Brock's Wildlife Taxidermy in Chattanooga: Custom Mount Work for Hunters and Collectors

Brock's Wildlife Taxidermy is a full-service mount shop specializing in game animal preservation for hunters and natural history collectors across the Southeast. The business handles everything from shoulder mounts and full-body poses to fish mounts and small-game work, operating as a made-to-order studio rather than a retail gallery or walk-in experience.

What Brock's Wildlife Taxidermy actually does

This is a working taxidermy studio where mounts are created on commission. The shop takes in harvested game animals, skins, and hides, then produces museum-quality mounts tailored to each client's specifications and space. Work ranges from whitetail deer shoulder mounts (the most common request in the region) to upland game birds, waterfowl, predators, and occasionally larger species. The operation serves both individual hunters who want to preserve significant kills and collectors building displays. Unlike taxidermy chains that rely on prefab forms and assembly-line production, Brock's work involves custom sculpting and fitting, which affects both timeline and price.

Services and pricing

Shoulder mounts of whitetail deer, the bread-and-butter work in Chattanooga, typically cost between $400 and $600 depending on the quality of the hide and the level of custom detail in the eye work and ear liners. Full-body mounts run $800 to $1,200 for a deer-sized animal. Fish mounts start around $300 for smaller species and can exceed $1,000 for large bass or catfish. Upland game birds (quail, pheasant, grouse) cost $150 to $250 per mount. Prices can shift based on hide condition, the complexity of the pose, and whether custom elements like base work or habitat dioramas are included; confirm current rates before submitting work.

Turnaround time averages 8 to 12 weeks for standard mounts, though urgent work may be accommodated with a rush fee. The shop requires a deposit to begin work and payment in full upon completion.

How Brock's compares to other Chattanooga taxidermy options

Chattanooga has limited dedicated taxidermy studios. Some regional hunting outfitters and outdoor retailers offer taxidermy services through partnerships or in-house work, but these typically handle only high-volume, standardized mounts (mainly shoulder mounts) and may use prefabricated forms that limit customization. Brock's distinguishes itself through custom sculpting and detailed finishing work, which appeals to hunters and collectors who prioritize anatomical accuracy and artistic quality over speed and economy pricing. A hunter seeking a quick, inexpensive mount may find a lower price elsewhere; one seeking a museum-display-quality piece with hand-fitted features will find the investment justified here.

Who suits this shop and who does not

Brock's is the right choice for hunters with significant kills they want to preserve professionally, collectors assembling natural history displays, and anyone willing to wait 2 to 3 months and pay for craftsmanship. It suits regional upland hunters (quail and pheasant hunting is strong in the area) and fishing enthusiasts who want to preserve trophy catches. It is not a walk-in retail experience, does not sell finished mounts, and does not accommodate rush jobs under 4 weeks without prior arrangement. First-time clients should understand that taxidermy requires the hide to be in good condition at submission; improper field care (delayed skinning, poor freezing, or damage) can result in significant quality loss or the mount being unworkable.

What the first visit involves

Contact the shop by phone to discuss your project: the species, the condition of the hide or skin, the type of mount (shoulder, full-body, pedestal), and any specific pose or base preferences. The shop will quote a price and deposit amount and explain the timeline. You will then schedule a time to bring in the animal or hide, or arrange pickup if local. The artist will assess the material in person, finalize details, and confirm the timeline. After that, you check in periodically or wait for notification that the work is complete. Final payment is due before pickup.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Brock's operates by appointment only; walk-ins are not accepted. Hours and exact location details should be confirmed directly with the shop, as appointment availability varies seasonally (hunting seasons drive demand). The studio is located in the Chattanooga area; specific parking and access information is best confirmed when you schedule.

Brock's Wildlife Taxidermy serves a straightforward function in Chattanooga's hunting and collecting culture: it turns field kills into lasting displays through skilled hand work. For the regional hunter or collector who understands that quality taxidermy is a craft, not a commodity, it fills a genuine local need.