Option A
Send Full Body
+ $125 prep fee
We handle the skinning, fleshing, washing, and drying in our studio — the simplest path and the one most clients pick. Must be shipped fully frozen.
Shipping & Prep
Everything you need to know to get your bird to us safely.
The quality of your finished piece starts with how the bird is handled after harvest. Please follow the prep instructions below carefully — specimens that arrive in poor condition may be subject to a cleaning fee or may not be usable.
Waterfowl & Upland Prep
Ducks, pheasants, and all upland game — same four steps, immediately after harvest.
Cool Down Immediately
Allow the bird to cool completely before freezing. Do not stack warm birds on top of each other, as this traps heat and accelerates bacterial growth.
Clean Gently
Gently wipe away blood from feathers with cold water. Do not gut or field-dress the bird — leave that to us.
Position Correctly
Tuck the head under a wing or lay it flat against the back. Smooth all feathers to their natural position.
Seal Air-Tight
Place in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze every bit of air out before sealing. Double bagging is highly recommended to prevent freezer burn.
Turkey Prep
Turkeys need skinning before shipping. Four steps — same pattern as above.
Choose Your Prep
Two options — pick the one that fits your setup. Details below.
Bag Each Part Separately
Each wing, fan, and skin must go in its own freezer bag. Squeeze out all air; double bag where possible to prevent freezer burn.
Include Your Details
Put a sheet of paper in the box with your full name, shipping address, phone number, and the mount style you want.
Overnight Ship Only
Turkeys must arrive fast. No ground or 2-day — overnight via UPS or FedEx only, Monday or Tuesday.
Step 01 — Choose Your Prep Option
Two ways to handle the skinning.
Option B
Local Taxidermist
Their rate
Pay a local taxidermist to skin, flesh, wash, and dry before shipping. Great if you already have one you trust.
“Most clients send the bird full-body with the $125 prep fee — it lets me handle the skinning and fleshing the way I want it done. Just freeze it solid before packing. If anything looks off when I unbox it, I'll call before I start work so we can figure it out together.”
Packing & Timing
Ship Monday or Tuesday, overnight via UPS or FedEx. Avoid weekend warehouse risk.
Do
- Fully freeze the bird solid before packing
- Styrofoam cooler inside a sturdy cardboard box
- Tape all seams of the inner cooler
- Fill empty space with newspaper or insulation
- Include a paper with your name, address, phone, and mount style
- Ship Monday or Tuesday only
- Use UPS or FedEx overnight service
- Email the tracking number the moment you drop off
Do NOT
- Use loose ice or ice cubes — they melt, leak, and ruin feathers
- Field-dress, gut, or hose the bird
- Ship Wednesday through Friday (weekend warehouse risk)
- Use ground shipping or 2-day — overnight only
- Stack warm birds on each other (traps heat, accelerates spoilage)
- Send a full-body turkey without arranging prep first
- Wrap feathers directly against cold-pack gel or dry ice
Where to Ship
Our studio address is shared directly with clients rather than published publicly — it keeps the shop secure and helps us match every incoming bird to the right client.
Email heath.allfeathers@yahoo.com and Heath will send the address back — usually the same day.
Once you ship, reply with the tracking number so we know to expect it.
After You Ship
What happens next.
Once your box is on its way, here's the sequence of what you'll hear from us.
-
01
Arrival
Heath confirms by email the day your bird lands at the studio.
-
02
Inspection
Within 1–2 days, he inspects condition and flags anything that needs restoration.
-
03
Deposit & Spot
$100 non-refundable deposit secures your spot in the build queue.
-
04
Build Updates
Photo updates as the piece takes shape — no need to wonder how it's going.
-
05
Delivery
Professionally crated and shipped to your door. Typical total: 8–12 months.
Shipping FAQ
How much does shipping usually cost?
Overnight via UPS or FedEx typically runs $75–150 depending on distance and box weight. Ground and 2-day aren't options — your bird has to arrive fast to preserve feather quality.
What if my bird arrives damaged?
Heath inspects every shipment the day it arrives. If there's freezer burn, slip, or any damage, he'll call or email within 24 hours to discuss restoration options or alternative mount styles — no one is left wondering.
Can I ship multiple birds in one box?
Yes, as long as each bird is bagged separately and the whole box stays fully frozen. One well-packed box is better than two marginal ones.
What if I don't have a styrofoam cooler?
Most shipping stores and sporting-goods stores sell them for $10–20. A good cooler is the single most important part of the pack — don't skip it.
Can I drop off in person?
We're based in Michigan. If you're local, email Heath first to arrange a time — the shop isn't set up for walk-ins.
How fast does Heath reply with the shipping address?
Usually within 24 hours, often the same day. If you need it urgently, mention that in your email and he'll prioritize it.
Do you accept birds year-round?
Yes. As long as the bird is frozen and packed correctly, you can ship anytime.
Should I include ice in the box?
No loose ice — it melts, leaks, and ruins feathers. The bird itself needs to be frozen solid before packing; the styrofoam cooler keeps it that way in transit.