Smith Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Henagar, Alabama

(256) 657-30741836 County Road 730, Henagar, AL 35978View on Yelp

About Smith Taxidermy

Smith Taxidermy serves hunters and collectors in Henagar, Alabama, a small DeKalb County town surrounded by some of the best deer and turkey habitat in the state. The Sand Mountain plateau region draws serious hunters every season, and having a local taxidermist means your trophy doesn't have to travel far. Smith Taxidermy brings that small-town reliability that larger studios often can't match. When you want someone who understands the local hunting culture firsthand, a hometown studio like this one is hard to beat.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Smith Taxidermy handles the core work hunters in northeast Alabama need most: deer head mounts, full body deer and predator mounts, turkey fan mounts, and fish reproductions. A shoulder mount involves skinning, fleshing, and fitting the hide over a foam form sculpted to match the animal's natural anatomy, then finishing with hand-painted details around the eyes and nose. Fish mounts can be done with the original skin or as a fiberglass reproduction, which holds color better over time. Skull cleaning using beetles or boiling is also a common request from local hunters who want a clean European-style display.

Service Area

Smith Taxidermy is based in Henagar and primarily serves customers across DeKalb County, including Fort Payne, Rainsville, and Sylvania. Hunters from neighboring Cherokee and Marshall counties also make the trip when they want local, personalized service. The studio is a practical choice for anyone hunting the Sand Mountain area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after the harvest do I need to bring my deer cape in?
You should get the cape to the taxidermist within a few hours of the kill if possible, or freeze it solid if there's going to be any delay. Heat and bacteria break down skin tissue quickly, especially around the face and ears, and a damaged cape can't always be saved.
What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a full body mount?
A shoulder mount includes the head, neck, and chest area of the animal, which is the most popular and affordable option for deer. A full body mount preserves the entire animal in a posed position and costs significantly more due to the extra materials and labor involved.
How long does a typical deer mount take to complete?
Most shoulder mounts take anywhere from four months to over a year depending on the taxidermist's current workload and the time of year you bring the animal in. Fall hunting season creates a backlog for most studios, so expect longer turnaround times for anything dropped off in November or December.
Can I get a European skull mount instead of a traditional shoulder mount?
Yes, skull cleaning is a popular and more affordable alternative to a traditional mount. The skull is cleaned using beetles or a simmering process, then whitened and mounted on a plaque or wall hanger for display.
Do I need to make a deposit when I drop off my animal?
Most taxidermists require a deposit at drop-off, typically ranging from 25 to 50 percent of the total cost. This covers the cost of materials like forms and glass eyes that are ordered specifically for your piece.
How do I care for a finished mount to make it last?
Keep your mount out of direct sunlight and away from humidity, both of which cause fading and skin deterioration over time. Dust it gently with a soft brush and avoid using household cleaners on the fur or feathers.

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