George Dante Studios

George Dante Studios Taxidermist, sculptor, naturalist. Focusing on specialized museum services.

03/27/2026

Ever wondered how to get insanely realistic feather detail in artificial bird heads? Here’s one of the coolest (and oldest) tricks in the book 👀

This is a black vulture head we recently slip cast—also called erosion casting. Basically, the head is left in the mold just long enough to naturally break down. As it does, those super fine feathers release and stay behind in the mold.

When we pour the cast, those tiny details get locked right in—giving it that extra level of realism that’s hard to replicate any other way.

This technique actually goes way back to early museum taxidermists. It’s been tweaked and improved over time, but the core idea is still the same: sometimes the best detail comes from letting nature do its thing.

03/23/2026

Crappy enough for you?
After completing this black vulture in the studio, we sent images to ornithologist Dr. Peter Capainolo. His first remark? The feet were too clean.
Vultures defecate on their legs, leaving behind chalky stains that are often clearly visible. We thought this behavior was just for thermoregulation—helping them cool off in warmer temperatures. But their acidic waste also acts as an antiseptic, killing bacteria they pick up from walking on decaying carcasses.
Artificial “excrement” is now in its proper place, the ornithologist is satisfied… and I guess this proves it pays to know your sh* #!

03/20/2026

So satisfying - this is my happy place! Re-coloring faded taxidermy can sometimes breathe new life into these older mounts—especially those used for education. Even subtle color restoration can dramatically enhance realism. It was a pleasure restoring this skunk for the Schwendeman family, whose deep roots in the taxidermy have always inspired me.

Working and freezing University today, so this is all you get!
01/28/2026

Working and freezing University today, so this is all you get!

isn’t just preservation, it’s transformation. It’s a multi-medium artform where organic meets inorganic, and biology b...
04/08/2025

isn’t just preservation, it’s transformation.
It’s a multi-medium artform where organic meets inorganic, and biology blends with sculpture, painting, sewing, and storytelling.

Each mount is a collaboration between nature and the artist’s hand: real bone and hide meet glass eyes, wire armatures, and clay forms. It’s beauty built in layers.

Preserving History at Sagamore Hill: Our Taxidermy “Stand-In”We were honored to take on a unique challenge at Sagamore H...
02/12/2025

Preserving History at Sagamore Hill: Our Taxidermy “Stand-In”

We were honored to take on a unique challenge at Sagamore Hill—the historic home of Theodore Roosevelt. Hanging in the front hallway is a Cape Buffalo trophy from Roosevelt’s 1910 safari.

Despite careful preservation by NHS Curatorial Staff, severe cracking due to temperature and humidity fluctuations required immediate action.

Our task? Create a temporary replacement that closely matched the original while ensuring it fit the existing space and hardware.

We began by sculpting a custom form that replicated the period-correct style of the original mount, paying special attention to the artistic details of the taxidermist’s work.

To reduce weight and stress on the existing hanger, we used a replica set of horns, making installation safer and easier. Every detail mattered—from sourcing glass eyes from the same era to fine-tuning the facial expression and eye set for an authentic look.

Swipe through the images to see the transformation and final installation. The first images are the original, the last is our new taxidermy.

Have you visited Sagamore Hill yet? Let us know if you’ve spotted our work!

A huge thank you to and for making this project possible.

While reflecting on what an incredible year 2024 has been, I was about to post a few of my favorite highlights when it s...
01/01/2025

While reflecting on what an incredible year 2024 has been, I was about to post a few of my favorite highlights when it suddenly hit me.

I can go on and on listing the many projects and accomplishments we enjoyed, how incredibly thankful we are for our clients, students, employees, and colleagues.

My appreciation is genuine, I want you all to know how much we love and respect you, but I saw how this can quickly turn from a message of thanks to a bragging session.

While playing with my girls today it dawned on me that having success in a career is not always about racking up accomplishments or wealth. It’s really about the precious gift of time. The hours, minutes, and seconds spent with those you love.

I am eternally grateful for a career that allows me to spend time with those who need me, and today, I raise this tiny glass and wish you all a happy, healthy, New Year.
- George ❤️
#2025

With a serious addiction to habitat material, a quick run to our plant supplier usually turns disastrous! ...
12/11/2024

With a serious addiction to habitat material, a quick run to our plant supplier usually turns disastrous!

The ethical and respectful persuit of game offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature and develop a deep, ...
11/26/2024

The ethical and respectful persuit of game offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in nature and develop a deep, personal understanding of the wildlife around us.

It’s about sight and sound — it’s learning to rely on all our senses, becoming attuned to the environment, and moving quietly within it.

Hunting becomes a form of meditation, a careful game of strategy and patience. It must be a respectful practice, where every action is guided by an understanding and appreciation for the creatures we share this world with.


Address

192 LACKWANNA Avenue
Woodland Park, NJ
07424

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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