Pete’s Prep

Taxidermist in Santaquin, Utah

(801) 228-7052818 650th S, Santaquin, UT 84655View on Yelp
Pete’s Prep - taxidermy in Santaquin, UT

About Pete’s Prep

Pete's Prep is a taxidermy shop serving Santaquin, Utah, a small city tucked between the Wasatch Front and the heart of some of Utah County's best hunting country. Hunters heading into the Uinta National Forest or the rolling hills around Nebo Slope know that having a reliable local taxidermist makes a real difference. Pete's Prep offers that hometown connection, working with clients who want their trophies treated with care rather than shipped off to a distant shop. If you're looking for a taxidermist close to southern Utah County, this is a solid place to start.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Pete's Prep handles the core work hunters and anglers need after a successful season. Trophy shoulder mounts are a staple, requiring careful hide preparation, quality forms, and precise eye and nose finishing to capture a natural look. Fish mounts, whether for bass, trout, or larger game fish, involve either skin mounting or fiberglass reproduction depending on the client's preference. Skull cleaning and antler mounting are also common requests, giving hunters a clean, displayable piece from deer, elk, or other big game taken in the Utah backcountry.

Service Area

Pete's Prep primarily serves customers in Santaquin and throughout southern Utah County. Hunters and anglers from nearby communities like Payson, Springville, and Salem regularly use local taxidermists in this corridor. The shop is well-positioned for anyone coming in from the hunting grounds along the Nebo Loop or the Mount Nebo Wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after harvesting an animal should I bring it in?
You should get your cape, hide, or fish to the taxidermist as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours if kept refrigerated. If you can't drop it off right away, freeze it tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn and hair slippage.
What's the typical turnaround time for a deer shoulder mount?
Most taxidermists in Utah take anywhere from 6 to 12 months for a deer shoulder mount, depending on their current workload and the time of year you bring it in. Busy fall and early winter seasons mean longer wait times, so dropping off early in the season helps.
Do I need to do anything to prepare my deer cape before drop-off?
If you're bringing it in fresh, keep it cool and avoid leaving it in a hot vehicle. If you're freezing it first, double-bag it and make sure no air pockets remain. Don't salt the hide yourself unless the taxidermist specifically asks you to, as improper salting can cause problems.
Can you mount fish that were caught and released, or do I need to keep the actual fish?
Yes, a reproduction or fiberglass mount can be made from just photos and measurements, so you don't need to keep the fish at all. Many anglers prefer this option because it lets them practice catch-and-release while still getting a quality display piece.
How much does a standard deer shoulder mount cost in Utah?
Prices vary by taxidermist and level of detail, but in Utah you can generally expect to pay between $400 and $700 for a standard deer shoulder mount. More complex poses, competition-quality finishing, or habitat bases will push the price higher.
What hunting species are most commonly mounted in the Santaquin area?
Mule deer and elk are by far the most common mounts brought into taxidermists in this part of Utah County, given the strong populations in the surrounding mountains. Pronghorn, black bear, and wild turkey are also brought in regularly after successful hunts.

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