Mountain Man Enterprises

Taxidermist in West Olive, Michigan

(616) 886-87748562 Wood Wren Dr, West Olive, MI 49460View on Yelp
Mountain Man Enterprises - taxidermy in West Olive, MI

About Mountain Man Enterprises

Mountain Man Enterprises is based in West Olive, Michigan, a small community in Ottawa County tucked between Grand Haven and Holland along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Ottawa County is one of Michigan's most actively hunted counties, with strong populations of whitetail deer and regular access to waterfowl along the lakeshore and nearby wetlands. The name Mountain Man hints at a broad appreciation for the outdoors and traditional field sports. For hunters and anglers in this corner of West Michigan, having a local taxidermist nearby beats a long drive to the city.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Ottawa County's mix of deer hunting, waterfowl hunting, and Lake Michigan fishing means a taxidermist here likely handles everything from whitetail shoulder mounts to duck and goose mounts to freshwater and Great Lakes fish displays. Waterfowl mounts require careful feather positioning and detail work, with birds displayed in flying, landing, or standing poses depending on the customer's preference. Lake Michigan produces trophy salmon, steelhead, and walleye, all of which make excellent fish mounts. Rug mounts from bear or deer hides are another option for hunters who want a floor or wall display with a different look.

Service Area

Mountain Man Enterprises serves West Olive and the surrounding Ottawa County communities including Grand Haven, Holland, Zeeland, and Spring Lake. The shop's location in western Ottawa County puts it within easy reach of hunters and anglers throughout the Lake Michigan shoreline area. Customers from as far as Muskegon and Allegan counties also make the trip for quality work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to preserve a duck or goose for mounting?
Fold the wings against the body, slide the bird into a plastic bag or wrap it in a plastic bag without bending the feathers too severely, and freeze it as soon as possible. Don't gut or skin the bird before bringing it to the taxidermist. Keeping feathers dry and unfrozen at the moment of harvest helps preserve the color and condition significantly.
Can you mount a fish caught in Lake Michigan?
Yes, Lake Michigan species like Chinook salmon, coho, steelhead, and lake trout are all great candidates for fish mounts. Reproduction mounts are especially popular for Lake Michigan fish since the vivid colors of a fresh catch can be recreated accurately from photos, even after the fish has been eaten. Bring good photos from right after the catch if you're planning a reproduction.
How do I transport a large game animal to the taxidermist?
For deer shoulder mounts, you'll typically bring just the caping (the hide from the shoulders forward) along with the antlered skull plate. For larger animals like bear or elk, discuss transport options with the taxidermist ahead of time since some will do field caping or have arrangements for large animal pickup. Keep everything cool and out of direct sun during transport.
Do you offer any rush services for a mount I need by a specific date?
Some taxidermists do offer expedited turnaround for an additional fee, though availability depends heavily on current workload. If you have a hard deadline, like a gift or event, mention it at drop-off and ask directly whether a rush option is possible. Giving as much advance notice as possible improves your chances of meeting your timeline.
What's a rug mount and how is it different from a shoulder mount?
A rug mount uses the full hide of an animal, typically a bear, deer, or large predator, laid flat or mounted with the head attached in a snarling or resting pose. It's designed to hang on a wall or lay on the floor as a decorative piece. Shoulder mounts only use the hide from the shoulders and head, giving a more traditional wall-mounted trophy look.
How much does taxidermy typically cost in West Michigan?
Prices vary depending on the species and type of mount. Whitetail shoulder mounts in Michigan commonly range from $400 to $650, while fish reproductions run $150 to $350 depending on size. Waterfowl mounts typically fall between $150 and $300 per bird. Getting a quote from the specific shop is always the most reliable way to budget for your project.

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