FAQs

If you’re planning a hunt, contact Dave, our production manager. He’ll guide you through the process and create a file to get things started.

If you’ve already harvested a trophy, send us an email with a photo of you and your animal, along with your contact information, and Dave will reach out to you. Alternatively, you can call the studio directly, and Dave will be happy to answer any questions you have.

We provide a skinning diagram that we encourage all clients to follow when preparing a predator for taxidermy. While we can repair damaged or dorsal-cut skins, please note that additional charges may apply for such repairs.

Weapon Choice
Mountain lions have thin skin and are typically taken at close range. High-powered centerfire magnum rifles are often excessive and can cause irreparable damage. For optimal results, consider using a firearm like a scoped .30-30, .223, or .22-250, and aim to avoid larger bones in the front legs to minimize damage.

If hunting with archery equipment, we recommend using broadheads with a small cutting diameter and avoiding expandable broadheads, as they can cause significant damage to the hide, making taxidermy more challenging.

Every year, we receive dozens of frozen cougar hides. Following these guidelines will help ensure your trophy arrives in excellent condition:

• Notify Us First: Call us ahead of time to let us know the date you plan to ship. Once shipped, text or email us a photo of the tracking number. We’ll track the shipment alongside you and confirm its arrival on the scheduled delivery date.

• Freeze Thoroughly: Ensure your trophy is completely frozen solid. A rolled-up cougar can take four to five days to freeze through to the center. For best results, place the partially frozen hide in an inexpensive ice chest or a well-insulated box.

• Timing and Shipping Method: Ship on a Monday or Tuesday. We recommend overnight shipping. During colder months, 2-day air is acceptable if shipped on a Monday. Avoid shipping during a holiday week or the week before a holiday. Never ship perishable trophies via USPS; always use FedEx or UPS.

• Salted and Dried Hides: If the hide is fleshed, salted, and dried, you can ship it ground in a box.

• Insure Your Shipment: Insure your package for a substantial amount—at least several thousand dollars—to ensure the shipper takes responsibility. Since COVID, shipping reliability has changed significantly, and "guaranteed" delivery isn’t always guaranteed.

We can help streamline the process of bringing your trophy home:

• Contact Us: Reach out to us, and we’ll connect you with a trusted broker or expeditor who can assist with the necessary permits and transportation logistics.

• Shipping to Your Door: Once your trophy is complete, we can crate and ship it directly to your home.

• Canada & International Shipping: Due to extensive government regulations, we no longer pick up work in Canada, but we do still deliver there. Unfortunately, we no longer offer shipping services overseas because of the increasing complexities involved.

The timeline for completing your trophy depends on the time of year we receive it. Generally, you can expect a turnaround time of 12 to 16 months.