Living Designs Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Costa Mesa, California

4.8(25 reviews)
(949) 645-4820917 Sunset Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92627View on Yelp
Living Designs Taxidermy - taxidermy in Costa Mesa, CA

Customer Reviews

4.8
out of 5
25 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

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About Living Designs Taxidermy

Living Designs Taxidermy is based in Costa Mesa, California, serving hunters, anglers, and collectors throughout Orange County. With a 4.8 rating across 25 reviews, this studio has built a solid reputation for quality work that holds up under close inspection. Costa Mesa sits between some of Southern California's most popular hunting and fishing corridors, so local demand for skilled taxidermy is real and consistent. Clients from Newport Beach to Irvine regularly bring their trophies here.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Living Designs handles the full range of taxidermy work, from shoulder mounts on deer and big game to detailed fish reproductions that capture accurate color and scale texture. Bird mounts are particularly involved, requiring precise feather positioning and wire framing to recreate natural poses. The studio also prepares skull cleaning and whitening for hunters who want a clean European-style display. Full body mounts for smaller mammals and predators are available for collectors who want a complete, lifelike presentation.

Service Area

Living Designs Taxidermy serves customers throughout Costa Mesa and the broader Orange County area. Hunters and anglers from Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, and Laguna Hills regularly use local studios like this one. The shop is conveniently accessible from the 405 and 55 freeways.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical deer shoulder mount take in California?
Most reputable taxidermy studios in California quote 10 to 18 months for a deer shoulder mount. Turnaround depends on how many orders are ahead of yours and the complexity of your specific piece.
Can you mount a saltwater fish caught off the Southern California coast?
Yes, and fish mounts are actually a significant part of the business for Orange County taxidermists given proximity to offshore fishing. Many studios offer reproduction mounts made from fiberglass casts, which are more durable and allow the original fish to be released or consumed.
What should I do with my trophy immediately after a hunt to preserve it for mounting?
Cape the animal as soon as possible and keep the hide cool or frozen. Avoid cutting the throat or making incisions that could damage the cape around the neck and shoulders, since that's the area used for a shoulder mount.
How much does a full body mount cost compared to a shoulder mount?
Full body mounts are significantly more expensive, often two to four times the cost of a shoulder mount for the same species. The additional labor, materials, and armature construction all add to the price.
Do California taxidermists need special permits to work with certain species?
Yes. California has strict regulations around protected and migratory species, and licensed taxidermists must comply with both state and federal wildlife laws. Always confirm that any bird or exotic animal you bring in is legal to possess and mount before dropping it off.
What is the deposit requirement when placing a taxidermy order?
Most studios require a deposit of 30 to 50 percent upfront when you drop off your specimen. The remaining balance is typically due at pickup once the finished mount has been inspected and approved.

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