How Long Does It Take To Mount A Deer Head

How Long Does it Take to Mount a Deer Head? A Comprehensive Guide

Taxidermy, the art of preserving animals in lifelike poses, is a skill that requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for detail. Mounting a deer head is a significant undertaking, and the time it takes can vary greatly depending on several factors. Let's delve into a detailed breakdown of the process and the timeline involved.

Factors Affecting the Mounting Time

Several key factors influence how long it takes to mount a deer head:

1. The Taxidermist's Experience:

• Beginner: A novice taxidermist might take significantly longer, potentially several days to a week or more, due to unfamiliarity with the process and meticulous attention to detail required for learning. They might also encounter unforeseen challenges, prolonging the process.

• Experienced Professional: An experienced taxidermist, on the other hand, can efficiently complete the task within 3-5 days for a simple mount. Their expertise allows them to work faster and more precisely, minimizing delays.

2. Complexity of the Mount:

• Simple Shoulder Mount: A standard shoulder mount, focusing on the head and shoulders, is the quickest to complete.

• Full Body Mount: A full-body mount, which involves the entire deer, will naturally take considerably longer, potentially several weeks or even months, due to the increased complexity and the need for precise shaping and positioning of the body.

• Specific Poses and Customization: If you request a specific pose or unique customizations, such as a particular head turn or antler configuration, expect additional time to be added to the overall timeline. This requires more meticulous work and careful attention to detail.

3. Season and Workload:

• Peak Hunting Season: During peak hunting seasons, taxidermists are often booked solid, leading to longer wait times. You might face delays of several weeks or even months depending on the backlog.

• Off-Season: Scheduling during the off-season will often result in faster turnaround times as the taxidermist has less of a workload.

4. Preparation of the Hide:

• Proper Skinning and Fleshing: Proper preparation of the hide is critical. If the hide is not properly cleaned and fleshed, it will take longer for the tanning process, delaying the entire mounting procedure.

5. Tanning Process:

• Drying and Processing: The tanning process, essential for preserving the hide, can take several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the tanning method used by the taxidermist.

Timeline Breakdown: A Realistic Expectation

While the actual time can vary widely, a realistic timeline might look something like this:

• Drop-off to Initial Preparation: 1-2 days
• Tanning Process: 7-14 days
• Mounting and Shaping: 3-5 days
• Finishing Touches and Drying: 2-7 days

Therefore, for a standard shoulder mount, expect a total timeline of 2-4 weeks. However, this can extend significantly, potentially to 2-3 months or longer, depending on the factors mentioned above. Always discuss the expected timeframe with your taxidermist upfront.

Communication is Key

Open communication with your chosen taxidermist is essential. Discuss your expectations regarding the timeline, the complexity of the mount, and any specific requests you may have. This will ensure a clear understanding and minimize any potential misunderstandings or delays. Remember, patience is key when it comes to taxidermy; a well-executed mount is worth the wait.