Rudy’s Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Crocker, Missouri

(573) 855-3287, Crocker, MO 65452View on Yelp

About Rudy’s Taxidermy

Rudy's Taxidermy operates out of Crocker, Missouri, a Pulaski County community with deep ties to the surrounding hunting and outdoor culture of the Missouri Ozarks. The area is surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest land, which produces consistent deer, turkey, and small game harvests every season. Hunters in Pulaski County have access to both public timber and private farm ground, giving local studios a wide variety of species and trophy types to work with. Rudy's serves this community with hands-on, personal service that a bigger city shop simply can't replicate.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Rudy's Taxidermy covers whitetail deer shoulder and pedestal mounts, which make up the bulk of Missouri's annual taxidermy demand. Turkey and other upland bird mounts are also a regular part of the workload given the strong gobbler populations in Pulaski County's national forest terrain. Skull cleaning and European mounts have grown in popularity with hunters who want a clean, modern look without the cost of a full shoulder piece. Fish mounts, including flathead catfish and bass common to the Gasconade River basin, round out the service list.

Service Area

Rudy's Taxidermy serves Pulaski County and the broader south-central Missouri region, including communities around Waynesville, St. Robert, and Richland. Hunters from neighboring Laclede and Phelps counties also bring work to studios in the Crocker area. The Mark Twain National Forest keeps outdoor activity high throughout the region year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with military hunters stationed at Fort Leonard Wood?
Pulaski County studios regularly serve service members who hunt Missouri during their time at Fort Leonard Wood, and many are bringing in their first Missouri whitetail or turkey. The process is the same regardless of your background, and the studio is happy to walk first-time customers through every step. It's a straightforward process once you understand what's involved.
What's the best way to handle a flathead catfish or bass for mounting?
If you want a skin mount, keep the fish alive as long as possible or get it on ice immediately after the catch without letting it sit in a warm livewell for too long. Measure the length and girth carefully before freezing, as those numbers are critical if you end up going with a fiberglass reproduction instead. Reproductions are a popular choice because they hold up better over time than skin mounts.
Can I get a full body deer mount instead of just a shoulder mount?
Full body deer mounts are available but require the entire hide, which means a careful and complete skinning job in the field. They're significantly more expensive and take up considerably more space than a shoulder mount, so most hunters stick with shoulder or pedestal styles. If you're committed to a full body, discuss it with the studio before you field dress the animal so nothing gets damaged.
What happens if the studio closes or goes out of business before my mount is done?
This is a legitimate concern and one reason why you should always get a written receipt listing what you dropped off, the agreed price, and any deposit paid. Reputable studios will communicate openly if there are delays or issues, but having documentation protects you if things go sideways. You can ask upfront how the studio handles situations like long delays or unexpected closures.
How do I transport a large deer mount home without damaging it?
Let the mount cure fully before moving it, and wrap it loosely in a clean cloth or moving blanket to protect the face and antlers during transport. Lay it on its back in a truck bed or SUV with the antlers pointing forward and secure it so it can't shift around. Avoid pressing on the nose, ears, or glass eyes since those areas are the most vulnerable on a finished mount.
Is it possible to get antlers mounted without the full head or skull?
Yes, antler plaques are a simple and popular option where the antler rack is attached to a finished wooden plaque for wall display. It's one of the most affordable ways to preserve a great set of antlers without the full investment of a shoulder mount. You can choose from different plaque styles and wood finishes to match your home or cabin decor.

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