Questions do you want the piece conserved or restored?  How are the pieces important to your collection-Scientific/education and/or fine examples in the art of taxidermy?   

We have a large taxidermy collection and are faced with the same questions and decisions.  Our collection is used mainly for scientific study and educational programs.  The specimens are done incredibly well, but the mounts are really pathetic and really only serve to keep the specimen upright.  We are having an objects conservator and a taxidermist who specializes in old taxidermy come evaluate our collection in the fall, if a grant comes through.  After their evaluation we will come up with a game plan, which I suspect will be a combination of conservation and restoration.

Check out this link about American Museum of Natural History: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/23/arts/artsspecial/diorama-restoration-at-the-american-museum-of-natural-history.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Good luck!

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