Wildlife Reflections

Taxidermist in Corvallis, Montana

(406) 207-8751, Corvallis, MT 59828View on Yelp
Wildlife Reflections - taxidermy in Corvallis, MT

About Wildlife Reflections

Wildlife Reflections operates out of Corvallis, Montana, a small town in the Bitterroot Valley where hunting and fishing aren't hobbies but a way of life. The surrounding landscape, from the Sapphire Mountains to the Bitterroot River, means local hunters and anglers bring in everything from bull elk to rainbow trout. Being based in this part of western Montana puts them close to the action, and that regional knowledge shows in how they handle trophy work. If you're hunting the Bitterroot corridor, having a local taxidermist nearby makes the whole process much simpler.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Wildlife Reflections handles the full range of taxidermy work you'd expect from a studio in big-game country. Shoulder mounts for deer and elk are a staple, involving precise skinning, form selection, and hand-finishing to capture a natural pose. Fish mounts, whether skin mounts or reproductions, preserve the colors of a great catch before they fade. Skull cleaning through maceration or beetle colonies strips bone cleanly without damage, and antler mounting gives you a clean display option when a full shoulder mount isn't what you're after.

Service Area

Wildlife Reflections serves Corvallis and the broader Bitterroot Valley, including Hamilton, Victor, and Stevensville. Clients from Missoula also make the drive south for their work. If you're hunting or fishing anywhere along the Highway 93 corridor, they're a convenient stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after harvesting should I get my trophy to a taxidermist?
The sooner the better. Heat and bacteria start breaking down skin and hair quickly after an animal dies, so ideally you'd get the cape or skin in within 24 hours. If that's not possible, cape it out properly and freeze it solid until you can make the trip.
What's the difference between a skin mount and a reproduction for fish?
A skin mount uses the actual fish skin stretched over a form, but colors fade over time and the process is more delicate. A reproduction is a fiberglass cast painted to match your fish's exact coloring at time of catch, and it holds up better long-term. Many anglers in the Bitterroot area go with reproductions for their best catches.
How long does a typical shoulder mount take to complete?
Deer and elk shoulder mounts usually take anywhere from six months to over a year depending on the studio's current workload. Montana hunting seasons bring in a surge of work in fall, so pieces dropped off in November might not be ready until late the following year. Ask for a specific timeline estimate when you drop off.
Do I need to do anything to prepare my elk cape before drop-off?
You'll want to cape it out past the shoulder, leaving plenty of hide for the taxidermist to work with. Avoid cutting too close to the skull, and if you're not dropping it off immediately, salt the hide heavily or freeze it. Never leave a capped hide in a warm vehicle or bag for long.
Can a taxidermist work with a trophy that was damaged in the field?
Yes, experienced taxidermists repair bullet damage, hide tears, and other field imperfections regularly. The extent of the repair depends on how severe the damage is and where it's located. It's worth describing the damage when you call ahead so they can give you a realistic assessment.
What's skull cleaning and when would I choose it over a full mount?
Skull cleaning removes all tissue from the skull and antlers, leaving a clean, natural bone display. It's a popular option when you want to preserve the antlers without the cost or space of a full shoulder mount. European mounts, as they're called, have become very popular in Montana for deer and elk.

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