Top Notch Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Brookings, South Dakota

(605) 691-11454517 34th Ave, Brookings, SD 57006View on Yelp

About Top Notch Taxidermy

Top Notch Taxidermy is based in Brookings, South Dakota, home to South Dakota State University and surrounded by some of the state's most productive pheasant and deer hunting country. Brookings County sits in the heart of eastern South Dakota's agricultural landscape, where big whitetail bucks and rooster pheasants make for serious trophy opportunities. The studio's name sets a clear expectation, and in a college town with a competitive, educated customer base, living up to that standard matters. Hunters throughout the Brookings area have a local option they can count on for professional work.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Top Notch Taxidermy handles the variety of mounts that Brookings-area hunters consistently need. Shoulder mounts for whitetail deer are the bread and butter of any eastern South Dakota studio, requiring precise ear positioning, hand-detailed nose work, and careful hide stretching. Pheasant full-body mounts are another staple here, given that Brookings County is prime rooster territory during the October season. Fish mounts for walleye and bass caught in nearby Lake Campbell and Lake Hendricks round out the typical service offerings, along with antler mounting for those who prefer a simpler display.

Service Area

Top Notch Taxidermy serves hunters and anglers throughout Brookings and the surrounding communities, including Volga, Aurora, and Castlewood. The studio draws customers from across Brookings County and neighboring Deuel and Kingsbury counties. Its central location in one of eastern South Dakota's larger cities makes it a go-to stop for sportsmen throughout the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Top Notch Taxidermy work with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks regulations on mounted specimens?
Yes, any reputable taxidermist in South Dakota is familiar with state and federal regulations governing the mounting of native species. Protected species like raptors require special permits, so always check with GFP before attempting to have a non-game bird mounted.
Can I get a mount done as a gift for someone else in the Brookings area?
Absolutely. Just make sure you have all the details about the specimen and what the recipient would want in terms of pose and display style. It helps to have a photo of the animal for reference if you're coordinating the order on someone else's behalf.
What makes a good quality taxidermy mount versus a poor one?
Quality mounts have tight, even skin with no gaps or wrinkles around the eyes and nose, natural-looking glass eyes with appropriate coloration, and a pose that reflects how the animal actually looks in the wild. Poor mounts often show these details handled carelessly, and the difference is obvious on a wall.
Is there a best time of year to drop off a deer mount in Brookings?
Right after you harvest is the best time, since the cape is at its freshest. If you can get it in before the November rifle season peak, you may also benefit from a shorter wait time since studios get swamped after the main deer season opens.
How do I find the right pose for my deer mount?
Most taxidermists will show you a catalog of form options with different head angles, ear positions, and facial expressions ranging from relaxed to alert. Photos of the deer in the field or photos you find online of similar bucks can also help communicate what you're looking for.
Does the studio handle shipping for out-of-state customers who hunted near Brookings?
Some studios offer shipping or crating services for customers who travel to South Dakota to hunt and need their finished mount sent home. It's best to ask directly when you drop off your work and factor any shipping costs into your total budget.

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