Contact Us
Tell us about your bird, the project you have in mind, and when it was harvested.
Getting Your Bird to Us
Preparing Your Bird the Right Way.
Whether your bird is headed for premium taxidermy or custom feather art, following these simple steps helps ensure the highest-quality finished piece.
Choose Your ProjectHow It Works
Simple from the start.
Start with the quick overview, then follow the detailed preparation instructions for the project you have in mind.
Prepare Your Bird
Follow the care and freezing instructions below for taxidermy or feather art.
Ship or Drop Off
We will confirm when and how to safely get your bird to our Fremont, Ohio shop.
We Create Your Piece
Your project is built by hand, then arranged for local pickup or return shipping.
Ducks · Geese · Pheasants · Other Select Birds
Bird Taxidermy Preparation.
The most important thing is to protect the feathers and freeze the bird solid until it is ready to be delivered or shipped.
Inspect Your Bird
Check for broken wings, missing feathers, pin feathers, and significant shot damage. Intact, full-plumed birds produce the best results. If you are unsure, send us clear photos before doing anything else.
Bag & Freeze
Keep it clean and dry, wrap the head and feet with wet paper towels, position the head naturally along the body, place it inside a plastic bag, remove excess air, and freeze it solid as soon as possible.
Tag Each Migratory Bird
Every duck or goose must have its own completed federal possession tag inside the individual bag. This information must remain with the bird during transport and while it is in our care.
Contact Us Before Shipping
Never send a bird without confirming that we are ready to receive it. We will provide current shipping guidance and watch the tracking so your bird can be placed back into the freezer promptly.
Pack the Shipment
Keep the bird frozen solid. Place it in an insulated cooler or well-insulated box with frozen gel packs (ice packs will thaw, leaving water that can get onto the bird), then secure everything inside a sturdy outer cardboard box. Avoid loose packing that allows the bird to shift.
Ship Early in the Week
Use UPS or FedEx and ship only after receiving approval from TRUEWILD. Monday shipment is preferred so the package is not delayed over a weekend. Faster service may be necessary during warm weather.
Federal Requirement
Migratory Bird Possession Tag
Ducks and geese are federally protected migratory birds. Each bird must be accompanied by a completed tag that includes the hunter’s signature, address, number of birds identified by species, and date killed (harvest date).
Hunter nameAddressPhone numberHarvest date
Harvest locationNumber of birds by speciesSexSignature
Place one completed tag inside the individual bag with each migratory bird.
Turkey · Waterfowl · Custom Designs
Feather Art Preparation.
Feather artwork depends on preserving the natural color, shape, and condition of the feathers. Handle the bird gently and contact us before skinning or shipping.
Handle the Bird Carefully
Carry the bird carefully. Keep feathers clean, dry, and protected from blood, mud, and unnecessary handling.
Let It Cool First
Allow the bird to cool before bagging or skinning. This is especially important during warm spring hunts.
Contact TRUEWILD
Tell us which design you are considering before preparing the bird. The feathers needed can vary depending on the species and layout.
Prepare the Bird as Directed
For turkey feather art, the bird is generally skinned before shipping rather than sent whole. Preserve the breast, neck, back, wing, body, and tail feathers, and remove as much flesh and fat as possible from the skin side.
Bag & Freeze Separately
Fold the skin so the feathers follow their natural direction. Bag the tail separately to prevent bending or compression, and freeze both pieces completely solid before packing.
Include Your Project Details
Include your name, phone number, email, harvest state and date, species or subspecies, tag confirmation number, desired design, and any special requests. Beard and spurs may also be included when you want them incorporated.
Shipping & Drop-Off
Getting your bird to us.
Always contact TRUEWILD before shipping. Instructions may change based on the bird, project, weather, and delivery timing.
Ship To
TRUEWILD Featherworks
1050 County Road 157
Fremont, Ohio 43420
Carrier & Timing
UPS or FedEx
Ship only after approval. Monday shipment is preferred to avoid weekend delays. Use the service level we recommend for current weather conditions.
Local Drop-Off
By Appointment
Local customers are welcome to bring birds to our Fremont, Ohio location. Contact us first so we can arrange a drop-off time.
Important: Birds received thawed, leaking, improperly packaged, or without required federal information may be refused or may result in reduced finished quality. We only work with birds we believe can produce a finished piece that meets the TRUEWILD standard.
Common Questions
Before you bring or ship your bird.
Yes. Birds may be shipped after you contact us and receive current preparation, packing, and delivery instructions. Never ship without confirming that we are ready to receive the package.
Yes. Local drop-off is available by appointment at our Fremont, Ohio location. Please contact us before arriving.
Some damage can be repaired or positioned so it is less visible, but every bird is different. Send clear photos and we will help determine whether it is suitable for your intended project.
Every migratory bird—such as a duck or goose—must have its own completed possession tag with the hunter and harvest information. The tag must remain with the bird. Turkeys must also have their own complete harvest information, including the tag number, state, date of kill, and hunter’s name.
No. Keep the bird as clean and dry as possible, but do not wash it or apply household products. Contact us for guidance if the bird is heavily soiled.
Still Have Questions?
Reach Out Before You Ship.
Send us a message or photo and we will make sure you have the correct preparation and shipping instructions for your bird and project.