Phone: (763) 262-0370

Preserving more than a trophy -- Preserving a Memory.

Smoky Hills Taxidermy is owned and operated by a professional taxidermist, Jim Malzahn. We are located in Becker, Minnesota and take great care and pride in preserving your memories.

At Smoky Hills Taxidermy we understand that you are bringing us more than just an animal to mount, you are bringing with it a story. Whether that story is simply a trophy record fish or your child’s first buck, we will take the time needed to make it look as realistic as possible and preserve the memory that goes with it.

We provide quality service that is reasonably priced and we guarantee you will have your mount back within one year or less.

Field Care of Trophies

Fish

We prefer to receive fish un-skinned. Slick the fins down along the body and place the fish in plastic bags and freeze as flat as possible. If the entrails must be removed, cut the fish open on the side, preserving the show or the perfect side. Never cut the fish up the belly or remove the gills.

Birds

Do not remove the entrails. Tuck the head under one wing and freeze it as soon as possible. Please do not break any bones (wings, legs, etc.)

Game Heads

  • Never cut the throat. This cuts the hair and is impossible to repair.
  • Cut around the body behind the front legs.
  • Skin down to the base of the head and cut off the neck.
  • Bring the mount into the shop as soon as possible or freeze it solid until a more convenient time.

Rugs & Life-size

***IMPORTANT Make sure that all cuts are straight and centered.

  • Start at the throat and cut exactly down the center to the tail.
  • Leg Cuts are made from the center of the pad.
  • Skin the legs and sever feet at the ankle joint, leaving the feet intact.
  • Skin out the body and detach head from the carcass at the neck.

If freezer space is available, freeze solid and leave the skinning to us.