Mike’s Skill Cleaning

Taxidermist in Sligo, Pennsylvania

(724) 602-3719, Sligo, PA 16255View on Yelp
Mike’s Skill Cleaning - taxidermy in Sligo, PA

About Mike’s Skill Cleaning

Mike's Skill Cleaning operates out of Sligo, Pennsylvania, a small town in Venango County surrounded by hardwood forests that draw serious deer and turkey hunters every season. Western PA's game-rich countryside means local taxidermists stay busy from archery opener through late rifle season and beyond. This shop focuses on taxidermy work for hunters who want their trophies preserved with care and craftsmanship. If you're hauling in a buck or a big tom from the Allegheny highlands, having a local specialist nearby makes the whole process a lot more practical.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Mike's Skill Cleaning specializes in the hands-on work that turns a raw harvest into a lasting display piece. Skull cleaning is a core service, removing tissue from deer, bear, and other game skulls using methods like maceration or beetle colonies to produce a clean, natural finish. Antler mounting pairs well with this, giving hunters a way to display racks without a full shoulder mount. Deer shoulder mounts are also typical, involving form selection, hide preparation, and detailed finishing to capture a lifelike pose.

Service Area

Mike's Skill Cleaning serves hunters and collectors throughout Venango County and the surrounding areas of western Pennsylvania. Customers travel in from nearby towns like Emlenton, Clarion, and Oil City to drop off game. The shop's location in Sligo makes it a practical stop for anyone hunting the forests of the Allegheny Plateau.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between skull cleaning and a European mount?
A European mount is the finished display product, which typically uses a cleaned skull and antlers mounted on a plaque or panel. Skull cleaning is the process that gets the skull to that point, removing tissue and whitening the bone. Mike's Skill Cleaning can handle both the cleaning and the final mounting.
How soon after harvesting my deer should I bring in the cape?
The sooner, the better. Capes can start to slip, meaning the hair loosens from the hide, within hours in warm weather. Keep the cape cool and dry, avoid field dressing in a way that damages the shoulders, and get it to the taxidermist as quickly as possible.
How long does a deer shoulder mount take to complete?
Most shoulder mounts take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the shop's current workload and the complexity of your order. Taxidermy requires careful drying time at multiple stages, so rushing the process leads to poor results. Ask for a timeline estimate when you drop off your animal.
Can I bring in just the skull if I didn't save the cape?
Absolutely. Skull cleaning services work with the skull alone, so if you only saved the head or just the antlers with the skull plate, the taxidermist can still produce a great-looking European mount. This is a popular and more affordable option for many hunters.
Does taxidermy work require any special permits in Pennsylvania?
Licensed taxidermists in Pennsylvania must hold a state-issued permit, and they're required to keep records of the animals they receive. As a customer, you should bring your hunting license and harvest tag when you drop off game. The shop can walk you through any documentation they need.
How do I care for a finished mount at home?
Keep mounts out of direct sunlight, which fades the hide and eyes over time, and away from high humidity areas like basements or bathrooms. Dust the mount gently with a soft brush or low-setting hair dryer periodically. Avoid chemical cleaners, which can damage the finish and hide.

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