Pricing & Turn Around Time
We are NOT currently accepting NEW work. We are completely full until further notice. Please periodically check our Facebook page for updates on the status of project vacancy.
All incoming and outgoing work requires an appointment, schedule by calling 920-602-7977. Pick ups only take 5 minutes, but we still want to know you are coming so we can have your mount ready to travel.
Bird Drop Off Instructional Video, Please Watch -> https://fb.watch/njdDm4JH0k/?mibextid=Nif5oz
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR PRE-SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT:
1. Your specimen frozen with head under one wing, in a freezer zip lock
2. Deposit cash or check, made out to Bird Zone Taxidermy
3. Your Federal Migratory Bird Tags already filled out, click above to download
4. Take screen shots on your phone of your 1st and 2nd desired poses for each bird prior to your appointment
Bird Zone Taxidermy is one of the largest PROFESSIONAL & DEDICATED BIRD ONLY taxidermy shops in Wisconsin.
Waterfowl & Pheasant Taxidermy Classes & Training, lunch provided each day!
2 Day Observation Waterfowl Taxidermy Class
What's Included? Each day you will watch Jeff & Olivia mount birds, start to finish. Here we will encounter real life scenarios... such as shot damage, pin feathers, broken wings, etc. This covers the entire process of bird taxidermy. (Skin, Flesh, Wash, Dry, Foot injection, Head and foot painting, Air brush care and techniques, Assembly, Grooming) This three day course is designed to teach by you watching and asking questions only, no hands on. We really try to mount at least one standing bird, one flying, and one dead mount to show you all the different wiring methods. $1750
2 Day Hands On Waterfowl Taxidermy Class
What's Included? This class is designed for students who would rather try the entire process start to finish. This class is not designed for brand new students, we require students to have approximately 25 birds minimum under their belt before selection a class like this. Otherwise, we run into major time constraints. You bring your own specimen, start the process on day one and complete it on day two with Jeff coaching you along the way. You leave with your specimen at the end of day two. Jeff provides all parts you need to mount your bird, assuming you tell us ahead of time what your bringing. (small to medium sized ducks only allowed during class, no geese, swans, sandhills, turkeys, etc) (Example; Buffleheads, Blue Bills, Mallards, Pintails, Wigeon, Gadwall, etc) $3500
5 Day Experienced Class, 4 days Observation, 1 Day Hands on Waterfowl Taxidermy Class
What's Included? This class is for the student that really wants to dive in deep. Here you will watch Jeff and Olivia mount approximately 5-6 birds, start to finish and on day five you will mount your own specimen (you must bring) start to finish. You bring that mount home with you. Lodging is available in Ripon, Wisconsin, 7-10 mins from our shop. This is a serious class for serious students only $5000
1 Day Bird Taxidermy Business and Marketing Class
This class is for the student who wishes to make a full time business out of their craft. Here Olivia and Jeff dive in deep to discuss all aspects of running a bird taxidermy shop. How to set prices, do taxes, quickbooks, take in season, federal paperwork, insurance, overhead, social media, photography, employees, customer service, freezers and storage systems, inventory, marketing, etc, etc... This is your look into how we made our brand... it's not cheap, but its worth the leg up you will get on your competition! This class includes 5 free 30 minute phone calls in your first year of business. These are designed for you to "phone a friend" and ask questions along the way as you get set up and spread your wings! It's nice to have someone in your corner! $5000
1 Day Standing Pheasant Observation Class
Whats included? Here you will arrive early on a week day morning to watch Jeff mount a standing pheasant, start to finish. This class is to teach an in depth look at standing pheasants and their anatomy. We cover everything start to finish. Skinning, Fleshing, Splitting Wattles, Wiring, Body Prep, Washing, Drying, Foot Injection, Painting, Cast Heads, Product Choices, Grooming, Finish Work, Reference Study, and yes...even competition tricks and advice. $1575
Lodging Available close by in Ripon, Wisconsin. Ask for details.
Call 920-840-4884 to schedule your dates, $500 Deposit to hold your spot.
EXPEDITED SERVICE : $150 Additional Gets Your Bird Completed in 90 Days Guaranteed. We have limited availability for this service. If interested ask about availability.
Ducks
Ducks: $595
Scoter : $675
Eider, Common and Red Breasted Merganser : $795
Open mouth : $30
Custom head cast for rare species and hybrids : $125
Ceiling hung : $25
Ghost Hanger : $20
Full wing stretch banking poses, $75 Additional, ask Jeff for details
Geese
Snow, Blue, White Front (specks), Cackler, Brandt & Ross : $850
Canada & Emperor : $995
Canada : 10-12.99 pounds $1200
Canada : 13 pounds or larger $1500
Open mouth : $35
Custom head cast for rare species or warty Ross geese : $125
Ceiling hung : $50
Ghost Hanger : $25
Full wing stretch banking poses, $195 Additional, ask Jeff for details
Upland game birds & other waterfowl
Pheasant, Grouse, Chukar, Prairie Chicken, Hungarian Partridge, Quail : $575
Wood Cock, Snipe, Moorhen & Rail: $675
Sage Grouse : $1200
Open mouth poses : $30 (if available)
Custom head cast for rare species : $125
Ceiling hung : $25
Ghost Hanger : $20
Full wing stretch banking poses, $75 Additional, ask Jeff for details
Swans & Sandhill Cranes : $2750 (100% Due at Drop Off, birds completed in 90 days guaranteed automatically, You must call to see if we have any slots available for these large birds)
(Note, most swans shot in the USA are heavily pin feathered and do not make the smoothest mounts. Be prepared to choose a dead mount if shot in the central or western USA. If you harvest a late season North Carolina bird, we can discuss other poses.)
Open mouth Swan : $75
Open mouth Sandhill: ask for custom quote...
Ceiling hung : $75
Ghost Hanger / Swan Edition / Custom Made : $75
Full wing stretch banking poses, $500 Additional, ask Jeff for details
Turkey
We no longer accept or mount turkeys.
How to decide on a pose or position of your bird?
Picking out a pose can be one of the most rewarding and fun times. Options are endless. When deciding what type of pose you would like your bird displayed in, please keep in mind, LIVE REFERENCE photos. This means actual photos of live birds. Using a taxidermy photo is not ideal. Using live reference photos is easy and accurate! Will it look exactly like the photo of a live duck that you find? No... each bird has it's own genetic make up such as feather length, loft, color, size, etc. However, having this live reference photo will get your artist an accurate anatomy canvas to pose your bird! Also consider where the bird will be displayed when picking your pose. Will it be on the wall, table top, hanging from the ceiling, etc?
How do you handle a poor specimen for mounting? Naturally we will not know the true condition of your bird until we thaw it. If we encounter major pin feathers, rotten smell, feather slippage, or serious damage that will yield a less than desirable mount, we will inform you immediately. If the bird is not mountable, you will receive a refund of your deposit, minus $40 (covers our time skinning & starting to flesh, and or the missed time due to having only that bird thawed for that days work) Having this happen does cost us money, as we only have one bird in a thawed state at a time. It puts a kink in our busy schedule. By no means do we want this to happen, but please understand it's a small concession for time spent.
Are you licensed?
We are both Federally and State licensed! Don't make the mistake of choosing a taxidermist to mount your migratory birds that are not fully licensed to do so. Ask and look it up to be sure!
Can I use my own driftwood?
Certainly! If you supply your own wood, please ensure that it is bug free. All driftwood must either be deep frozen for 6 weeks or baked in a kiln in order to ensure no bugs are present that WILL eventually EAT your mount! You may not see them, but they are there!
How do you want me to bring the specimen to you?
BRING BIRDS FROZEN to your appointment. We used to have you thaw your bird, but due to further consideration we have decided to discontinue this practice. Some species have shown undesirable effects from being thawed too many times or for too long. Therefore, moving forward, bring all specimens frozen.
How much do I pay up front?
We collect $75 at drop off, plus tax, plus half your habitat costs if you choose habitat. Its a small deposit so we fully expect a prompt pick up after completion. We work hard for your trophy and expect to be paid in full upon completion. Please have your balance of funds available ahead of time, knowing your mount will be completed soon. No mounts can leave BZT's possession until paid in full. No checks at final pick up time. Cash ONLY at pick up.
What happens if I do not pick up my mount in a timely fashion?
Any mounts not picked up within 14 days of completion notification will have a late fee of $100. No exceptions apply unless in writing with BZT for a special circumstance. Note... not having the money or being super busy are not special circumstances. Call us if something is up and we can potentially discuss a longer plan with additional fees. Any mounts not picked up within 30 days of completion notification will be the sole property of Bird Zone Taxidermy LLC. It will be taken apart so we can re-use the materials to attempt to recover a fraction of our loss.
Acceptable payment options at drop off?
Check, cash, credit card, venmo
Acceptable payment options at Pick up?
CASH ONLY
What is your turn around time?
Your turn around time will be estimated on the pink copy of your work order contract. We are typically very good at estimating our work load. It averages around 18 months to two years. We are not perfect. This is an ART shop, we are not a high production facility. If fast and cheap is your desire, we are not the shop for you.
If time has elapsed past the estimated completion time on your pink copy of the work order, feel free to send a message for an update. Otherwise, please DO NOT ask for updates! We run a tight business calendar based on work in...work out. Asking for updates will not speed up your return. This takes an incredible amount of time out of our day. We promise you will be the first to know when it's done!
Your bird will not hold it's place in the schedule until the deposit is received and cleared. After 30 days, if your deposit has not been received and cleared here at Bird Zone Taxidermy LLC, the specimen/bird will then become the property of Bird Zone Taxidermy LLC and will be disposed of. No exceptions to this rule apply. Bounced checks will result in an additional $30 Fee at time of bird pick up.
Directions & Location Information : 326 37th Ave Ripon, WI 54971. Our driveway splits, at the fork take a right, (DO NOT GO TO THE HOUSE). The shop is the second building on the left down the hill. The door to the shop is under the covered porch. Please do not drive off the gravel driveways. There is a circle drive all the way around the shop building for exiting, no need to back up to turn around, just drive around the building. Note, our shop is in a very rural area in big agriculture country. We request that you PLEASE CALL AND SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!
Shipping Birds: BZT can accept shipped birds, BUT you must contact the shop and speak to Olivia or Jeff first! DO NOT SHIP BIRDS WITHOUT CALLING!
Wholesale Commercial Bird Taxidermy Services: BZT is NOT currently accepting commercial bird work from other taxidermists. We are a FULL time bird shop but too busy with our current workload. Please check back for future inquiries.
Disclaimer : Our pricing can change at anytime without notice. We make every effort to keep our pricing updated, however, final price will be discussed at time of specimen drop off with your taxidermist.
Are you full or part time in taxidermy? BZT is a full time, professional, artistically motivated taxidermy shop. We focus on high quality lifelike bird mounts and displays. When you demand excellence... you come to BZT!
Thanks all,
Jeff & Olivia Herrick
Bird Zone Taxidermy, LLC
Ripon, Wisconsin, USA
