About

Vance Wildlife Taxidermy is a veteran-owned and licensed taxidermy service located in the Sandy Ridge Community of Coeburn, VA. It is owned and operated by Nelson Vance, a longtime resident of Dickenson County. Nelson is also a member of the St. Paul, VA Masonic Lodge, #343.

Primary specialties include fish and fish replicas, whitetail deer mounts, as well as small mammals.

Mounts are done as close to competition standards where possible, paying extreme attention to detail, making each mount lifelike. The taxidermy art itself demands staying on top of the latest trends and techniques to deliver the best mount to Vance Wildlife Taxidermy customers.

A word from Nelson

I began studying the art of taxidermy in 1995 while in high school. My Dad would take me every weekend to shadow master taxidermist, Gary Stallard of Wytheville, VA. Gary introduced me to a myriad of concepts, stemming from his time competing in taxidermy competitions and judging. This greatly jump started my knowledge and eagerness to continue in the art.

I have had many wonderful opportunities to preserve and restore life to many of God’s beautiful creatures. I take none of them for granted. My love for the art grows more each day.

I left home, bound for the Navy in 2000 and had to place my taxidermy on hold. It was not without great sadness and frustration that I had to do so. In 2004, I returned from the Navy to start college and once again picked back up with taxidermy. I have been studying and practicing the art in some form, shape, or fashion since then.

After years of tinkering with the art and overwhelming requests, I finally decided to officially launch Vance Wildlife Taxidermy in December 2022. This could not be possible without the support of family, friends, and current clients. I extend my deepest appreciation to all of you.

Taxidermy will always be a passion of mine. Like martial arts, taxidermy requires patience, perseverance, knowledge, understanding, and perfection that can only be achieved over long period of time. I constantly strive to perfect each and every mount I do. Whether you are an existing or new customer, I am honored each and every time to serve you. May God Bless you and your family!

Best Regards,

Nelson Vance

Taxidermist/Owner

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Taxidermy permit and Virginia State Corporation Commission registration are located onsite and available upon request.