FAQ's

Yes, a 50% deposit is required before any work is started on your trophy. 

The diagram below will show you where you need to make your cuts. When in doubt, more material is better than less material. 

(See image below for reference)

"Caping" is the process of removing the hide or skin of a harvested deer while preserving it for taxidermy purposes. Here are the general steps for caping a deer:

1. Make the First Incision: Start by making a circular incision around the deer's midsection, just behind the front legs.

2. Cut the Skin: Use a sharp knife or scalpel to carefully cut the skin around the legs, following the natural contours of the animal's body. Be sure to avoid cutting through any bones or joints.

3. Remove the Skin: Once the skin is cut, begin peeling it away from the deer's body, using a knife to carefully separate the skin from the muscle tissue. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the skin or leaving any excess tissue on the hide.

4. Free the Head: Once the skin is removed from the body, free the head from the neck by making a clean cut through the neck bones.

5. Finish Removing the Skin: Continue peeling the skin back toward the head, being careful not to damage the eyes, ears, or nose. Once the skin is completely removed, carefully trim away any excess tissue or fat.

6. Store the Skin: It can be stored in a cool, dry place until it is ready for mounting.

Overall, caping a deer requires careful attention to detail and a precise process to ensure that the skin is properly preserved and ready for mounting. If you are unsure about the process, it is best to seek out the help of a professional taxidermist.

Yes, you can bring in your deer whole, we charge a $50 skinning fee for this service. 

You will need to bring in your current state's hunting license (from the year you harvested your animal), I need the license number from that. If your state requires you to tag an animal, I will need that seal number as well. Maine has little plastic tags. I need the number off of that tag. 

The estimated turnaround time for a deer mount can vary depending on several factors, such as the availability, the complexity of the mount, and the current workload.

We strive to get your deer mount back to you in 12-18 months. Just a reminder, this timeframe is from the day you drop off your animal, not the day you harvested it. 

We can do any mammal or skull mount you choose. We are not currently doing birds or fish. 

Choosing a taxidermy deer mount style can depend on several factors, such as personal preference, the size of the deer, the location where the mount will be displayed, and the intended purpose of the mount (e.g., trophy display or decorative piece). Here are some tips on how to choose a taxidermy deer mount style:

1. Consider the size of the deer: The size of the deer can determine which style of mount is most appropriate. For example, a shoulder mount is ideal for larger deer, while a European mount may be better suited for smaller deer.

2. Think about the location of the mount: The location where the mount will be displayed can also play a role in selecting the style. A wall-mounted shoulder mount may be better for a living room or den, while a pedestal mount may be more fitting for a trophy room or hunting lodge.

3. Determine the intended purpose of the mount: The intended purpose of the mount can also influence the style selected. For instance, if the mount is to serve as a trophy display, then a traditional shoulder mount with antlers intact may be the best option. On the other hand, if the mount is primarily for decorative purposes, then a pedestal or European mount may be more suitable.

4. Consider personal preference: Ultimately, personal preference should be the main consideration when choosing a taxidermy deer mount style. Take a look at different styles and decide which one you like the best and will enjoy looking at for years to come.

Overall, choosing a taxidermy deer mount style should be a thoughtful and intentional process, taking into account the above factors and your own preferences.

Keep your animal as cold as possible. Keeping it in a fridge for a long period of time will not keep the animal preserved properly. 

For antlered animals, make sure you wrap the head COMPLETELY with a heavy-duty trash bag, make sure ears and all are inside the bag, its ok for the antlers to be sticking out, and then put that in a chest freezer until you can get it to me. 

Best case scenario, go straight from the butcher to our door, we will handle it from there, the sooner you can drop them off the better. 

It's very important that you do not let the cape get warm, this will cause slippage and ruin your hide.
Don’t let skulls for euro mounts set out and get warm, they may rot and may not be accepted.

Preparing your deer properly before taking it to the taxidermist can ensure that the final mount looks as realistic and lifelike as possible. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Field Dress the Deer: After harvesting the deer, field dress it as soon as possible to remove all internal organs and blood from the body cavity. This will help prevent spoilage and ensure that the hide remains in good condition.

2. Cool the Deer: Once the deer is field dressed, it should be cooled as quickly as possible to prevent spoilage. This can be done by hanging the deer in a cool, shaded area, or by placing it in a cooler or refrigerator.

3. Avoid Freezing the Deer: It is important to avoid freezing the deer, as this can damage the hide and make it more difficult to mount. If you must freeze the deer, be sure to wrap it carefully to prevent freezer burn and thaw it slowly before taking it to the taxidermist.

4. Protect the Antlers: If the deer has antlers, be sure to protect them during transport to the taxidermist. You can do this by wrapping them in bubble wrap or other protective material, and securing them to prevent movement or damage.

5. Contact the Taxidermist: Before taking the deer to the taxidermist, be sure to contact them to discuss their specific requirements and any additional preparations that may be necessary. They may have specific instructions or recommendations for how to prepare the deer for mounting.

Overall, preparing your deer properly before taking it to the taxidermist can ensure that the final mount looks as realistic and lifelike as possible. Be sure to follow these steps carefully, and don't hesitate to reach out to your taxidermist with any questions or concerns.

If you have further questions, just call: (207)939-2902