Avilla’s Taxidermy & Fur Tanning

Just got my pig mount back today! Al did a terrific job and it far exceeded my expectations. Not only does he do amazing work on taxidermy, but he also can artistically repair old mounts making them look new again, preserving a piece of history, and that is something most taxidermists will not do. He gave us a tour of his shop showing us all the steps involved in the trade, and I have to say that it was fascinating to see. Bring your trophy to Al and he will definitely make it look right, and if you have old mount around that needs saving, he’s the man to see. Al has an incredible amount of respect for the animals he preserves and his love of the art and the animals, shows in the end result.

Another taxidermist botched my elk skull. I brought it to Avilla’s and they were able to fix it up and get the job done in two weeks. I brought my daughters to look at the skins and stuffed animals. They loved the experience.

Although Al took a good amount of time to get me my turkey back, it is absolutely a thing of beauty, a true art piece. This place is the best and Al is a perfectionist, a true expert in his craft. Prices are right and his showroom is worth the trip.

Great experience right from the get go. They have an amazing showroom full of exotic animals– from lions to toy dogs. This is the only place I could find that would deflesh and sterilize the bones of my late cat, Oscar. I’ve always wanted to articulate the bones of my cat, so when the time came for him, I was able to drop him off within a couple days. I dropped off my cat early February and just picked him up today, so about 3 months for the whole process. The people here are incredibly friendly and make you feel at ease. They can answer your questions and beyond! I wish everyone had this much enthusiasm with their job, it was such a fun and educational experience. Within two visits, I got to see their impressive showroom, learn about salting hides, see the beetles at work, and poke a lot of dead things (furs, stuffed animals, bones). Definitely worth the price for efficient and quality work– my cats bones are clean, sterile, white, and ready for articulation. Also, they put the bones in a box lined with bubble wrap– much better than the shoe box I brought. Thank you Avilla’s Taxidermy!

I just went to pick up my Celeste’s skull. It is beautiful, Al is so down to earth and again I got a peek into the process looking at the beetle box at work! I will definitely be back.

I have a 9ft boa I want to have skinned and tanned. I called and went to meet Al, to see his work before starting the job. I was for sure prepared for some kind of character, in this biz and all, haha. The first thing I see is a gorgeous and perfectly clean 61(I believe), Chevy truck, with a beautiful stuffed dear mounted on a rock in front! Then comes Al, the nicest, most professional, «real man». He started off with some great stories, a few of many he has I, m sure. Then he proceeded to show us his work/​gallery. Unbelievable is all I can say. Al is the best at what he does… and then some. So to make a long story short, I will without a doubt be hiring Al to do my job, will refer him always, am planning a trip to Namibia (as an observer, I don’t hunt), and can’t stop thinking/​talking about Al and everything he shared with us, what an honor!!! Did I mention, the place was spotless, had no odor, and his prices can’t be beat!

Al is the best at what he does. The passion he has for his work shows with the excellent finished product he turns out. He is personable and very likable.

My beloved turtle of 15 years passed away and I wanted to have the shell cleaned out. I was really not sure what to expect when I showed up, and was a little hesitant to just leave my turtle with just anyone, but after seeing their showroom and talking with the husband and wife that run the shop (Al and Noelle) I actually felt good about leaving my turtle in their hands. Sure they have a lot of amazingly preserved animals, but they also have a deep respect for the art of taxidermy and for the animals themselves.
They originally told me it would take a month to have the shell all cleaned out and 2 weeks later they called and said it was ready for pick up! The price was very reasonable and the work was exactly what I wanted. Al and Noelle were so kind about everything — and it really meant a lot to me. Pets are friends and Avilla’s was able preserve my buddy’s shell so I always have a little piece of her to remember.

Long story, but my friend’s deer head got a little messed up. I called Avilla’s and they literally made FrankenBucky (that’s what they named him — that’s how bad he looked) a new deer again!
His ear and antler were stripped and his poor nose had fallen off. He looks brand new now! Well, as new as he COULD look. ;)
I was even given a tour a their amazing gallery! And while I am not a hunting enthusiast (not AT ALL!) I could tell this family really cares for the work they do. The wife/​husband team was professional, courteous, and they worked within my budget.
Thanks for making FrankenBucky whole again!