When it comes time to lay a pet to rest, many owners will want to do everything in their power to preserve their memory. This is where the assistance of professionals comes in handy. Freeze-dried pet preservation is one of the best ways to ensure a long-lasting connection with your four-legged friend.
However, there are laws that govern taxidermy and they can vary from state to state. In order to make readers’ lives easier, this guide is here to provide a closer look at the different sets of rules.
Alabama
A finished taxidermized animal is allowed, as long as no federal laws have been broken.
Alaska
Game trophies, mounts/parts of brown grizzly bears, big game animal skulls, and big game trophies are not legal to sell in Alaska. Exceptions can be made in the case of an estate sale, though.
Arizona
Taxidermy that is obtained legally, not endangered, or federally restricted or protected can be legally sold in Arizona.
Arkansas
Taxidermy that is obtained legally, not endangered, or federally restricted or protected can be legally sold in Arkansas.
California
Products or handicraft items made from fur-bearing mammals and non-game mammals, their carcass or parts thereof, lawfully taken under the authority of a trapping license, may be purchased or sold at any time.
Colorado
Bear gallbladders, bighorn sheep, bighorn sheep capes, and velvet antlers are the only forbidden items in this state.
Connecticut
This state is only concerned with endangered and protected species.
Delaware
As long as the resident is not looking to sell white-tailed deer or Sika deer parts, they will not be in violation of the law.
Florida
Black bear parts, carcasses, out-of-season bobcats and otters, alligators, and non-examined saltwater fish and reptiles are prohibited in Florida.
Georgia
No taxidermy can be sold in this state, unless it is a form of deer.
Hawaii
Hawaii is not a state that has any discernible laws on the books that govern this practice. (808) 587-0076 is the contact number for anyone who would like to ask further questions.
Idaho
Bighorn sheep are the only restriction here.
Illinois
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Illinois.
Indiana
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Indiana. Any animal is allowed as long as no federal laws are being broken.
Iowa
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Indiana. Any animal is allowed as long as no federal laws are being broken.
Kansas
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Kansas.
Kentucky
Black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, elk, and turkey require special registration. These are the only restrictions in place.
Louisiana
Wild game parts, pieces, or mounts are prohibited in Louisiana.
Maine
Any type of taxidermy can be sold in Maine, as long as it is not any type of antlers that have not been mounted.
Maryland
No taxidermy is sold here unless it is something that the taxidermist is choosing to sell because it was not picked up.
Massachusetts
No mounted wildlife speciescan be sold and clients must prove that the specimen came from a game farm. Be sure to look into the regulations regarding mounted animals vs finished product.
Michigan
There are no restrictions as long as the specimen still has its tags.
Minnesota
All legally obtained animals that do not violate federal restrictions are allowed.
Mississippi
No taxidermy can be sold here, no exceptions.
Missouri
Dated bills of sale that identify the seller are needed for legally obtained feathers, squirrel pelts, rabbit pelts, groundhog pelts, turkey bones, turkey heads and deer heads, antlers, hides, or feet. Legally taken wildlife and wildlife parts, such as antlers and deer heads can also be sold after being tanned and mounted.
Montana
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Montana.
Nebraska
The state’s37505 statuteprovides all necessary information.
Nevada
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Nevada.
New Hampshire
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of New Hampshire.
New Jersey
Nothing can be sold that is indigenous to New Jersey. Animal pelts and lower portion of white-tailed deer feet are allowed but no additional parts.
New Mexico
Proper licensing and evidence is needed to possess game. Carcasses, meat, and internal organs of game mammals and game birds can only be donated, never bartered, or sold. Sealing must take place within 10 days of the initial harvest.
New York
This state has issued the following list of items that cannot be sold as a form of taxidermy: Leopard, Snow Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Tiger, Asiatic Lion, Cheetah, Alligators, Caiman or Crocodile, tortoises of the genus Gopherus, marine turtles of the family Cheloniidae and the family Dermochelidae, Vicuna, Wolf, Red Wolf, or Kangaroo or Polar Bear, Mountain Lion, sometimes called Cougar, Jaguar, Ocelot, or Margay, Sumatran Rhinoceros, or Black Rhinoceros.
North Carolina
Special permits are needed to sell taxidermy in North Carolina.
North Dakota
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of North Dakota.
Ohio
The only specimens that can be sold here are the fur-bearers. Deer hides, feet, and antlers are allowed, as long documentation of previous owners’ contact info and state of kill can be provided, plus a tag.
Oklahoma
No taxidermy is allowed here but an estate sale is permissible with the proper permit.
Oregon
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Oregon.
Pennsylvania
The animal can be sold without a permit as long as it was lawfully taken from its location. Proper tags are needed, indicating where it came from.
Rhode Island
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Rhode Island.
South Carolina
No bears, bear parts, white-tailed deer mounts with the antlers still attached to the skull plate, wild turkey parts, or alligator skulls can be sold here.
South Dakota
Lawfully taken big game animals can be sold but only the skins can be made available. Lawfully taken fish can be sold as well, in addition to velvet antlers that have been tagged by a conservation officer. Taxidermists are legally required to provide proper proof of origin.
Tennessee
Taxidermy bear or deer with velvet antlers cannot be sold.
Texas
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in the state of Texas.
Utah
No restrictions here, except for antlers that are still attached to skull plates. They can only be sold during certain seasons.
Vermont
This state does not have any restrictions in place.
Virginia
No sales can be made if the animal is native to Virginia. Only finished products can be sold by licensed taxidermists.
Washington, D.C.
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in Washington, D.C.
Washington
Bighorn sheep mountain goat, velvet antlers of elk, or deer non-edible portions are prohibited here.
West Virginia
Endangered and threatened species are the only restriction in West Virginia.
Wisconsin
No game birds or fish are allowed but inherited specimens within the family are legal.
Wyoming
Out-of-state specimens require the proper tags.
Freeze Dry Pet Preservation: Top 3 Laws to Abide By
When it comes time for a pet owner to make their final decisions about freeze-dried pet preservation, there are three different laws that they will need to abide by. These are the considerations that need to be made at all times:
Choosing a True Professional
By choosing a professional and compassionatetaxidermistwho has the proper level of experience, the usual pitfalls can finally be avoided. They will have the background knowledge that a pet owner needs. They are also able to walk a pet owner through any and all questions that they may have. This leads directly into the next law that pet owners need to be abiding by in these instances….
It’s a Counseling Business
“It’s as much a counseling business as it is a science business,”saysChuck Rupert. As an experienced taxidermist that works in the state of Pennsylvania, he knows what he speaks of. He is a prime example of the type of taxidermist that should always be chosen. He’s not here to serve as the ambulance chaser and any taxidermist who does should be avoided, which dovetails nicely into the final law:
Move Quickly (But Don’t Rush)
Rupert knows that his clients are grief-stricken but he offers one very simple recommendation that is easy enough to follow. Clients do not have to feel rushed but they should be making a quick decision. By getting the animal frozen as quickly as possible, they buy themselves all of the time that they need. Once the animal is on ice, the client has months to make their final decision.
By allowing experienced taxidermists to handle these concerns, a pet owner is able to enjoy the necessary peace of mind. It’s the peace of mind that comes with knowing that every question has been answered and no stone has been left unturned. There is no need to fret once the right taxidermist has been contacted because the rest takes care of itself.
FAQs
Florida law does not prohibit the sale or purchase of articles manufactured from the heads, horns, hides, teeth and feet of game mammals lawfully taken. However, the sale or purchase of any black bear (or any parts) is prohibited.
Is it legal to sell taxidermy in Georgia? ›
(d) It shall be unlawful for a taxidermist to sell any wildlife or part thereof without the prior written permission of the commissioner or his designee; provided, however, that it shall not be unlawful for a taxidermist to mount and sell legally taken furbearers, deer, and squirrel, or parts thereof.
Is it legal to sell taxidermy mounts in Texas? ›
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), no person may sell, offer for sale, purchase, offer to purchase, or possess after purchase a wild bird, game bird, or game animal, dead or alive, or part of the bird or animal.
Is it legal to sell taxidermy mounts in PA? ›
(a) Wildlife lawfully taken within this Commonwealth that has been mounted, tanned or completely prepared for study or display in accordance with generally accepted taxidermy procedures may be sold if one of the following conditions is met: (1) The original owner is deceased.
Can I sell my taxidermy mounts? ›
If you are looking to sell your collection or a specific mount, Midwest Taxidermy can help! We purchase mounts of all sizes and kinds from clients, estate sales and other small collections.
What can I do with unwanted taxidermy? ›
Behring Global Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that donates taxidermy to partner museums around the world for educational purposes. Your Tax deductible donations, are saving wildlife, teaching conservation and preserving our future.
Can you sell a mounted deer head? ›
Fish and Game Code, section 3039 generally prohibits selling or purchasing any part of a bird or mammal found in the wild in California. Complete antlers, whole heads with antlers, antlers mounted for display or antlers in the velvet may not be sold or purchased at any time.
Can you sell taxidermy in Ohio? ›
TAXIDERMY PRODUCTS OF FURBEARING ANIMALS LEGALLY TAKEN DURING THE OPEN SEASON MAY BE BOUGHT OR SOLD AT ANY TIME.
Can you sell taxidermy in Oklahoma? ›
According to Oklahoma law, it's illegal to sell any part of an animal without a taxidermy license.
Is it illegal to sell taxidermy in NC? ›
Wildlife specimens or their parts that are mounted, stuffed, or otherwise permanently preserved may be sold with a Trophy Wildlife Sale permit.
Due to Animals and wildlife products policy http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/wildlife.html the following items are prohibited for sale: Animals, Animal parts-pelts or skin, animal traps, ivory and bone, marine mammal items, stuffed birds, turtle or tortoise shell items, Animal organs.....
Can you sell taxidermy in Maryland? ›
A Maryland Taxidermist and Fur-Tanner License is required for each person within the State of Maryland to do taxidermy work for a person other than himself.
Can I sell my deer mount in Ohio? ›
Registered. It goes for all animals. So the problem is that it puts a price on their heads. You can not sell wild animals for profit other than comercial fishing and trapping.
Can you sell taxidermy in Virginia? ›
a. Any Virginia resident can sell a wildlife or fish mount that was legally taken and have undergone the taxidermy process legally.
Can you sell taxidermy in Michigan? ›
Threatened and Endangered Species - Imported Trophies
A Michigan taxidermist can legally perform taxidermy work on the specimen; however, the animal cannot be purchased or sold in Michigan.
Can you sell taxidermy on Facebook? ›
Live animals (including livestock and pets), animal parts (including but not limited to bone, teeth, horn, ivory, taxidermy, organs, external limbs, secretions or carcasses), products from animals intended for consumption (such as raw fish, meat, or eggs) may not be advertised or sold on Facebook.
Can you sell mounts in Texas? ›
Cowbirds, crows, grackles, ravens and Red-winged blackbirds legally taken while depredating on crops, ornamental trees, livestock or domestic animals may be mounted and possessed, but may not be sold. Sale of Mammals: Texas Parks & Wildlife Code, §62.023. Sale by Taxidermist.
Is it legal to sell animal skulls? ›
Pieces or parts of the species listed by this act are illegal to sell or even to possess. This includes skulls, feathers, eggs and nest parts.
What do you do with old mounted deer heads? ›
They may also be donated at any time to veterans' organizations or veterans' service committees for use by veterans for rehabilitation purposes. Your friend might want to check with his local veterans organizations as he may find they will take the deer hides off his hands.
What are deer mounts worth? ›
The value of shoulder mounts is related to the quality of the taxidermy, but the average shoulder mount of a whitetail scoring under 150 inches sells for between $350 and $450. Larger bucks demand a higher price, with the best mounts from deer scoring above 150 inches selling for $1,000 or more.
| Full Shoulder Mounts | Life Size Mounts | European Skull Antler Mounts |
|---|
| Elk – $950 -$1500 | Deer – $1,800 - $3,500 | Small Mammals – $200 |
| Fox – $550 | Fox – $650 | Boar – $325 |
| Grizzly – $1100 | Grizzly – $3,500 - $5,500 | Panels Extra |
| Javelina – $685 | Javelina – $1,500 | Turkey (Spring birds preferred) |
37 more rowsDowse acknowledged that Cabela's buys many mounts for decorating their stores. The normal process and amount paid are different from most rural legends.
How much is a taxidermy deer head? ›
The long story short is you should expect to pay a minimum of $500 for a quality deer mount, and don't be surprised if that figure pushes to $600 or more. Having been on the receiving end of several really bad mounts over the years, I know full well that you get what you pay for when it comes to deer taxidermy mounts!
Does Bass Pro Shop Buy taxidermy? ›
Note: Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's does not sell any taxidermy or artifacts that are on display in any of our locations..
Can you sell deer mounts in Illinois? ›
The inedible portions of game mammals, such as antlers, hides, hooves, skulls and bones, may be bought and sold without any permit or license required. (The inedible parts of vehicle-killed deer or deer killed by other, non-hunting methods, however, may not be sold.) Note: As outlined in section II.
What taxidermy is illegal in California? ›
(4) No skin or part of any fully protected, rare, or endangered species of fish, reptile, bird or mammal may be sold. (5) No skin or part of any migratory bird covered by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act or Bald Eagle Act may be sold without approval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Can you sell waterfowl mounts? ›
It is illegal to sell waterfowl mounts unless they are from a game farm and they are tagged or have a pinned wing and have the accompanying paperwork. As mentioned you have to donate them, keep them or trash them.
Can you sell deer hides in Oklahoma? ›
1. It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession any meat, head, hide or any part of the carcass of any wildlife not legally taken.
Is it legal to sell antlers in Oklahoma? ›
Selling deer antlers (attached to the skull) is illegal in Oklahoma.
Can you sell deer heads in Oklahoma? ›
A deer skull could be worth hundreds of dollars, depending on the size and condition, but in Oklahoma it's against the law to sell deer skulls or any antlers still attached to the skull plate.
They answered back there would be taxidermists there, but that it is illegal to sell a deer mount in NC if the deer was originally a NC deer. Therefore, he would be displaying various mounts, but none could be sold.
Can you sell mounted deer heads in KY? ›
Effective January 3, 2014, and pursuant to 301 KAR 4:095, any person or entity may sell a mounted wildlife specimen in Kentucky, except as prohibited by federal law .
Do you have to have a taxidermy license in NC? ›
The Taxidermy Cervid Certification is a certification required, in addition to a taxidermy license, to engage in the taxidermy of any species in the family Cervidae (deer, elk, moose). The certification expires on Dec. 31 of each year.
What should I not sell on eBay? ›
These items may not be listed on eBay:
- Adults only.
- Drugs and drug paraphernalia.
- Embargoed goods and prohibited countries.
- Firearms, weapons and knives.
- Government, transit, postal items and official items policy.
- Hazardous, restricted, or regulated materials.
- Items encouraging illegal activity.
- Lock-picking devices.
Counterfeit products are illegal and not allowed on eBay.
Can you sell real animal fur on eBay? ›
eBay is committed to animal welfare and the protection of native, endangered, and threatened species, so products from endangered or protected species can't be listed. Sellers can list certain animal and wildlife products on eBay such as faux or reproductions of animal products.
Is it legal to sell deer mounts in Maryland? ›
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection or § 10-512(a)(2)(ii) of this title, a person may not sell, offer for sale, barter, or exchange, at any time within the State any game bird or game mammal taken from the wild, in the State or in another state, territory, or country.
Is it legal to sell taxidermy in Oregon? ›
A licensed taxidermist may sell a client's unclaimed, legally taken, mounted wildlife except migratory birds protected under federal law provided that: Upon completion, at least two written notices of intent to sell are sent to the client.
Is it illegal to sell deer antlers in Maryland? ›
Shed antlers may be possessed at any time and do not require a permit. Shed antlers may be collected with permission from the property owner.
Can you sell taxidermy in Wisconsin? ›
Any private collection, including a taxidermist's private collection, can be sold, except for migratory birds; wild deer hides or mounts in the spotted coat and antlers in the velvet from wild deer which cannot be sold at any time.
Answer: Please advise your friend not to try to sell his deer or elk trophies. It is unlawful to sell, trade or purchase any species of bird or mammal (or their parts) found in the wild in California.
Can you sell deer mounts in Minnesota? ›
A person may not take, buy, sell, transport, or possess a protected wild animal unless allowed by the game and fish laws. The ownership of all wild animals is in the state, unless the wild animal has been lawfully acquired under the game and fish laws.
Is it illegal to sell deer antlers in VA? ›
It is illegal to sell antlers in Virginia, including sheds.
Can you sell deer hide in Virginia? ›
A: Yes. It is now legal to buy and sell the hair, hide, tail, sinew, skull, antlers, bones, and feet of a legally possessed deer or elk carcass or carcass part, any products made from these carcass parts, and deer or elk mounts.
Is it illegal to sell deer meat in VA? ›
A. Any person who offers for sale, sells, offers to purchase, or purchases any wild bird or wild animal, or any part thereof, or any freshwater fish, except as provided by law, shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Can you sell owl taxidermy? ›
No, it is illegal.
What are taxidermy animals stuffed with? ›
The stuffing itself—shavings known as wood wool or excelsior—can be found at craft stores. Taxidermists then add glass eyes, paint and makeup. It helps to have a strong gut.
Can you taxidermy a pet? ›
Many choose to taxidermy to preserve their beloved pet. Here the process is a bit different. When you choose taxidermy, the pets' internal organs are removed. The animal's hair is added to a form that best fits the size and proportions of your pet.
Can I sell my deer mount? ›
Fish and Game Code, section 3039 generally prohibits selling or purchasing any part of a bird or mammal found in the wild in California. Complete antlers, whole heads with antlers, antlers mounted for display or antlers in the velvet may not be sold or purchased at any time.
Does Bass Pro Shop Buy taxidermy? ›
Note: Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's does not sell any taxidermy or artifacts that are on display in any of our locations..
Dowse acknowledged that Cabela's buys many mounts for decorating their stores. The normal process and amount paid are different from most rural legends.
Can I sell taxidermy on Ebay? ›
Due to Animals and wildlife products policy http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/wildlife.html the following items are prohibited for sale: Animals, Animal parts-pelts or skin, animal traps, ivory and bone, marine mammal items, stuffed birds, turtle or tortoise shell items, Animal organs.....
Can you sell a taxidermy deer head? ›
It is unlawful to sell, trade or purchase any species of bird or mammal (or their parts) found in the wild in California.
What do you do with old deer mounts? ›
They may also be donated at any time to veterans' organizations or veterans' service committees for use by veterans for rehabilitation purposes. Your friend might want to check with his local veterans organizations as he may find they will take the deer hides off his hands.
Can I sell my deer mount in Texas? ›
(a) Except as provided by Subsection (c), no person may sell, offer for sale, purchase, offer to purchase, or possess after purchase a wild bird, game bird, or game animal, dead or alive, or part of the bird or animal.
Are deer heads worth money? ›
The value of shoulder mounts is related to the quality of the taxidermy, but the average shoulder mount of a whitetail scoring under 150 inches sells for between $350 and $450. Larger bucks demand a higher price, with the best mounts from deer scoring above 150 inches selling for $1,000 or more.
Can you sell taxidermy in Maryland? ›
A Maryland Taxidermist and Fur-Tanner License is required for each person within the State of Maryland to do taxidermy work for a person other than himself.
What is a piebald deer worth? ›
It's fair to say that the deer could easily be sold for $13,000, but to public knowledge, the buck is still owned by the hunter. Piebald deer are rare and amazing looking with the rare pigmentations. Calico or piebald deer occur form a genetic defect.
How much is a dead deer worth? ›
At our local farmers market, basic pastured ground meat generally gets somewhere around $10 per pound. The better quality steaks fetch $15 per pound or higher. So a smaller deer would be worth $525 in meat (relative to your local farmer's market meat prices). A bigger deer could be worth $1000!
Is it legal to sell deer antlers in Missouri? ›
Joe Jerek, statewide news coordinator for the Missouri Department of Conservation, said shed hunting is a popular activity in Missouri. He said it is perfectly legal to find, keep or even sell antlers that are found on the ground, and no permit is needed.
Our professional artists and taxidermists produce replicas and lifelike game mounts in meticulous detail and vibrant color. Besides fish replicas, taxidermy fish and game mounts, we also offer upland bird taxidermy, game heads, deer head mounts, and exotic mounts.
