Ponderosa Tines Taxidermy

Ponderosa Tines Taxidermy is a specialized big game taxidermy studio located at South 1830 West in Riverton, Utah, just south of Salt Lake City. Erin Silcox, the owner and lead taxidermist, won the 2025 National Champion award in mule deer and took 1st Place in the Nationals Challenge of the Art—credentials that speak to the level of work coming out of this studio.

Erin is a Nebraska native who studied Land Use Economics before realizing she needed to create with her hands instead of sitting at a computer. She attended the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy and hasn't looked back. She runs the business alongside her husband Cole, who shares her commitment to quality.

Outside the studio, Erin is an avid angler chasing muskie and tiger trout, and a hunter herself. That outdoor lifestyle informs her philosophy: every animal taken is a trophy in its own right and deserves proper respect.

"I believe every animal taken is a trophy in its own right and deserves the time, skill, and respect to be honored properly. Cutting corners simply isn't in my nature."

• •Mule Deer — This is their specialty. They focus on capturing "the look" that defines a mature muley—the unique characteristics that set mule deer apart from other species.

• •Sheep — Their sheep mounts are tributes to the beauty and resilience of these animals, with careful attention to detail and expert craftsmanship.

• •Antelope — Full service antelope taxidermy.

• •North American Big Game — Beyond deer and sheep, they mount diverse North American game species including whitetail deer and other game animals.

They do NOT work on pets, birds, fish, or European mounts. If you need a euro mount, they'll refer you to specialists they trust.

Proper field care starts before the animal reaches the studio:

1. Cape the animal properly — Dorsal cuts are ideal for lifesize taxidermy 2. Keep it cool and dry — Frozen milk jugs or water bottles in a cooler work well 3. Get it to the studio fast — Or freeze it immediately to prevent spoilage. Air temperature matters—a velvet buck in August spoils faster than a November buck 4. Bring the harvest tag — Utah law requires the tag number

Once at the studio:

• •Cape off the head, turn and salt the hide
• •Send hide to tannery (4-6 months of typical turnaround)
• •Select pose and form when hide returns
• •Mount the animal
• •2-3 weeks drying time plus finish work

• •Total turnaround: 8-12 months, though completion dates are tentative and subject to seasonal demand.

Animals can be shipped to the studio if professionally salted by a taxidermist or outfitter beforehand. They also arrange shipping of completed mounts home via reputable taxidermy haulers (additional cost).

Deposits are non-refundable after work commences. No mount leaves the studio until balance is paid in full. If not picked up and paid within 30 days of completion, the mount becomes the property of Ponderosa Tines Taxidermy.

• •2025 National Champion - Mule Deer
• •2025 Nationals Challenge of the Art - 1st Place
• •Best Masters Mule Deer
• •Best of Category Masters Antlered Gamehead
• •Professional Judges Best of Show
• •Best Professional Large Mammal
• •Woody Award (Runner Up Best in Show)

Erin's approach is straightforward: industry-leading techniques, exceptional attention to detail, no compromises. She uses the best components and innovative competition taxidermy methods to recreate each animal. The studio operates by appointment only.

Contact: - Phone: 801.232.3885 - Email: [email protected] - Location: South 1830 West, Riverton, UT 84065