is a smart move.

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