Hard-Kor Taxidermy

10/07/2023

Standard euro mounts are $120 this year. There is some science and experience that leads to a sustainably ivory skull. Try it yourself I’ll be glad to give you tips. But if you bring it to me I’ll have it done in a few weeks. A lot of calls saying “I tried it and now I want you to finish it”, once you start boiling the damage is already done.

Also doing CWD testing again this year. It’s free to you. All harvested deer are eligible.

09/23/2023

I need a tag in my possession as long as I possess the hide/antlers (signed/ dated) Non negotiable.
If you need it for the meat.. tough nugies. There is only one acceptable portion and it sometimes goes to two places, so I will work with you on navigating that.
Prices are up a little. Don’t blame me 😉
Good luck! And remember, please care for your cape as if it were an organ you are bringing to someone in need.

05/10/2023

Cool piece. It was fun. Sad to see it go but this marks the end of taxidermy 2022🥂 see you next year!

11/20/2022

We are full on shoulder mounts for this year. I am grateful for the business I’ve received thus far. Unfortunately there is not enough time to accept anymore mounts.
I am still taking European mounts.

11/15/2022

04/07/2022

Not fun.

04/05/2022

Trappers backpack mount for sale $200. Alaskan moose hide

01/11/2022

11/21/2021

Hide slippage is very common in weather above 40. With each degree warmer means more decomposition of the dermal layer (layer of hair follicle). A skin can still smell good but have slippage in areas of bacterial infiltration. Always cool the skin as rapidly as possible. Once the initial cooling has taken place you allow yourself much more time. As soon as the heart stops beating the body begins to return to the earth. Be fast.

10/25/2021

European mounts:
To ensure the best quality remember this:
- keep the skull moist (best way is to leave skin on, even then don’t leave it out too long. The longer it’s out, the worse the bone will whiten. Blood stains become permanent once they cauterize in the bone.
- freeze if you need to take time to decide what you want to do with it.
- drop off as early as possible

10/23/2021

Capes of all types are highly sought after this year. Willing to pay based on quality. If you knock down a buck send me a pic and we can work something out.
Please and thank you!

09/30/2021

Please make SURE to get plenty of leg and armpit when caping your trophy this season. Had several last year with missing briskets and armpits. It can be fixed but doesn’t look as nice as the real thing.

Tell your friends, when they’re cutting away all excited and high on life, to slow down and take plenty.

On that note: hot temperatures = rapid deterioration of hair follicles. Ice/freeze immediately

Lastly. Don’t leave your animal in the freezer without having it caped for more than a week. Freezer burn begins shortly and will dry out the nose and eyes.

02/21/2021

Trifecta! It’s complete. Pretty cool collection of antlers, forms, and capes. Each have their own uniqueness and character. Fun project

02/10/2021

Some recents. Only 28 left

01/28/2021

Brought back a well done mount from the 80s. Gave it a little facelift. This rack was swapped out with the original rack which wasn’t as big

01/19/2021

Show piece for the shop. Rack was donated to my dad from a coworker in days gone by. I borrowed it from him to add to the taxidermy trifecta. The cape was at least 7 years old that I had on hand.
2 down, one more to go. I’ll show the “trifecta” when it’s complete.

12/16/2020

This was little project the wife did this evening. Had a salvaged black bear hide figured we could use it for something neat!

12/08/2020

Just finished mounting this raccoon, or at least that’s what it’s shaped like.

12/08/2020

Just finished mounting this raccoon. At least that’s what it’s shaped like.

11/21/2020

Looking for a nice big cape! Have an old set of sheds from the old days, deserving of a deer big enough to justify the size of the antlers. I’ve had some big deer come through this year but all are shoulder mounts

05/01/2020

Triple main beams! These are sheds I used a spare cape. -Scott Hillesheim

04/25/2020

Finally mounted my 2015 SD buck. My ole man found him after hours of tracking. Lost blood and were searching blind. Just as we were going to pack up and sadly depart the scene. We found him.

03/30/2020

Just a few of my recent projects. The big boy is a 204” shot in the 60s. Found a cape and brought it back to life. Fun times.

02/15/2020

Restoring color in a faded set of antlers. Will be more noticeable after clear coat. Right side is done

11/15/2019

Looking for buck capes so if you shoot one and you don’t plan to mount it, give me a call. Willing to pay based on quality

11/08/2019

Good luck hunters! I’m accepting heads again this year! Turnaround time will be March for first 10 mounts. Hard to beat that. I have a new shop this year at my home, which will be much more efficient. Will travel to properly cape your deer.
612-599-0448

09/11/2019

Hunting season has begun and Hard-Kor Taxidermy is ready to bring your trophy back to life.

Below is the proper caping method for tubing out your cape if you don’t have the luxury of a taxidermist near your kill site.

Good luck this season

10/27/2016

We have room for 4 more heads this year and even that will be a tough turnaround. I always strive to be done by summer. it's going to be hard to turn customers down especially family and friends but business is good! Once again shoulder mounts for this year are $500. This guarantees any and all hours needed to ensure your trophy is carefully and precisely mounted with a quality found in very few taxidermy businesses. If I am too busy I have a trusted taxidermist in mind that I will be happy to refer you to.

Good luck hunters,
Hard-Kor Taxidermy