I did a squirrel mount in school last year and the teacher said that he wanted em shot w/ a shotgun, but idk about the taxidermist depends on whether he/she wants to sew up a few small holes or 1 (hopefully ) larger hole. I would think the shotgun would be better cuz some of the higher velocity .22's might leave a hefty exit wound. I'd say call up any taxidermist and ask, but i dont think it would matter, if ur gonna pay em they'll do it either way.