Rack Shack Taxidermy & Tannery

Taxidermist in Aberdeen, Maryland

(443) 617-6007604 Mahan Rd, Aberdeen, MD 21001View on Yelp
Rack Shack Taxidermy & Tannery - taxidermy in Aberdeen, MD

About Rack Shack Taxidermy & Tannery

Rack Shack Taxidermy and Tannery is based in Aberdeen, Maryland, in Harford County. Aberdeen's location in the upper Chesapeake region puts it within reach of some of the best hunting land in the state, from the farm fields of Cecil County to the forests of Baltimore County. What sets this shop apart is the tannery side of the operation, which means they handle hide processing in-house rather than sending out to third parties. That kind of vertical capability can mean faster turnaround and tighter quality control for customers.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

The combination of taxidermy and tannery services under one roof is a meaningful distinction. Tanning is the process of chemically treating a hide to make it soft, pliable, and resistant to decomposition, and doing it in-house gives Rack Shack direct control over that critical step. Beyond tanning, they likely offer deer shoulder and full body mounts, European skull mounts, and antler displays popular with Harford County hunters. Fish mounts for striped bass caught in the nearby Susquehanna Flats are a natural addition to their menu.

Service Area

Rack Shack Taxidermy and Tannery serves hunters and anglers throughout Harford County and surrounding areas including Cecil, Baltimore, and Carroll counties. Customers from Bel Air, Havre de Grace, and the Elkton area are all within a reasonable drive to Aberdeen. The shop is also well-positioned for hunters heading out to public lands in northern Maryland.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the benefit of using a taxidermist with an in-house tannery?
When tanning is done in-house, there's no wait time for your hide to be shipped to and from a separate facility, which can add weeks or months to a project. It also means one team is responsible for every stage, making it easier to maintain consistent quality. If any issues come up during tanning, they can be addressed immediately rather than discovered later.
Can I bring in a hide I've already salted or preserved myself?
Yes, most taxidermists will accept a salted or frozen cape as long as it's been handled properly. Make sure the hide is free of excess blood and that the ears, lips, and eye areas are fully turned and salted. Poorly prepped capes can limit what's possible in the final mount, so when in doubt, get the specimen to a professional quickly rather than trying to prep it yourself.
Do you offer striped bass mounts for anglers fishing the Susquehanna Flats?
The Susquehanna Flats near Havre de Grace are legendary striper territory, and fish mounts from that area are a popular keepsake for visiting and local anglers. Reproduction mounts work especially well for catch-and-release fishing since you only need measurements and photos. A quality reproduction of a 30-inch striper makes a striking wall display.
What types of antler mounting options are available?
Common antler mounting styles include simple panel mounts where the skull plate is attached to a wood or velvet panel, European skull mounts where the full cleaned skull is displayed, and artistic arrangements with shed antlers. Prices vary by style and the size of the rack. It's one of the more affordable ways to display a trophy from a successful hunt.
Do you accept hides for tanning only, without a full mount?
Many tanneries accept hides for processing only, which is useful for hunters who want to keep a deer hide as a soft-tanned skin, a rug, or leather. Call ahead to confirm what formats they accept and whether they do soft tan, brain tan, or chrome tan. Pricing and turnaround vary depending on the tanning method and hide size.
How do I transport a large animal like a bear or elk for mounting?
For large game, keeping the animal cool and getting it to the taxidermist quickly is the top priority. If you're hunting out of state, cape the animal in the field and freeze the hide if you can't get to a studio within 24 to 48 hours. Always check interstate transport regulations for the species you've harvested before driving across state lines.

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