Most states allow buying finished taxidermy mounts if legally sourced, but rules vary by state and species. Federal laws protect migratory birds, endangered species, and require CITES permits for exotic animals. Buy with confidence from retailers who handle all documentation. Browse our legally compliant taxidermy collection with included permits.
Buying taxidermy isn’t as simple as clicking “add to cart.” Wildlife laws at federal and state levels regulate what can be sold, who can sell it, and what documentation you need. Get it wrong and you could face fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.
Federal Laws That Apply Nationwide
Before diving into state regulations, understand these federal restrictions that override everything else:
Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
The MBTA protects most bird species in the United States. You cannot buy, sell, or possess mounts of:
- Songbirds (robins, cardinals, sparrows, etc.)
- Hawks and owls
- Waterfowl taken illegally
- Most wild game birds
Exception: Legally hunted waterfowl (ducks, geese) can be mounted and possessed if taken under valid hunting licenses. However, selling these mounts gets complicated and most taxidermists won’t do it.
What you can buy: Non-native birds like European starlings, English sparrows, and domestic pigeons aren’t protected. Exotic birds (parrots, cockatoos) require CITES permits.
Endangered Species Act (ESA)
Any species listed as endangered or threatened cannot be sold without special permits, regardless of when it was mounted. This includes:
- Grizzly bears (in most states)
- Jaguars
- Certain leopard subspecies
- Wolves in some regions
Violating ESA regulations carries penalties up to $50,000 per violation.
CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
CITES regulates international wildlife trade through a three-tier system:
Appendix I: Most endangered species. Commercial trade prohibited except for pre-1975 specimens with documentation.
Appendix II: Threatened species. Trade allowed with proper permits. Most African game animals fall here (lions, leopards, elephants).
Appendix III: Protected in specific countries. Requires export permits from origin countries.
When buying exotic mounts (African animals, big cats, primates), verify the seller provides CITES documentation. All our exotic taxidermy includes necessary permits.
State Laws: What’s Legal Where You Live
State regulations vary dramatically. Here’s what you need to know for common game animals:
Deer (Whitetail and Mule Deer)
States where finished deer mounts can be legally sold:
Most states allow the sale of completed taxidermy deer mounts, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
States with restrictions:
Delaware: Cannot sell whitetail or Sika deer mounts with antlers attached. Tanned hides alone are okay.
New Jersey: Cannot sell deer parts unless the animal wasn’t native to New Jersey. Out-of-state deer mounts are allowed.
Pennsylvania: Requires a $5 permit to sell any mounted specimen. Available through the Game Commission.
South Carolina: No whitetail deer mounts with antlers still attached to skull plates.
Virginia: Cannot sell mounts of animals native to Virginia. Only licensed taxidermists can sell finished products.
Always verify current regulations in your state, as laws change frequently.
Bear Mounts
Federal restriction: Grizzly bears are federally protected in the lower 48 states. Cannot be sold without pre-ESA documentation.
State restrictions:
South Carolina: No bear parts or mounts can be sold.
Tennessee: Cannot sell bear mounts with velvet antlers.
Wisconsin: Only bear skins with paws attached, heads, claws, and antlers can be sold.
Black bear mounts are legal in most states if lawfully taken. Our bear taxidermy includes all legal documentation.
Turkey Mounts
Wild turkey regulations are strict because they’re popular game birds:
Most states allow: Finished turkey mounts if the bird was legally harvested.
Restrictions:
South Carolina: No wild turkey parts unless you’re a registered Native American.
Mississippi: Can sell turkey parts except the meat.
Always ask if the mount comes with harvest tags or documentation proving legal take.
Exotic Animals (Lions, Leopards, Zebras, etc.)
Exotic mounts almost always require CITES permits. The seller must provide:
- CITES export permit (if imported)
- CITES import permit (US Fish and Wildlife)
- Proof of legal acquisition
- Bill of sale
Buying from reputable dealers eliminates this headache. We handle all permitting for exotic species.
Documentation You Should Receive
Every legal taxidermy purchase should include:
Bill of sale showing:
- Seller’s name and contact information
- Buyer’s name and address
- Species (common and scientific name)
- Date of sale
- Price paid
Harvest documentation (for game animals):
- State of origin
- Tag number or harvest confirmation number
- Hunter’s name (if applicable)
- Season and year harvested
CITES permits (for exotic species):
- Original export permit from country of origin
- US import permit
- Certificate number and issue date
Species verification:
- Scientific name confirmation
- Age of mount (important for pre-Act specimens)
Keep these documents with the mount. If you move states or sell it later, you’ll need proof of legal ownership.
Estate Sales and Auctions: Special Considerations
Buying taxidermy from estates requires extra caution:
Verify the seller’s authority. They should have probate documentation showing they legally represent the estate.
Request original documentation. Just because someone’s grandfather owned it doesn’t mean it was legal then or is legal now.
Pre-Act exemptions. Specimens mounted before certain laws took effect may be legal to own but not sell. Get expert verification.
State-specific estate sale permits. Some states require special permits to sell taxidermy from estates. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and North Carolina have specific procedures.
Shipping Across State Lines
Transporting taxidermy between states adds another legal layer:
Lacey Act compliance. The Lacey Act makes it illegal to transport wildlife taken, possessed, or sold in violation of state law. If it’s illegal in the origin state, it’s illegal everywhere.
Interstate commerce. Some species legal to possess in one state cannot be transported to others. Black bear, for example, has different rules in different states.
Carrier restrictions. FedEx and UPS have policies about shipping wildlife products. Proper documentation prevents seizure.
Inspections. US Fish and Wildlife Service can inspect packages. Undocumented mounts will be confiscated.
Reputable sellers handle shipping documentation. We ship nationwide with all required permits.
Marine Mammals: Special Rules
Marine mammal taxidermy (seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales) falls under the Marine Mammal Protection Act:
Pre-1972 specimens (before the MMPA) can be sold with proof of age.
Post-1972 specimens cannot be sold except for Alaskan Native handicrafts.
Polar bear mounts require pre-1972 documentation or Alaskan Native exemption.
Verify age documentation before buying any marine mammal taxidermy.
Fish Mounts: Usually Okay
Fish regulations are generally more relaxed than game animals:
Freshwater fish: Most states allow selling mounted fish that were legally caught. Florida specifically allows selling mounted fish as a courtesy to taxidermists.
Saltwater fish: Fewer restrictions on most species.
Endangered fish: Sturgeon and some salmon runs are protected. Verify species.
State restrictions: A few states prohibit selling any fish taken from their waters. Check local laws.
Buying from Reputable Retailers
The easiest way to ensure legal compliance is buying from established taxidermy retailers:
We verify legal sourcing before listing any mount.
All permits included with exotic species.
Harvest documentation provided for game animals.
State-by-state compliance ensured for shipping.
Expert guidance on species-specific regulations.
Browse our complete inventory knowing every mount meets federal and state requirements.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
When in doubt about a potential purchase:
Contact your state fish and wildlife agency. They can confirm whether a specific mount is legal in your state.
Request documentation first. Ask the seller to provide all permits and paperwork before committing to buy.
Consult with an attorney. For expensive or rare specimens, legal review protects your investment.
Buy from licensed dealers. Reputable retailers won’t risk their licenses selling illegal mounts.
Check recent law changes. Wildlife regulations update frequently. What was legal two years ago might not be legal today.
Penalties for Illegal Possession
The consequences for owning illegal taxidermy can be severe:
Federal violations:
- Fines up to $50,000 per specimen
- Up to one year imprisonment
- Forfeiture of the mount
- Permanent record affecting future hunting privileges
State violations:
- Fines $500-$10,000 depending on species and state
- Potential jail time for repeat offenses
- Loss of hunting licenses
- Confiscation of all illegally possessed wildlife
“I didn’t know it was illegal” isn’t a defense. You’re responsible for ensuring your taxidermy is legally acquired and possessed.
Future-Proofing Your Purchase
Once you own taxidermy legally, protect yourself:
Keep all documentation permanently. Store it with the mount or in a safe place you won’t forget.
Photograph the paperwork. Digital backups prevent loss.
Register valuable pieces. Some states and organizations maintain registries for expensive or rare mounts.
Update documentation when moving states. Some states require notification or new permits.
Plan for estate transfers. Include taxidermy in your will with instructions about documentation.
Final Thoughts
Buying taxidermy legally isn’t complicated if you follow these guidelines:
- Understand federal laws that apply everywhere
- Know your state’s specific regulations
- Buy from reputable sellers who provide documentation
- Keep all paperwork permanently
- When in doubt, ask before you buy
The peace of mind knowing your collection is completely legal is worth the extra diligence.
Shop with Confidence
Every mount in our collection includes complete legal documentation, transparent sourcing information, and compliance with federal and state regulations. No guesswork, no risk.
Browse Legally Verified Mounts →
Questions about specific species or state regulations? Contact our team for expert guidance.
This guide provides general information but is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify current laws with appropriate authorities before purchasing taxidermy. All mounts we sell include necessary documentation and comply with current federal and state regulations.