Graybeard’s is a small, veteran-owned taxidermy shop based in Wasilla, Alaska. Originally focused on using dermestid beetles to prepare skulls and bones for European mounts, the business has grown into a full-service taxidermy shop. It handles a range of taxidermy needs, excluding birds, fish, and pets, and welcomes trophies from Alaska and elsewhere.

The shop’s year-round beetle colonies gently remove meat and sinew without harming the underlying bone. Unlike boiling, which can weaken or damage delicate areas such as the nasal bones, this process helps preserve the skull’s structure. After cleaning, the bone is degreased and whitened for display. The beetles are housed in a separate facility to protect other taxidermy work.

Graybeard’s aims to help hunters and trappers preserve memories from time spent in the field, whether they want a European mount or a cleaned skull for display. Located at 540 W Scheelite Drive, the shop operates by appointment during its winter hours, from October 1 through Memorial Day.