Naber's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Grand Rapids, Michigan

(616) 455-288034 76th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49548View on Yelp

About Naber's Taxidermy

Naber's Taxidermy operates in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the largest city in the western half of the state and a hub for hunters and anglers from across the region. Grand Rapids gives a taxidermy studio access to a large, diverse customer base, from local whitetail hunters to anglers coming through after trips to Lake Michigan or the nearby Muskegon River. Kent County has a strong sporting tradition, and hunters here expect professional-quality work that does justice to a hard-earned trophy. Reach them directly at (616) 455-2880 to talk through your project.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

In a market the size of Grand Rapids, a taxidermist needs to handle a broad range of work to stay competitive. Deer shoulder mounts are the bread and butter, but full body mounts for predators like coyote and fox are also common requests in Kent County. Fish work covers everything from large mouth bass to salmon and trout from western Michigan waterways. Skull cleaning, antler mounting, and European-style displays are increasingly in demand from hunters who prefer a cleaner, more modern look over traditional shoulder mounts.

Service Area

Naber's Taxidermy serves Grand Rapids and the broader Kent County area, with customers coming in from surrounding communities like Wyoming, Kentwood, Rockford, Lowell, and Cedar Springs. The studio's central Grand Rapids location makes it accessible to hunters and anglers from across west Michigan without a long drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with museums or schools for educational displays?
Grand Rapids has several educational institutions and natural history collections, and some taxidermists in larger markets do take on institutional projects. These can range from single specimen mounts to multi-animal habitat dioramas. Call ahead and describe the scope of your project, since institutional work often has different timelines and requirements than personal trophies.
What's the difference between a freeze-dried mount and a traditional mount?
Traditional taxidermy uses the skin over a manufactured form, while freeze-drying uses the entire animal body, preserved through a vacuum-drying process. Freeze-drying is common for smaller animals and birds, producing very lifelike results since the actual body structure is retained. It's a slower and often more expensive process, but the results can be exceptionally realistic.
Can you repair an old or damaged mount I inherited?
Taxidermy restoration is a real service that many studios offer, covering things like ear repair, nose and eye touch-up, re-tightening loose skin, and even re-painting faded fish mounts. Bring the piece in for an assessment and the taxidermist can tell you what's fixable and what a realistic repair cost looks like.
How do you handle large or unusual species like elk or moose?
Large trophy species like elk or moose require significantly more material, larger forms, and considerably more labor than a standard whitetail mount. Not every studio has the space or equipment for these projects, so call ahead to confirm before hauling in a bull elk cape. Pricing for these mounts is substantially higher than deer work.
Is there a season when I should book taxidermy work in advance?
November and December are the busiest months for Michigan taxidermists, coinciding with firearm deer season. If you're planning to bring in deer work, it helps to call ahead in October to introduce yourself and confirm the studio is taking new clients. Fish work and turkey mounts also spike during their respective seasons.
What payment methods do most taxidermists accept?
Payment practices vary by studio, but most accept cash and check, and many now take credit or debit cards. A deposit at drop-off is standard practice in the industry. Ask about payment options when you call, and always get a written receipt showing your deposit amount and the agreed total for the project.

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