Trailhead Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Castroville, Texas

(775) 857-7882, Castroville, TX 78009View on Yelp

About Trailhead Taxidermy

Trailhead Taxidermy is based in Castroville, Texas, a small historic city in Medina County known as 'the Little Alsace of Texas' and situated just west of San Antonio along US-90. The surrounding region is prime South Texas hunting country, with whitetail deer, wild turkey, and feral hog populations that draw serious hunters from across the state. Medina County sits at the edge of the brush country corridor that runs down toward the trophy deer ranches of Webb and Dimmit counties. Having a taxidermist right here on the west side of San Antonio means shorter drives for rural hunters who don't want to haul specimens into the city.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Trailhead Taxidermy handles the kind of work South Texas and Medina County hunters bring in regularly. Whitetail shoulder mounts are the most requested service, involving careful hide preparation, commercial form fitting, and hand-finishing details that bring the mount to life. Full body mounts for coyote, bobcat, and turkey are also popular in this part of Texas, where predator and bird hunters are active year-round. Skull cleaning for European-style displays is a fast-growing service, offering hunters a clean, modern alternative to traditional shoulder mounts that's easier to transport and display.

Service Area

Trailhead Taxidermy serves Castroville and the surrounding Medina County communities, including Hondo, Lytle, and D'Hanis. The shop is also a convenient stop for San Antonio-area hunters heading west on US-90 who want a local provider rather than a big-city shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Trailhead Taxidermy handle wild turkey mounts from the Medina County area?
Yes, Rio Grande turkey mounts are common in this part of Texas, and full fan and body mounts are both available options. The featherwork on a turkey mount requires careful handling, so it's important to keep the bird cool and avoid damage to the tail fan before dropping it off.
What's the typical turnaround time for a deer shoulder mount near Castroville?
Expect somewhere between four and eight months depending on when you drop off and how busy the shop is at that point in the season. Dropping off early in the season or outside of peak deer season can sometimes result in a faster turnaround.
Can I get a rug mount done for a bobcat or coyote?
Rug mounts for predators like bobcat and coyote are a specialty in South Texas, where hunters take these animals regularly on deer leases. The process involves tanning the full hide, adding a felt backing, and mounting the open-mouth head for a dramatic display effect.
How should I store my deer cape if I can't get to the taxidermist right away?
The safest option is to cool the cape as quickly as possible and freeze it solid if delivery will take more than a day or two. Avoid salting unless you've done it before, since uneven salting can damage the hide more than freezing.
Are habitat displays available for mounted specimens?
Habitat displays add a scenic base or background panel to your mount, such as natural rock, driftwood, or painted scenes, to create a more immersive presentation. They're a popular upgrade for full body mounts and make a striking difference in the final display.
Does the shop take walk-ins or is an appointment required?
Most small taxidermy shops in rural Texas welcome walk-ins for consultations and drop-offs, though calling ahead during busy season is always a good idea. Scheduling a time ensures the taxidermist can give your specimen proper attention without rushing.

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