Weicks Taxidermy Unlimited

Taxidermist in Hopkins, Michigan

(269) 793-3259608 W Main St, Hopkins, MI 49328View on Yelp

About Weicks Taxidermy Unlimited

Weicks Taxidermy Unlimited is located in Hopkins, Michigan, a small Allegan County community surrounded by the farmland and timber cover that makes southwest Michigan one of the state's most productive hunting regions. The word "unlimited" in the name suggests a broad service offering rather than a narrow specialty, which makes sense for a rural studio serving a hunting community with varied game. Allegan County hunters pursue whitetail, wild turkey, pheasant, and waterfowl, giving a full-service studio a healthy mix of work throughout the year. Call (269) 793-3259 to get current pricing and availability.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

A full-service offering typically includes deer shoulder mounts and European skull mounts, the two most requested services in any Michigan taxidermy studio. Turkey fans and full-body bird mounts are popular in southwest Michigan given the region's strong wild turkey population. Fish mounts, particularly for bass, pike, and the walleye caught in nearby Allegan County lakes and the Kalamazoo River system, round out the freshwater side of the work. Rug mounts, antler panel displays, and small mammal mounts give collectors and hunters additional ways to preserve and display their harvests.

Service Area

Weicks Taxidermy Unlimited serves Hopkins and the surrounding Allegan County communities including Wayland, Martin, and Hamilton. Hunters from Kalamazoo County and Barry County regularly make the drive for quality taxidermy work in the area. The studio's rural location in the center of southwest Michigan's hunting country makes it a natural fit for local sportsmen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a full-body turkey mount involve?
A full-body turkey mount recreates the entire bird in a lifelike pose, most commonly a full-strut display with tail fanned and wings dropped. The taxidermist uses the bird's actual feathered skin over a foam form, with wire support for the legs and tail structure. It's a large and impressive display piece that requires a good deal of wall or shelf space.
Can I get just the turkey fan and beard mounted without doing a full bird?
Absolutely. A fan and beard display is a popular and affordable alternative to a full-body turkey mount. The tail feathers are spread, dried, and mounted on a decorative panel along with the beard and sometimes the spurs. It takes up far less space and works well for hunters who bring in multiple birds over the years.
What species of fish are most commonly mounted in Allegan County?
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are probably the most requested fish mounts in southwest Michigan, followed by northern pike and walleye. The Kalamazoo River chain of lakes in Allegan County produces some impressive catches worth preserving. Reproduction mounts are popular for bass since catch-and-release is so common in tournament fishing circles.
How do I find a taxidermist who works on a variety of different animals?
Looking for studios that describe themselves as full-service or use words like 'unlimited' in their name is a good starting point, since it suggests they're comfortable working across multiple species. Calling ahead and describing your specific animal is the best way to confirm they have experience with it. Ask to see photos of similar finished work if you have any doubts.
What's involved in a pheasant or duck mount?
Bird mounts require careful skinning to preserve the feather tracts without damage, followed by cleaning, drying, and stretching the skin over a foam form. The eyes are replaced with glass reproductions, and wire supports are used to hold the legs and wings in a natural position. Flying or landing poses are especially popular for waterfowl and add a dynamic feel to the finished display.
How far in advance should I plan to drop off my deer after harvest?
You don't need to plan far in advance, but you do need to act quickly after the harvest. Get the animal to the studio or into a freezer within 24 to 48 hours, especially in warmer early-season temperatures. Calling ahead to let the taxidermist know you're coming is a courtesy most small studios appreciate, particularly during the busy fall season.

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