Do you do fish mounts?

We do not mount fish, we make high-quality, individualized replicas. Be sure to take several good photos of your catch from different angles. We will use these images to faithfully reproduce the colors and details of your fish. Send your photos to us along with accurate measurements of the length, width, girth and weight. For billfish, measure the length from the center of the tail fork to the furthest point of the lower jaw.

I plan on cleaning my trophy in the field, do you have any advice?

When cleaning large animals like deer, be careful not to cut into the brisket or neck area. If you get blood on the hide during cleaning, be sure to immediately rinse it off. To keep the hide and delicate facial features in good shape, don’t simply drag your trophy to your vehicle. Instead, use a sled or ATV, or place the animal on a tarp to prevent damage.

For smaller animals such rabbits or foxes, we recommend leaving the animal whole. Skinning and gutting small game destined for the taxidermy studio takes precision–leave that work to us. If you are unable to ship us your trophy immediately, freeze the carcass in a plastic bag once it has cooled. It’s a good idea to wrap the head in paper towels first to preserve fragile facial details.

Is shot placement really that critical?

Yes, shot placement is one of the major factors that will determine the final quality of your mount. A poorly placed bullet will severely limit the options for mounting, and in some cases, make the carcass unusable. Taking the time to get your shot just right is of prime importance if you want to preserve your trophy.

How do I prepare my trophies to be shipped to Vanderpol Taxidermy?

The way that your trophy is cleaned and prepared for shipping will have a large effect on the quality of the finished mount we deliver to you. Just as important are the materials used to wrap and protect the trophy during shipping: Always use plastic to wrap your trophy, never use newspaper. Be sure to understand all state and federal regulations pertaining to shipping animals across state lines or international borders.

How do I get my trophies to Vanderpol Taxidermy?

Before packaging and shipping your trophy to Vanderpol Taxidermy, it is very important to make sure we have all your information. We must have all the details about you, your hunt and the animal so we can ensure we have the time and space to dedicate to your project.

To start, we will need your full legal name, address and contact details. We will also need all pertinent information about the hunt, including your hunting license number and all information contained on any tags or permits. Please be sure to include the date and location in which the hunt took place along with any measurements or photos obtained in the field.

Once you have contacted us, provided all of the necessary information and know how to properly package and ship your trophy, you may ship it to our Taxidermy Studio in Molino, Florida. We highly recommend insuring your shipment with the carrier.

Shipping Address:

Vanderpol Taxidermy

Attn: Ron Vanderpol
84 Cantering Hills Lane
Molino, FL 32577