Quality taxidermy mounts are available through specialized online retailers, auction sites, and private sellers. Look for detailed photos, transparent pricing, proper documentation, and satisfaction guarantees. Skip the guesswork and browse our verified collection of premium taxidermy mounts ready to ship.
Buying taxidermy online can feel risky. You’re spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on something you can’t see in person, and quality varies wildly from one seller to the next. But with the right approach, you can find museum-quality pieces at fair prices without getting burned.
Here’s everything you need to know about where to buy and what to look for.
Where to Find Taxidermy Mounts Online
Dedicated Taxidermy Retailers
Specialized online stores like ours focus exclusively on taxidermy and wildlife decor. The advantages are clear:
Curated inventory. Every mount meets quality standards before listing. No amateur work or damaged pieces.
Detailed descriptions. Professional retailers provide measurements, species information, condition reports, and multiple photos.
Legal compliance. Reputable shops handle permits, documentation, and shipping restrictions so you don’t have to worry about breaking laws.
Customer service. Questions about sizing, mounting, or care get answered by people who actually understand taxidermy.
Browse our selection of deer mounts, exotic animals, and European skulls with complete transparency on every listing.
Online Auction Sites
eBay, estate sale websites, and auction platforms list thousands of taxidermy pieces. Prices can be lower, but buyer beware applies:
Condition varies wildly. Moths, sun damage, and poor storage ruin many older mounts. Photos don’t always show the real condition.
Amateur work is common. Grandpa’s basement deer mount from 1972 won’t look like professional taxidermy.
No guarantees. Most auctions are final sale. If it arrives damaged or looks worse than photos suggested, you’re stuck.
Shipping risks. Sellers often have no experience packing fragile taxidermy, leading to broken antlers and damaged forms.
If you buy from auctions, ask detailed questions about condition, request additional photos, and factor in potential restoration costs.
Private Sellers and Classifieds
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and taxidermy forums connect you directly with collectors downsizing or estates liquidating collections.
Pros:
- Negotiable prices
- Local pickup available (no shipping damage risk)
- Sometimes find rare pieces
Cons:
- No buyer protection
- Authenticity concerns
- Must verify legal ownership and documentation yourself
- Time-intensive (lots of browsing bad listings)
Your Quality Checklist: What to Look For
Whether buying from retailers or private sellers, use these criteria to separate quality mounts from junk:
1. Multiple High-Resolution Photos
Any serious seller provides 6-10 photos minimum showing:
- Front view
- Both side profiles
- Back/top view
- Close-ups of eyes, nose, and mouth
- Antler or horn details
- Any flaws or damage
Red flag: Single photo or low-resolution images. Sellers hiding something.
2. Detailed Measurements
Quality listings include:
- Overall height and width
- Antler spread (for deer, elk, moose)
- Depth from wall
- Weight (important for shipping and mounting)
These help you determine if the mount fits your space and mounting hardware needs.
3. Transparent Condition Reports
Professional sellers describe:
- Hair quality and fullness
- Seam visibility and tightness
- Eye condition (clear vs. cloudy or cracked)
- Antler attachment quality
- Any repairs or touch-ups
- Age of the mount
Beware descriptions like “good condition” with no specifics. That usually means multiple issues the seller doesn’t want to disclose.
4. Species and Origin Information
Know exactly what you’re buying:
- Common and scientific names
- Where the animal was sourced
- Whether it’s wild-caught, farm-raised, or from a zoo
- Age of the mount (vintage vs. recent work)
This matters for legal compliance. Some species require permits to cross state lines. Others can’t be sold at all without proper documentation.
5. Legal Documentation
Legitimate sellers provide or can obtain:
- CITES permits (for endangered/protected species)
- State transfer permits where required
- Proof of legal acquisition
- Bill of sale with seller information
Never buy taxidermy without proper paperwork if the species is regulated. Fines for illegal possession can reach $10,000+ per violation.
All our mounts include necessary documentation. See our legal compliance page for details.
6. Return and Satisfaction Policies
Quality retailers stand behind their products:
- 7-14 day inspection periods
- Money-back guarantees if condition doesn’t match description
- Clear damage claim procedures for shipping issues
- Customer service contact information
Private sellers and auctions rarely offer these protections.
7. Professional Packaging and Shipping
Proper shipping requires:
- Custom crating for large mounts
- Antler protection (bubble wrap, cardboard corners)
- Insured shipping with tracking
- Signature required delivery
Ask about packaging methods before purchasing. Amateur packing leads to thousands in damage.
Red Flags to Avoid
Walk away from listings that show:
Vague or missing information. If they can’t answer basic questions about species, measurements, or condition, they either don’t know their product or are hiding problems.
Too-good-to-be-true pricing. A $200 elk mount isn’t a deal. It’s either stolen, damaged, amateur work, or a scam.
No return policy. Confidence in quality shows through generous return windows.
Poor communication. Sellers who take days to respond or give evasive answers will be nightmares if problems arise.
Unwillingness to provide additional photos. Takes 2 minutes with a smartphone. If they won’t do it, something’s wrong.
Species-Specific Buying Tips
Deer (Whitetail and Mule Deer)
Most common mounts, so lots of selection but also lots of mediocre work. Look for:
- Natural eye placement (not too glassy)
- Proper neck size for the season (fall deer have thicker necks)
- Clean antler bases with no visible gaps
- Well-defined nose and mouth detail
Check our current whitetail and mule deer inventory.
Bears
Quality bear mounts show:
- Full, even hair coverage (no bald spots)
- Proper face shape (not flat or distorted)
- Natural tooth arrangement
- Claws present and intact
Bear rugs should lay flat with even edges and good felt backing.
Exotic Animals
Lions, leopards, zebras, and other African game require CITES documentation. Only buy from sellers who clearly state permits are included or available.
Vintage exotic mounts (pre-1970s) often qualify for antique exemptions but still need proof of age.
Browse our collection of exotic taxidermy with all necessary permits included.
Fish Mounts
Modern fish reproductions (not skin mounts) are more durable and look better. Check if it’s:
- Skin mount (actual fish hide)
- Fiberglass reproduction
Both are fine, but reproductions last longer without cracking or fading.
European Skull Mounts
Simpler than shoulder mounts but still check:
- Bone color (white/cream without yellowing)
- No cracks or repairs
- Antlers securely attached
- Mounting hardware included
See our selection of European skull mounts ready to hang.
Pricing Guidelines by Mount Type
Here’s what quality mounts typically cost:
Deer shoulder mounts: $525-$2,500
- Basic 6-8 point: $525-$900
- Trophy 10+ point: $1,200-$2,500
Bear shoulder mounts: $800-$2,200 Elk shoulder mounts: $1,500-$4,000 Full body mounts: $1,800-$8,000+ European skulls: $150-$600 Exotic animals: $1,500-$10,000+ (depending on species and size)
Prices significantly below these ranges usually indicate problems. Significantly above suggests premium work, rare species, or overpricing.
Making Your Purchase Decision
Once you’ve found a mount that checks all the boxes:
Ask final questions. Clarify shipping timeline, exact measurements, any minor flaws not visible in photos.
Confirm documentation. Ensure all permits and paperwork come with the mount.
Review shipping details. Understand insurance coverage, delivery timeline, and damage claim process.
Save all communication. Screenshot listings, emails, and messages in case disputes arise.
Inspect immediately upon arrival. Document any shipping damage with photos before signing for delivery.
Why Buy From Established Retailers
While you can occasionally score deals from private sellers, established taxidermy retailers offer advantages that protect your investment:
- Pre-vetted quality (no amateur work)
- Legal compliance handled for you
- Professional photography showing actual condition
- Customer service before and after purchase
- Secure payment processing
- Return policies and guarantees
- Proper packaging and insured shipping
Our entire inventory undergoes quality inspection before listing. Every mount includes clear photos, detailed measurements, condition reports, and necessary documentation.
Browse Our Complete Collection →
Start Your Search
Ready to find the perfect mount for your home, cabin, or office? Use this checklist to evaluate any listing you’re considering. Quality taxidermy is an investment that should last 50+ years with proper care.
Questions about specific mounts in our inventory? Contact us for detailed information and personalized recommendations.
All mounts ship with satisfaction guarantees and complete documentation. Browse with confidence.