South Platte River

Taxidermist in Bailey, Colorado

(303) 816-2423398 Desparado Rd, Bailey, CO 80421View on Yelp

About South Platte River

South Platte River Taxidermy is based in Bailey, Colorado, a small mountain community along US-285 in Park County where the North Fork of the South Platte River runs through rugged pine and canyon country. Bailey is surrounded by prime elk, mule deer, and black bear habitat, and anglers know this stretch of the South Platte as some of Colorado's best wild trout water. A taxidermist here is working right in the heart of the country that produces the trophies they're asked to preserve. Contact them at (303) 816-2423 to learn more.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Given its location in mountain Colorado, South Platte River Taxidermy is well positioned to handle big game mounts for elk, mule deer, black bear, and mountain lion taken in Park County and the surrounding units. Fish mounts for brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat are a natural specialty for a shop along the South Platte drainage, with both replica and skin mount options available. Skull cleaning is a practical and affordable service for hunters who want a European-style display rather than a traditional hide mount. Bird mounting for raptors, turkey, and grouse taken in the area rounds out a typical menu of services for this type of mountain shop.

Service Area

South Platte River Taxidermy serves Bailey and the surrounding Park County communities, including Shawnee, Grant, and Como. Hunters and anglers coming from the Denver metro along US-285 make the drive to Bailey regularly, and the shop is a natural stop for anyone finishing a hunt or fishing trip in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a brown trout from the South Platte River mounted here?
Yes, and trout mounts are a natural fit for a shop in Bailey given the river's reputation for quality wild fish. A replica mount is often recommended so you can release the fish alive, with the finished piece painted to match your photos of the actual catch.
What big game species are most commonly mounted in the Bailey area?
Elk and mule deer are the most frequent requests in Park County, along with black bear taken in the surrounding mountain units. Mountain lion and pronghorn mounts come through occasionally as well, depending on the season and tag availability.
How do I keep my elk cape in good condition on a backcountry hunt?
In cooler mountain temperatures, a properly fleshed cape can last a day or two if kept in the shade and allowed to air out, but salting the hide is the safest option if you're more than a day from a freezer. Getting it to the taxidermist quickly after the hunt is always the best move for preserving hair and skin quality.
Does the shop handle turkey mounts for birds taken in the Park County area?
Turkey mounts are a popular project, whether it's a full strut mount showing off the fan and beard or a simpler tail fan display panel. Let the taxidermist know when you call so they can walk you through how to handle the bird after the harvest to keep feathers in the best condition.
How much does a full body bear mount typically cost?
Full body mounts are among the most involved and expensive projects a taxidermist takes on, with bear mounts often ranging from $800 to well over $2,000 depending on the size of the animal and the complexity of the pose. Calling (303) 816-2423 with your bear's weight and hide measurements will get you a more specific estimate.
Is it possible to ship a specimen to a taxidermist if I can't drive to Bailey?
Shipping frozen specimens is possible but requires careful packaging to keep the animal frozen throughout transit, and some carriers have restrictions on biological materials. Many customers find it easier to make the drive along US-285 since Bailey is only about an hour from the Denver metro.

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