Shawn Smith Taxidermy Arts, LLC

Taxidermist in Waunakee, Wisconsin

5(1 reviews)
(608) 206-38666614 Harvest Hill Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597View on Yelp
Shawn Smith Taxidermy Arts, LLC - taxidermy in Waunakee, WI

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About Shawn Smith Taxidermy Arts, LLC

Shawn Smith Taxidermy Arts, LLC is based in Waunakee, Wisconsin, a village just north of Madison that sits in the heart of some of the state's best deer and waterfowl country. With a perfect 5-star rating, this studio brings a fine arts approach to taxidermy work. Southern Wisconsin hunters and anglers have a lot of options, but finding an artist who treats each mount as a personal project rather than a production-line piece makes a real difference. Shawn Smith Taxidermy Arts, LLC is exactly that kind of operation.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

The studio handles the full range of taxidermy work that Wisconsin hunters and anglers need. Whitetail deer shoulder mounts are a natural specialty given the region's strong deer hunting culture, with careful attention to ear, eye, and nose detail that separates quality mounts from average ones. Fish mounts, whether reproductions or skin mounts, capture the colors of a trophy walleye or muskie before they fade. Bird work, skull cleaning, and antler mounting round out the service list for those who want to preserve a season's best memories.

Service Area

Shawn Smith Taxidermy Arts, LLC serves customers in Waunakee and the greater Madison metro area, including communities like DeForest, Sun Prairie, and Middleton. Hunters and anglers traveling in from Dane County and surrounding counties are welcome to reach out about drop-off options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a whitetail deer shoulder mount typically take in Wisconsin?
Most taxidermists in Wisconsin quote six months to a year for a deer shoulder mount, depending on their current workload and the time of year you bring it in. Fall drop-offs right after the gun deer season tend to have the longest wait times, so calling ahead gives you a realistic timeline.
Do I need to do anything special to prepare my trophy before dropping it off?
For deer, cape the animal carefully or have your processor do it, and keep the hide cool or frozen until drop-off. Avoid cutting the cape too short behind the shoulders, since a taxidermist can always trim extra hide but can't add it back.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a reproduction for fish?
A skin mount uses the actual fish's skin stretched over a form, while a reproduction is a fiberglass replica painted to match your catch's colors. Reproductions hold their color better over time and allow catch-and-release anglers to preserve a trophy without keeping the fish.
Can I choose the pose for my mount?
Yes, most taxidermists offer a range of form options from commercial suppliers, and many can source custom forms for specific poses. Bringing in reference photos of the pose you want helps the artist understand exactly what you're looking for.
How should I care for a finished taxidermy mount at home?
Keep mounts away from direct sunlight and high humidity, both of which fade colors and dry out hide over time. Dust them gently with a soft brush or compressed air, and avoid using household cleaners on any part of the mount.
What deposit is typically required when I drop off a trophy?
Most taxidermists in Wisconsin ask for 30 to 50 percent of the total cost upfront, with the balance due at pickup. Getting a written receipt that includes the agreed price and estimated completion date protects both you and the studio.

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