Ryan Flaten Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Saint Joseph, Minnesota

(320) 260-044111843 Co Rd 51, Saint Joseph, MN 56374View on Yelp
Ryan Flaten Taxidermy - taxidermy in Saint Joseph, MN

About Ryan Flaten Taxidermy

Ryan Flaten Taxidermy is based in Saint Joseph, Minnesota, a small city just outside of St. Cloud in Stearns County. This region sees heavy deer hunting pressure each fall, along with strong walleye and muskie fishing on the nearby Mississippi River corridor and Central Minnesota lakes. Working with a local taxidermist means shorter transport time for your trophy and direct communication throughout the process. Ryan Flaten brings a hands-on, personal approach that larger studios often can't match.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Ryan Flaten Taxidermy handles the full range of mounting work you'd expect from a Minnesota studio, including whitetail deer shoulder mounts, full-body small game mounts, and fish mounts for species like walleye, northern pike, and bass. Skull cleaning is available for hunters who want a clean European mount without the bulk of a traditional shoulder mount. Bird work, including pheasant and turkey mounts, is also part of the lineup. Each piece is finished with quality forms, glass eyes, and careful attention to natural posture.

Service Area

Ryan Flaten Taxidermy primarily serves hunters and anglers in Saint Joseph and the greater St. Cloud metro area. Customers also come in from surrounding Stearns County communities like Waite Park, Sartell, and Sauk Rapids. If you're within a reasonable drive of Central Minnesota, this studio is worth the trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after harvest should I bring in my deer for mounting?
You should get the cape to a taxidermist or into a freezer within a few hours of field dressing, especially in warm weather. Bacteria break down hair roots quickly, which causes slippage that ruins the hide. If you can't drop it off immediately, cape the deer and freeze the hide flat.
What's the typical turnaround time for a whitetail shoulder mount?
Most whitetail shoulder mounts take anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the studio's current workload. Busy hunting seasons mean a backlog of work, so earlier drop-off helps. Ryan can give you a specific estimate when you bring in your trophy.
Do you mount fish caught in Central Minnesota lakes?
Yes, fish mounts are a regular part of the work here, including walleye, northern pike, and bass common to the area's lakes and rivers. You can bring in the actual fish or, in some cases, provide measurements and photos for a reproduction mount. Reproduction mounts are often preferred because they don't require sacrificing the fish.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a reproduction mount for fish?
A skin mount uses the actual fish skin stretched over a form, while a reproduction is cast from fiberglass and painted to match your specific fish. Reproductions hold up better over time and are more color-accurate since fish fade quickly after death. Many anglers choose reproductions for catch-and-release species.
How do I care for a finished taxidermy mount at home?
Keep mounts away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature swings, all of which cause fading and cracking over time. Dust lightly with a soft brush and avoid chemical cleaners on the hide or feathers. Proper placement in your home makes a big difference in how long the mount lasts.
Can you do European skull mounts for deer?
European mounts are a popular, cleaner alternative to full shoulder mounts and take up less wall space. The process involves removing all tissue from the skull through boiling or beetle cleaning, then whitening and sealing the bone. They're also generally less expensive than full shoulder mounts.

Is this your business?

Claim your listing to update your info and connect with customers.

Claim This Listing

More Taxidermists

All taxidermists in Saint Joseph, MN →All taxidermists in Minnesota →Browse all states →