SJS Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Arona, Pennsylvania

(724) 446-58881898 Arona Rd, Arona, PA 15617View on Yelp

About SJS Taxidermy

SJS Taxidermy operates out of Arona, a small community in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, situated in the rolling terrain southeast of Pittsburgh. Westmoreland County has a long tradition of hunting, with strong whitetail deer populations and active turkey flocks across its wooded hillsides. A studio in Arona is well placed to serve hunters from the Latrobe, Greensburg, and New Stanton corridors who want their harvests preserved locally rather than shipping them far from home. SJS brings that community-level focus to taxidermy work in a part of the state where the sporting tradition runs deep.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Deer shoulder mounts are a core service, involving careful hide preparation, eye setting, and ear positioning to produce a lifelike finished piece that holds up for decades. Fish mounts, whether skin mounts of kept fish or reproductions for released catches, are available for anglers working the rivers and reservoirs of Westmoreland County. Bird mounts for turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl are also part of the typical service range. Skull cleaning and antler panel mounts give customers lower-cost display options when a full mount isn't what they're looking for.

Service Area

SJS Taxidermy serves Arona and the surrounding Westmoreland County area, including customers from Latrobe, Greensburg, Jeannette, and New Stanton. Hunters from the Laurel Highlands and communities along the Pennsylvania Turnpike corridor find this studio a convenient local option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish species can you mount from Westmoreland County waters?
Local lakes and rivers in Westmoreland County yield bass, walleye, muskellunge, catfish, and various trout species that anglers occasionally want preserved. Both skin mounts for kept fish and reproductions for catch-and-release situations are options depending on what you're after. Getting the fish on ice or into a freezer bag right after the catch is the most important step if you're thinking about a skin mount.
What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a full-body mount for a deer?
A shoulder mount shows the head, neck, and front shoulder area of the deer, which is the most common and space-efficient option for wall display. A full-body mount captures the entire animal in a chosen pose, such as standing, bedded, or walking, and requires significantly more space and budget. Full-body deer mounts are less common but a strong choice for hunters who want a particularly dramatic display piece.
Do you offer pheasant or grouse mounts for upland bird hunters?
Upland birds like pheasant, grouse, and woodcock are well within the scope of most full-service taxidermists in western Pennsylvania. Proper handling of the bird after harvest is critical since feathers are easily damaged by rough handling or poor field care. Wrapping the bird in a paper towel and placing it in a plastic bag in a cooler until you can get to the studio is a solid field approach.
Can I request a specific pose for my mount?
Pose selection is one of the first things you'll discuss at drop-off, and a good taxidermist will show you reference photos or forms to help you decide. For deer, options include alert, semi-sneak, looking left or right, and others depending on the available forms. Being specific about the mood or setting you want to recreate, such as a buck looking toward a field edge, helps the studio make the right choices.
How should I handle my turkey after harvest before bringing it in?
Keep the feathers as clean and undamaged as possible by wrapping the bird loosely in a plastic bag and getting it into a cooler quickly. Avoid folding or bending the tail feathers, especially if you're planning a strutting mount with the fan displayed. Calling the studio before you head out helps since they can give you specific advice based on the pose you have in mind.
Is there a waiting list, and how early should I contact the studio?
Fall hunting season creates the highest demand, so calling or visiting early in the season, or even before season opens, is a smart move if you're anticipating a harvest. Some studios accept pre-season bookings or give priority to repeat customers. Reaching out early also gives you a chance to ask about field care tips before you're ever in the field.

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