Frequently Asked Questions
Your taxidermy questions, answered!
“I JUST SHOT AN ‘X’, HOW MUCH TO GET IT STUFFED?”
As an ethical taxidermist with a love for conservation and nature, I do not take on any commissions of specimens that have been shot for so called ‘sport’ or pleasure, especially on our declining native species. Humans do enough damage to the world as it is, we don’t need to deplete the little biodiversity we have left, even further.
IT SAYS ‘OUT OF STOCK’, IS IT STILL AVAILABLE?
To indicate wether or not a product is out of stock, please check for a notice under the description of the item. If it’s available and in stock, you will be able to add it to the cart.
DO YOU DO PETS?
Due to the huge responsibility that comes with working with pets and for in depth reasons mentioned here, this is a service I do not offer. However, as a fine artist, I am able to paint a realistic portrait of your beloved pet as an alternative (subject to availability). This way, I can capture your pets character and ‘spark’, which is something that’s not possible with taxidermy.
WHAT ARE THEY STUFFED WITH?
Taxidermy isn’t ‘stuffed’ with anything. Treated skins are mounted on to hand-made mannequins carved and sculpted from balsa wood, wood-wool or foam. They’re made with absolute accuracy down to the millimetre to mimic the carcass that’s left behind.
DO YOU TEACH TAXIDERMY?
Due to lack of time and resources, I do not currently offer classes or tuition on taxidermy.
IS IT LEGAL?
I am very aware of ever changing rules and regulations issued by DEFRA and I fully comply with various wildlife laws. I hold the required licenses for the possession of some protected species, such as CITES listed species. I am also a proud member of the UK Guild Of Taxidermists, which always keeps me up to date with various law changes.
DO YOU KILL THESE ANIMALS?!
Absolutely not! None of the taxidermy animals displayed are killed purposefully for taxidermy – I do not tolerate people killing animals for profit, sport or pleasure. The majority of animals I work with are donated to me from kind people who have found things whilst out and about, or have had a poor bird fly in to their window.
Others are sourced from local roadkill, the result of a natural death from breeders, or the result of ethical, legal pest control.
I want to be the one to change people’s perception of taxidermists – I’m actively trying to support wildlife conservation charities by donating 10% of the sales made from my art and taxidermy to them. Suffolk Wildlife Trust being one of them that is close to my heart.
I JUST FOUND A DEAD ANIMAL…
If you have found a deceased animal and would like it mounted, it will need to be temporarily preserved until I can obtain the specimen. To do this, please make the specimen is well wrapped up in clingfilm (if possible) or a bag to be put in the freezer as soon as possible to keep it fresh.
Please note: I will only consider specimens if they are fresh, in good condition and were legally acquired.
PLEASE CAN YOU CHECK MY MOUNT BEFORE I FLY IT TO THE U.S.A?
Please see this guide that explains in detail the processes you need to take to safely get your taxidermy to where you need it to be.