The Modern Taxidermy Business Setup Guide
How to Build a Professional Taxidermy Shop That Runs Smooth, Efficient, and Profitable
Taxidermy is one of the most specialized crafts in the outdoor industry. It’s equal parts art, biology, and craftsmanship. But if you want to run a successful taxidermy business long-term, your shop must operate like a professional company—not just a workshop.
A modern taxidermy shop requires strong systems: customer intake, workflow tracking, proper storage, clean organization, reliable equipment, and professional communication.
This guide breaks down the key components you need to set up a taxidermy business the right way.
1. Build Your Shop Around Workflow
One of the biggest mistakes new taxidermists make is building their shop layout randomly. A modern shop is organized like an assembly line, with each section serving a purpose.
Ideal Workflow Zones:
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Customer intake / office area
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Freezer and hide storage
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Skinning and fleshing area
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Tanning prep area
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Form prep / mounting area
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Drying racks and finishing area
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Paint booth / airbrush station
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Storage for completed mounts
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Pickup display area
The smoother your workflow is, the faster your turnaround time will be.
2. Create a Professional Customer Intake System
Customers don’t just drop off a deer—they drop off a memory. The intake process sets the tone for your business.
Your Intake System Should Include:
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Customer contract
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Species and tag information
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Pose preferences
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Habitat / pedestal options
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Deposit policy and pricing sheet
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Completion timeline expectations
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Reference photo collection
Best Practice:
Use both paper forms and a digital system so nothing gets lost.
A professional intake system reduces confusion, prevents disputes, and makes your shop look high-end.
3. Use a Taxidermy Tracking System (Digital or Hybrid)
Modern taxidermy shops don’t rely on memory or sticky notes.
Your tracking system should allow you to record:
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Customer name and contact info
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Species and date of intake
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Deposit amount and payment status
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Tanning stage
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Mounting stage
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Finish work stage
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Pickup status and final balance
Options:
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Taxidermy software systems
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CRM tools (like service-based business platforms)
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Custom spreadsheets
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Cloud folder organization
If you can track each mount like a “job ticket,” you’ll run your shop like a business.
4. Choose the Right Technology Setup
A taxidermy shop needs more than a phone.
Best Tech Setup:
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Desktop or laptop for office work
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Smartphone for photos and communication
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Tablet (optional) for intake and customer presentation
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Printer/scanner for paperwork and contracts
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Cloud storage for backup and organization
A reliable system prevents lost photos, lost forms, and missed payments.
5. Invest in Office Essentials (Yes, They Matter)
A professional shop needs a professional office.
Must-Have Office Supplies:
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Pens, permanent markers, pencils
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File folders and customer binders
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Label maker and waterproof tags
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Shredder for sensitive documents
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Receipt book and invoice templates
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Quality desk and ergonomic chair
Your office is command central. If it’s chaotic, your shop will be chaotic.
6. Shop Equipment & Work Stations
Your tools and workstations determine your speed, quality, and consistency.
Core Workstation Equipment:
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Heavy-duty fleshing beam and fleshing tools
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Pressure washer (depending on setup)
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Mounting stands and brackets
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Drying racks
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Measuring tapes, calipers, and rulers
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Air compressor and airbrush system
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Paint booth or paint-safe zone
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Hand tools (knives, scalpels, grinders, drills)
Pro Tip:
Set up your stations to minimize walking back and forth. Efficiency adds up fast during busy season.
7. Storage and Organization Systems
A modern taxidermy shop is organized like a warehouse.
What You Need:
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Shelving for forms and mannequins
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Labeled bins for ear liners, eyes, clay, etc.
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Sealed chemical storage cabinet
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Freezer organization system
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Hanging racks for capes and hides
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Finished mount storage area
Organization prevents costly mistakes, such as mixing capes or losing parts.
8. Freezers, Hide Preservation & Safety
Your freezer system is one of the most important investments in the business.
Freezer Best Practices:
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Use dedicated freezers (not household food freezers)
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Tag everything immediately
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Separate capes by customer and species
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Keep an inventory list (paper + digital)
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Store hides in sealed bags to prevent freezer burn
Freezer burn ruins capes and ruins reputations.
9. Branding and Customer Trust
A modern shop doesn’t look like a cluttered garage. It feels clean, professional, and trustworthy.
Branding Essentials:
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Business cards
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Logo and consistent colors
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Branded intake forms and receipts
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Mount care sheets for customers
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Shop signage
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Professional lighting and displays
Even if your work is incredible, presentation affects how much customers trust your business.
10. Pricing Structure & Deposit Policies
If you don’t have policies, customers will create them for you.
A Modern Shop Should Have:
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Clear price list
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Clear deposit requirement
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Rush fees (if offered)
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Storage fees for unclaimed mounts
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Pickup deadline policies
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Balance due policy before delivery
Policies protect your time and your income.
11. Marketing for Taxidermy Shops (Modern Strategy)
Word of mouth is still king—but modern taxidermists grow faster with consistent online marketing.
Best Marketing Tools:
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Google Business Profile
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Facebook and Instagram pages
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A clean professional website
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Before-and-after photo galleries
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Customer testimonials
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Seasonal reminders (deer season, elk season, turkey season)
Content That Builds Trust:
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Field care guides
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“How to cape out a deer” posts
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Behind-the-scenes shop work
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Trophy care tips
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Taxidermy FAQs
The more helpful you are, the more customers view you as the expert.
12. Customer Communication Systems
Modern customers expect updates.
You should have a system for:
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Text updates
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Photo updates
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Completion notifications
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Pickup reminders
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Balance due reminders
Even a simple “Your elk is in finishing stage” message makes customers feel confident.
13. Hiring and Scaling Your Shop
Once you grow, you may need help.
Roles Taxidermy Shops Commonly Add:
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Office/admin assistant
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Cape prep technician
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Finishing artist
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Apprentice or shop helper
The key to scaling is having processes that don’t rely on only one person.
14. Cleanliness, Shop Safety & Professional Standards
Taxidermy shops handle chemicals, biological materials, sharp tools, and dust.
Must-Have Safety Items:
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Gloves, masks, and eye protection
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Proper ventilation
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Shop aprons and washable workwear
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Chemical storage and labeling
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Biohazard disposal plan
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First aid kit
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Fire extinguisher
A clean shop is safer, more efficient, and more professional.
Final Thoughts: A Modern Taxidermy Shop Is a Business First
The best taxidermists in the industry aren’t just talented artists—they run organized, efficient businesses.
A modern setup means:
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Better customer experience
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Faster workflow
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Higher quality control
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Stronger reputation
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More referrals
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More profit
If your shop is organized and professional behind the scenes, your finished mounts will reflect that excellence.
Quick Checklist: Modern Taxidermy Business Setup Essentials
✅ Organized shop workflow zones
✅ Professional customer intake forms
✅ Digital tracking system
✅ Desktop/laptop + smartphone system
✅ Printer/scanner and file organization
✅ Freezer system and labeling process
✅ Storage racks and organized inventory
✅ Clear pricing and deposit policies
✅ Website + social media presence
✅ Customer update process
✅ Safety equipment and ventilation
✅ Branding materials and clean presentation
