Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where are you located?

A: Our studio is located at 4004-60th avenue, Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada. Drop off and pickups are by appointment only.

Q: What methods do you use for your skull cleaning?

A: We use the gentler method of Maceration (water-rotting) for our pet and wildlife skulls. This ensures the premium quality of our skulls and is the safest method for preserving bone quality.

Q: What methods do you use to preserve pets?

A: We do traditional skin-mount taxidermy. All of our Pet forms are custom and hand-made, using a molding and casting process to get an exact replica of your pet's unique size and shape!

Q: Do you have a Facebook Page?

A: Yes! We are at Gustavson Taxidermy Studio on Facebook.

Q: Can I ship my animals to you?

A: In short, no. Animals will have to be dropped off at the studio, as there are no shipping companies in Canada that will accept deceased animals for shipping. Dropoff and pickup are by appointment only. Please contact us to discuss your project and drop-off date.

Q: How do I handle my Pet after their passing, to ensure they remain in good condition before I bring them to your studio? How should my Wildlife be brought to your studio?

A: Pets: After your pet has passed away, allow for the body to cool down and then freeze them solid as soon as possible. Curl the feet, tail, and head towards the center of the body (like a curled up sleeping position, this keeps the extremities from thawing out in transport). Double bag them in large freezer bags, or wrap them in layers of plastic or garbage bags, to freeze solid.

For long distance drop-offs: When you are ready to drop off your pet, place them (still frozen solid!) into a cooler (recommended) or box, surrounded by pink insulation, with some solid-type ice packs in with them. This will keep them frozen for transport.

Wildlife Skulls: either frozen or thawed is ok, but we ask that the skull is fairly fresh if thawed, skinned preferred, but we can skin for you. Skinning charges apply.

Wildlife Taxidermy: Wildlife to be mounted can be brought in fresh or frozen in layers of plastic. Small and medium sized animals can be brought in whole, if freezing them have the head and feet tucked into the body. Large game for shoulder mounts should be caped starting behind the shoulders, with the head left in the skin (see diagram below). Please make sure you have all your applicable tags attached to your wildlife.

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