Shipping taxidermy costs $50-$600 depending on size and distance. Proper crating, bubble wrap protection, insurance, and experienced carriers prevent damage. Professional retailers handle all packaging and documentation. Skip the shipping stress and browse our ready-to-ship taxidermy with included shipping.
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Shipping taxidermy makes most buyers nervous. You’re trusting hundreds or thousands of dollars of fragile artwork to boxes, trucks, and delivery drivers. One rough drop and antlers snap, noses crack, or glass eyes shatter.
Here’s how to ship taxidermy safely whether you’re a buyer receiving a mount or a seller sending one.
Shipping Costs: What to Expect
Distance and size determine shipping fees more than weight. A lightweight deer mount in a huge box costs more than a heavy fish in a compact package.
Average Shipping Costs by Mount Type
Small birds and mammals: $50-$125
- Ducks, pheasants, squirrels, rabbits
- Compact boxes, standard carriers
Deer shoulder mounts: $125-$250
- Most common mount shipped
- Size creates the expense, not weight
- Cross-country adds $50-$100
Elk and large game: $250-$400
- Bigger boxes, often requires freight
- Insurance costs more due to value
Bear rugs and hides: $75-$175
- Can be rolled and boxed compactly
- Weight matters more than size
Full body mounts: $300-$600+
- Custom crating required
- Specialty carriers preferred
- Often requires freight shipping
European skulls: $40-$85
- Smallest, easiest to ship
- Standard box sizes work
Regional shipping (within 500 miles) typically costs 30-40% less than cross-country. Shipping from Texas to Tennessee costs less than Texas to Maine.
All our mounts include shipping cost estimates before purchase. Many qualify for free shipping promotions.
Proper Packaging: The Foundation of Safe Shipping
Amateur packaging causes 90% of shipping damage. Professional packing prevents problems.
Materials You Need
Sturdy boxes or wooden crates. Cardboard boxes work for smaller mounts if properly sized and reinforced. Larger mounts need custom wooden crating.
Bubble wrap. Lots of it. Wrap the entire mount in 3-4 layers minimum. Pay special attention to antlers, noses, and ears.
Foam padding. Fill empty space around the mount inside the box. The mount should not move at all when the box is shaken.
Packing peanuts or paper. Additional void fill prevents shifting during transport.
Strong packing tape. Reinforce all seams, edges, and bottom flaps. Don’t skimp here.
Fragile labels. Mark packages clearly as fragile and handle with care.
Step-by-Step Packing Process
1. Inspect the mount. Check for loose teeth, eyes, or antlers. Secure anything that could detach in transit.
2. Protect delicate areas. Wrap antler tips individually in bubble wrap. Pad ears carefully. Protect noses and mouths with extra cushioning.
3. Wrap the entire mount. Start at the base and work toward the head, overlapping bubble wrap layers. Secure with tape but don’t tape directly to the mount.
4. Create an inner box. For shoulder mounts, build a cardboard inner frame that suspends the mount in the center of the outer box. The mount shouldn’t touch any outer walls.
5. Fill voids completely. Pack foam, peanuts, or crumpled paper around all sides. Shake the box. If you hear or feel movement, add more padding.
6. Seal and label. Tape all seams thoroughly. Mark “FRAGILE,” “THIS SIDE UP,” and “HANDLE WITH CARE” on all sides.
7. Document everything. Take photos of the packing process and sealed box. This helps with insurance claims if damage occurs.
Professional taxidermists and retailers like us use these exact methods for every shipment. We’ve shipped thousands of mounts nationwide with minimal damage claims.
Wooden Crating: When and Why
Large mounts need more protection than cardboard provides.
Mounts That Require Crating
- Full body floor mounts
- Life-size animals
- Extremely valuable pieces ($2,000+)
- Mounts with extensive habitat or bases
- International shipments
How Professional Crating Works
Taxidermists build custom wooden frames around mounts, securing them inside with bolts, straps, or suspension systems. The frame is then covered with cardboard or plywood panels.
This creates a rigid protective cage that prevents crushing, even if other heavy freight is stacked on top.
Cost: Professional crating adds $75-$300 depending on mount size. Worth every penny for expensive pieces.
Choosing the Right Carrier
Not all shipping companies handle taxidermy equally well.
Standard Carriers (UPS, FedEx)
Best for:
- Small to medium mounts (birds, small mammals, deer)
- Packages under 150 pounds
- Boxes with combined dimensions under 108 inches
Pros:
- Widely available
- Tracking systems
- Insurance options
- Faster delivery
Cons:
- Size and weight limits
- General handling (not specialized)
- Higher costs for oversized items
Cost range: $75-$350 for most taxidermy
Freight Carriers
Best for:
- Large mounts (elk, moose, full body)
- Heavy shipments over 150 pounds
- Crated items
Pros:
- Handle oversized items
- Often cheaper than UPS/FedEx for large packages
- Experienced with freight
Cons:
- Slower delivery (5-10 business days)
- Requires business address or extra fees for residential
- Less tracking detail
Cost range: $150-$500 depending on size and distance
Specialty Taxidermy Carriers
Companies like Trophy Transport specialize in moving mounts. They understand the unique requirements and handle pieces with appropriate care.
Benefits:
- Experienced handlers who know taxidermy
- Air-ride suspension trucks
- White glove service options
- Inside delivery available
- Two-person teams for large mounts
Drawbacks:
- Premium pricing
- Limited service areas
- Requires scheduling
Cost range: $250-$800+
For valuable safari trophies or large collections, specialty carriers justify their higher cost.
Insurance: Protect Your Investment
Always insure taxidermy shipments. Carriers offer limited liability (usually $100) unless you purchase additional coverage.
How Much Insurance You Need
Replacement cost is the right amount. What would it cost to replace this mount?
- Shoulder mount: $700-$1,200
- European skull: $200-$400
- Full body bear: $2,000-$4,000
- Exotic safari mount: $1,500-$5,000+
Purchase insurance equal to replacement value, not what you paid if it was a deal.
Insurance Costs
Most carriers charge 1-3% of declared value.
- $1,000 mount = $10-$30 insurance
- $3,000 mount = $30-$90 insurance
Small price for peace of mind. Without insurance, you have almost no recourse if damage occurs.
Filing Claims
If damage happens:
- Document immediately with photos before unpacking fully
- Save all packaging materials
- Note damage on delivery receipt
- Contact the carrier within 24 hours
- File formal claim with photos and repair estimates
Most claims settle within 2-4 weeks if properly documented.
Documentation Requirements
Shipping taxidermy across state lines requires proper paperwork.
What You Need
Bill of sale showing legal ownership and species information.
Harvest tags or permits for game animals (if applicable).
CITES permits for endangered or protected species, especially exotic animals.
Health certificates sometimes required for interstate transport of certain species.
Reputable sellers provide all necessary documentation. We include complete paperwork with every shipment to prevent customs or inspection delays.
State Restrictions
Some states prohibit importing certain species:
- California: No bears
- Several states: No grizzly bears
- Various states: Specific deer restrictions
Always verify the destination state allows the species before shipping. Violations can result in confiscation and fines.
Check our shipping restrictions page for state-by-state details.
Receiving a Shipment: Inspection Checklist
When your mount arrives, inspect carefully before signing.
At Delivery
Check the box condition. Crushed corners, holes, or major damage? Note it on the delivery receipt before signing.
Feel for shifting. Gently shake or tilt the box. Hear rattling or movement? Note potential damage.
Sign with conditions. Write “SUBJECT TO INSPECTION FOR CONCEALED DAMAGE” on the delivery receipt. This preserves your claim rights.
After Opening
Photograph everything. Document the packaging, mount condition, and any damage.
Check for:
- Broken or cracked antlers
- Loose or missing teeth
- Eye damage
- Hide cracks or tears
- Nose damage
- Mounting hardware issues
- Base or plaque damage
Contact seller immediately if problems exist. Quality retailers will work with you on repairs, replacements, or refunds.
We guarantee all mounts arrive as photographed or we make it right.
Common Shipping Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others’ errors:
Inadequate padding. More bubble wrap always beats less. You can’t over-pad taxidermy.
Wrong box size. Too tight crushes the mount. Too large allows shifting. Size matters.
Taping directly to mounts. Adhesive damages hair and hide. Wrap in bubble wrap first, then tape the wrap.
Skipping insurance. False economy. The one time damage happens, you’ll regret saving $30.
Using UPS Store or FedEx Office packaging. These stores rarely understand taxidermy needs. They use minimal materials to save costs. Pack yourself or use a specialized service.
Ignoring weather. Extreme cold can crack hide tanning. Extreme heat damages adhesives. Ship during moderate weather when possible.
Not communicating. Tell the carrier what’s in the box. They’ll (hopefully) handle it more carefully if they know it’s fragile taxidermy.
DIY Shipping vs. Professional Packing
Ship it yourself if:
- You have proper materials and experience
- The mount is small and relatively sturdy
- You can build appropriate crating
- Time isn’t critical
Use professional packing if:
- The mount is valuable ($1,000+)
- You lack packing experience
- It’s large or fragile
- You want guaranteed safe arrival
Professional packing costs $50-$200 but prevents $500-$5,000 in damage claims.
Temperature Considerations
Taxidermy reacts to extreme temperatures.
Cold damage: Freezing temperatures can crack tanned hides, especially older mounts. Avoid shipping during winter cold snaps when possible.
Heat damage: Prolonged heat (above 90°F) can soften adhesives, causing eyes or teeth to loosen. Summer shipping in the South requires extra precautions.
Humidity: Moisture encourages mold growth on hides. Use moisture-absorbing packets for shipments to humid climates.
Most professional carriers use climate-controlled trucks for valuable shipments.
International Shipping: Extra Complexity
Shipping taxidermy internationally adds layers of complexity.
CITES permits required for most species crossing borders.
Customs documentation must be perfect. One error causes delays or confiscation.
Import/export permits from both countries.
Quarantine requirements in some countries.
Significantly higher costs: $500-$2,000+ for most international shipments.
Unless you’re experienced with international shipping, use a customs broker or specialty shipper who handles all documentation.
Returns and Exchanges
What if you’re not satisfied?
Quality retailers offer return policies:
- 7-14 day inspection periods
- Return shipping often at buyer’s expense
- Restocking fees may apply
- Must be in original packaging
Our return policy: 14-day satisfaction guarantee. If the mount doesn’t match our description or photos, we cover return shipping and issue full refunds.
Return shipping typically costs the same as original shipping. Keep this in mind when ordering from distant sellers.
Tips for Sellers
If you’re selling taxidermy, shipping properly protects your reputation.
Quote shipping honestly. Surprise $300 shipping fees anger buyers. Provide estimates upfront.
Use appropriate materials. Don’t cheap out on boxes and padding. Damaged goods create refund hassles.
Photograph everything. Document condition before packing. Proves the mount left in good shape.
Track shipments. Monitor progress and alert buyers to delays.
Respond quickly to damage claims. Work with buyers to resolve issues fairly.
Build shipping into pricing. Some sellers offer “free shipping” by including costs in the mount price. Simplifies the transaction.
We handle thousands of shipments annually using these exact practices.
Making Shipping Easy
The easiest way to ensure safe delivery? Buy from retailers who handle all packing, shipping, and documentation professionally.
When you order from us:
- Professional packing on every shipment
- Appropriate carrier selection for mount size
- Full insurance coverage included
- Complete documentation provided
- Tracking information sent automatically
- Damage claims handled quickly
No guesswork. No stress. Just your mount arriving safely.
Browse our complete collection with shipping costs disclosed upfront.
Ready to Shop With Confidence?
Every mount we sell ships with professional packaging, full insurance, and necessary documentation. Most orders qualify for free shipping promotions.
Questions about shipping costs, methods, or restrictions? Contact our team for immediate answers.
Professional packing and fully insured shipping on all orders. Free shipping available on qualifying purchases.