Don Anderson started Anderson Taxidermy in 1977 and added guide services in 1984. He's personally guided hunters for Brown Bear in Alaska, all four species of North American sheep, elk (Rocky Mountain, Tule, and Roosevelt), Mule deer, Whitetail deer, and exotic game across North America, Africa, Asia, and South America.
"With my years of experience as a hunting guide and the knowledge of the animals habits and behaviors I can help you in achieving a quality hunt on any of the animals that you like to obtain."
Anderson operates exclusively on California's central coast, offering guided hunts for:
- •Free-Ranging Sambar Deer – Ultra-exclusive, limited to 4 bulls annually. Four-day hunts with 1x1 guide ratio, on-site meals and accommodations included. Hunts fill a year in advance due to rarity.
- •Tule Elk – Both LaPanza (Periods 1 & 2) and Grizzly Island public land hunts. Fully guided or semi-guided options available.
- •Blacktail Deer – August through September on private property. Three-day hunts with transportation, lunch, and field trophy care. Average deer taken should have 18" spread with 3+ points on one side. Lead-free/copper bullets mandatory (Zone A regulations).
- •Rio Grande Turkey – Spring (late March through early May, calling birds in) and Fall (mid-November, spot-and-stock). Two-day hunts on pristine ranch land with limited hunting history. Varmint hunting available at no extra charge.
- •Desert Bighorn Sheep – Applications start in May with June 2 deadline. Licensed to guide multiple hunt zones including LaPanza, Grizzly Island, G3 Goodale, and Round Valley (G39, J12, X9C).
- •Aoudad Sheep, Rio Grande Turkey, Roosevelt Elk – Additional California species available.
Anderson is licensed to guide all special hunt zones and can assist with applications for areas matching your trophy goals, odds preferences, or physical ability.
Don personally completes all taxidermy work, guaranteeing consistent quality. Services include:
- •Shoulder Mounts
- •Life-Sized Mounts
- •Pedestal Mounts
- •Wall Pedestal Mounts
- •Custom Rugs
- •Horn and Skull Mounts (European style)
- •Why it matters: Don's dual expertise as both guide and taxidermist means he knows exactly how animals look in the field—that knowledge translates directly into accurate, lifelike mounts.
Packages vary by hunt type, but typically feature:
- •1x1 guide-to-hunter ratio (groups of 2 hunters can be arranged)
- •Transportation in the field
- •Lunch provided
- •Field care of trophy
- •Non-hunting companions allowed (daily rate applies)
- •Personal use filming only (no commercial footage)
- •Note: Lodging varies by hunt. Sambar Deer hunts include on-site accommodations; Blacktail and Turkey hunts do not, but local motels are nearby.
- •California – Central Coast (primary operations)
- •Alaska – Not currently booking
- •Texas – Not currently booking
- •Mexico – Not currently booking (safety concerns)
Contact Anderson Taxidermy & Guide Service, Inc. directly to book hunts or inquire about pricing.