Winchel's Taxidermy

Taxidermist in Sebastopol, California

2.5(2 reviews)
(707) 823-5466, Sebastopol, CA 95472View on Yelp

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2.5
out of 5
2 reviews

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About Winchel's Taxidermy

Winchel's Taxidermy is located in Sebastopol, a small city in Sonoma County known for its proximity to coastal and inland hunting grounds. With Sonoma County offering deer, wild boar, and waterfowl hunting across its ranches and wetlands, local taxidermists stay busy year-round. This shop holds a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews, so it's worth calling ahead to discuss your specific project and expectations. Hunters in the area looking for trophy preservation have a local option without the long drive to Santa Rosa.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Winchel's Taxidermy offers general taxidermy services covering the most common requests from hunters and anglers in Sonoma County. Deer shoulder mounts are a staple, involving careful skinning, form selection, and hand-finishing to capture a natural pose. Fish mounts, popular among anglers working the Russian River and nearby coastal waters, require detailed scale and color recreation. Bird work is also common in this region given the active waterfowl seasons in the nearby Laguna de Santa Rosa wetlands.

Service Area

Winchel's Taxidermy serves Sebastopol and the surrounding Sonoma County area, including Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Rohnert Park. Customers from coastal communities like Bodega Bay also make the short drive for local taxidermy work. The shop's location puts it within easy reach of Marin County hunters and anglers to the south.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with my deer cape before bringing it to the taxidermist?
Keep the cape as cool as possible after the harvest, ideally on ice or refrigerated, to prevent slippage and hair loss. Don't over-cut the hide around the neck and shoulders, because taxidermists need enough material to work with for a proper shoulder mount.
How long does a typical deer shoulder mount take?
Most deer shoulder mounts take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on the shop's current backlog and the complexity of your order. Busy hunting seasons in the fall often push timelines out, so dropping off early in the year can sometimes speed things up.
Can you mount fish that were caught in the Russian River?
Yes, local fish like steelhead and salmon are common requests in Sonoma County. You'll want to either keep the fish fresh on ice or freeze it whole until you can get it to the shop, since freezer burn and dehydration affect the final result.
What is the difference between a reproduction fish mount and a skin mount?
A skin mount uses the actual fish's skin stretched over a foam form, while a reproduction is cast from measurements and painted to match your fish. Reproductions tend to last longer and allow you to release the fish alive, which matters for catch-and-release anglers.
Do taxidermists in Sebastopol handle wild boar mounts?
Wild boar hunting is popular throughout Sonoma and Marin counties, so local taxidermists are generally familiar with these projects. Full body mounts and shoulder mounts are both options, and skull cleaning is another popular choice for boar trophies.
How should I store my finished mount at home?
Keep finished mounts away from direct sunlight, high humidity, and extreme temperature swings, all of which can cause fading, cracking, or pest damage over time. Dusting regularly with a soft brush and avoiding damp areas like garages or basements will help your mount last for decades.

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