Taxidermy Mike's

Taxidermist in Andover, Minnesota

5(1 reviews)
(763) 422-200716721 Valley Dr NW, Andover, MN 55304View on Yelp
Taxidermy Mike's - taxidermy in Andover, MN

Customer Reviews

5
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1 reviews

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About Taxidermy Mike's

Taxidermy Mike's is located in Andover, a northern Anoka County suburb that borders some of the most accessible deer and waterfowl habitat in the greater Twin Cities region. The shop holds a 5-star rating and serves a community where hunting is a genuine part of local culture, not just an occasional activity. Andover sits within easy reach of the Rum River corridor and the lakes and marshes of northern Anoka County, which means a steady stream of game fish, waterfowl, and deer work comes through the door. Mike can be reached at (763) 422-2007.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Taxidermy Mike's handles the full range of mounts you'd expect from a northern metro Minnesota shop, including whitetail deer shoulder mounts and full body mounts, waterfowl mounts, and fish mounts from local lakes and rivers. Antler mounting and euro skull mounts are popular lower-cost options for deer hunters who want something on the wall without the full investment. The shop's location in Anoka County means Mike sees a lot of local deer harvests each fall and is experienced with the specific field conditions hunters in this part of the state deal with. Custom poses and detailed finishing work set quality shops apart at this level.

Service Area

The shop serves Andover and surrounding Anoka County communities including Anoka, Ramsey, Elk River, and Coon Rapids. Hunters and anglers from the northern Twin Cities metro find Andover a convenient stop rather than driving further out of town. The area's proximity to the Rum River and several regional wildlife management areas keeps the local hunting community active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Taxidermy Mike's handle waterfowl mounts from local Minnesota hunting?
Andover sits near several productive waterfowl areas in Anoka County, so it's a natural fit for duck and goose mount requests. Full body waterfowl mounts require careful feather preservation and detailed finishing to look right, which is a skill set worth asking about specifically.
What's the difference between a euro mount and a shoulder mount for deer?
A euro mount involves cleaning the skull down to bare bone and mounting it, often with the antlers still attached, as a minimalist display piece. A shoulder mount includes the preserved hide, glass eyes, and finished forms to recreate the animal's appearance, which is a larger and more involved project.
Can I get a walleye or bass mount done at a shop that mainly does big game?
Most experienced taxidermists handle fish mounts alongside big game work, though it's worth asking upfront whether they use skin mounts or reproduction fiberglass mounts for fish. Reproduction mounts don't require the actual fish and are often recommended for catch-and-release situations.
How far in advance should I contact a taxidermist before deer season?
Reaching out before or early in the season is smart because popular shops fill up quickly after opening weekend. A quick call in October can help you understand the shop's current capacity and avoid showing up after a harvest with nowhere to bring your cape.
What should I look for when evaluating a finished taxidermy mount?
Check for natural eye placement and expression, tight seams along any cuts, smooth hide with no gaps or puckering, and accurate coloration that matches the live animal. A mount that looks stiff or has visible wrinkles in the hide is a sign of shortcuts in the process.
Is a 5-star rating reliable if there's only one review?
One positive review is a start, but it's best paired with other verification like photos of finished work, referrals from local hunting friends, or a quick visit to see pieces on display in the shop. Many satisfied customers in rural and suburban hunting communities simply never leave reviews.

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