Real Trophies Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Branson, Missouri

(417) 544-0870, Branson, MO 65616View on Yelp

About Real Trophies Taxidermy

Real Trophies Taxidermy operates in Branson, Missouri, one of the most visited destinations in the Midwest, where the intersection of tourism, outdoor recreation, and Ozark hunting culture creates a unique market for quality wildlife work. Table Rock Lake, Taneycomo, and the broader White River system make Branson a hub for serious anglers, while the surrounding Ozark hills produce strong populations of whitetail deer and wild turkey. A taxidermist working in this environment serves both local hunters and visiting sportsmen who want their catches or harvests preserved. The Branson area's visibility gives a quality studio ongoing exposure to a wide client base.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Given Branson's strong fishing culture, fish mounts are likely a significant part of Real Trophies' workload. Bass, trout, and walleye pulled from Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo are popular mount requests, with reproduction mounts being a common choice since they allow anglers to release the fish and still have a display piece made from measurements and photos. Deer shoulder mounts serve the hunting community that works the surrounding Taney and Stone County hill country each fall. Bird mounts, including wild turkey, are another staple. Habitat displays, which incorporate natural materials to create a scene around the mount, appeal to collectors and lodge owners looking for showpiece presentations.

Service Area

Real Trophies Taxidermy serves the Branson, Missouri area, covering Taney County and Stone County along with nearby communities like Hollister, Forsyth, and Rockaway Beach. The studio's location in a major tourist and recreation destination means it also works regularly with visiting hunters and anglers from across the Midwest and beyond. Table Rock Lake area fishing clients are a core part of the customer base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a fish mount made without keeping the fish if I catch a trophy at Table Rock Lake?
Yes. Reproduction mounts are made from fiberglass casts and hand-painted to match your fish's exact colors, using only measurements and reference photos taken at the time of the catch. This means you can release the fish and still walk away with a mount that's often more accurate and longer-lasting than a skin mount.
What information do I need to record if I want a reproduction fish mount?
You'll need the total length, girth at the widest point, and the weight of the fish. Clear photos from both sides, the back, and the belly are essential for the painter to match the color patterns accurately. The more reference photos you take immediately after the catch, before colors fade, the better the final result.
Do taxidermists in Branson handle specimens from out-of-state hunters visiting the area?
Yes, and it's fairly common in a destination area like Branson. Visiting hunters who harvest a deer or turkey during a trip to the Ozarks often need a local studio to handle the mount and arrange shipping back to their home address. Calling ahead to discuss the logistics is the best approach.
How long does a fish reproduction mount take to complete?
Fish reproduction mounts typically take 3 to 6 months, depending on the studio's current workload. The painting process alone requires significant time if the artist is working to match the specific coloration of your fish accurately. Rushing a quality paint job rarely produces results worth displaying.
What species of fish are most commonly mounted by anglers from the Table Rock Lake area?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are by far the most common requests, followed by crappie and the occasional walleye or catfish. Taneycomo is also a top trout fishery, and rainbow and brown trout mounts come through studios regularly from clients who land a trophy-sized fish on that stretch of river.
Can a taxidermist create a full habitat display for a deer or turkey mount?
Yes. Habitat displays add natural elements like artificial foliage, rocks, bark, and ground cover around the mount to create a scene that suggests the animal in its environment. These are popular choices for lodges, cabin great rooms, and collectors who want a presentation piece rather than just a standard wall mount.

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