Whidbey Island Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Oak Harbor, Washington

(360) 675-90081685 Carlton Way, Oak Harbor, WA 98277View on Yelp

About Whidbey Island Taxidermy

Whidbey Island Taxidermy serves hunters and anglers in Oak Harbor, Washington, right in the heart of island country where wildlife encounters are a regular part of life. Whidbey Island sits along the Puget Sound flyway, making it a hotspot for waterfowl hunters and deer hunters alike. Local taxidermists here understand the specific species Pacific Northwest sportsmen bring in, from Roosevelt elk to black-tailed deer to the ducks that pour through the Skagit Valley corridor. That regional knowledge makes a real difference in the quality and realism of a finished mount.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Trophy mounts are a core offering, preserving whitetail, mule deer, and elk shoulder mounts with attention to natural ear and eye positioning. Fish taxidermy is popular here given the proximity to Puget Sound salmon runs, with skin mounts and reproduction casts both available depending on the client's preference. Bird mounts are another specialty, particularly for the waterfowl hunters who work the island's marshes and fields each fall. Skull cleaning and antler mounting round out the menu for hunters who want a clean, lasting display without a full skin mount.

Service Area

Whidbey Island Taxidermy primarily serves Oak Harbor and the broader Whidbey Island community, including Coupeville and Langley. They're also accessible to hunters and anglers coming from the Anacortes area via the ferry route, making them a practical stop for anyone hunting or fishing the San Juan Islands corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I care for my deer or elk in the field before bringing it in?
Keep the hide cool and dry as soon as possible after the harvest. Avoid cutting the throat or making unnecessary incisions near the shoulder area if you're planning a shoulder mount, and get the animal to the taxidermist within 24 to 48 hours if you can.
How long does a shoulder mount typically take?
Most shoulder mounts take between four and eight months depending on the taxidermist's current workload and the complexity of the piece. Busy fall and winter seasons after hunting season can push timelines longer, so it's worth asking when you drop off your specimen.
Can you mount fish caught in Puget Sound?
Yes, local taxidermists regularly work with salmon, lingcod, halibut, and other saltwater species common to the Puget Sound region. Both skin mounts and fiberglass reproductions are options, with reproductions often preferred for fish that will be released or that have delicate scale patterns.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a reproduction for fish?
A skin mount uses the actual skin of the fish stretched over a foam form, while a reproduction is a fiberglass cast painted to match your specific fish. Reproductions tend to be more durable over time and are a good choice for catch-and-release anglers who only have photos and measurements to work from.
Do you work with waterfowl from the Skagit Valley area?
Waterfowl mounts are a common request for hunters working the flyways around Whidbey Island and the nearby Skagit delta. Ducks and geese need to be kept whole and chilled quickly after harvest to preserve feather condition, so timing matters a lot with bird work.
What information do I need to bring when I drop off my specimen?
Bring your hunting or fishing license and any required tags or harvest documentation, as taxidermists are required to record this information. It also helps to bring reference photos if you have a specific pose or habitat setting in mind for the finished mount.

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