Choosing the Right Deer Head Position



Mounts come in a variety of positions.

     Many times people are confused at which direction and position to mount their trophy.  Thankfully, companies have developed an almost endless array of options.  There are a few things to think about when making the final decision on a deer head.

• First, walk into the room your trophy will be in and look at the wall or location where you want it to reside.  You will most likely want the mount turned and looking at you as you come in the door. 
• If you already have a mount it may look good to have the new mount facing the opposite direction to create symmetry.  
• Think about whether you want your mount to be alert or in sneak mode.  In other words, like it spotted you coming in the room or like its on the trail of a doe during mating season. 

     Many people go with a position similar to the one they last saw the deer alive in.  If you need some extra help with choosing your mount call Hitchins Taxidermy for some tips or message us on facebook today.  www.facebook.com/HitchinsTaxidermy

Space Saving Taxidermy

      One of the largest complaints about taxidermy is that it takes up entirely too much room. Technology and innovations in taxidermy has allowed us to maximize our available space. We can now have animals coming out of the ceiling, corners, and furniture.

· New mounts have been made that utilize corner space so that a full wall does not have to be wasted.
· Pedestal mounts have developed into a common practice. With pedestal mounts there is no need for wall mounts. The mount can be placed anywhere there is floor space.
· Skull and rack mounts are also making leaps in innovation. It is now possible to camouflage an entire deer skull with the latest 3-D camo (http://www.camodipkit.com/).
    
The boundaries have surely been broken down. On your next mount make sure to take a picture of the location where it will reside in your home. Take it to your taxidermist and begin your search of the newest space saving innovations.  We would love to hear about any of your latest space saving taxidermy purchases or ones you have seen. 

Taxidermy, the Educational Tool

     Taxidermy is usually viewed for its face value.  People see an animal, fur, teeth, claws, and eyes.  In reality taxidermy is and can be used for much more. 

• It can be used to teach people of all ages about nature and animals.  We can instruct them on how animals function and show them why some are more dangerous than others.  Taxidermy is found throughout our museums (http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/hunting/game-handling/taxidermy.htm).
   
• Natural resource officers can teach new hunters where to shoot animals to harvest them the most effective way possible with the least amount of pain and suffering.
• With a slow economy taxidermy is taking the place of zoos.  For children, it is becoming one of the only ways to get up close and personal with a wide variety of creatures. 

 Next time you see an example of taxidermy get up close and show your kids they can too.  Please let us know if you think taxidermy is a useful educational tool.

Display of 200 pound bear with actual skull and photos.

Preserving Memories

     Taxidermy is a great way to preserve memories for a lifetime.  No matter what mount type or size, taxidermy sparks conversations and stories. 
    
     When I see my first buck on the wall I immediately think about the November day twelve years ago when my dad and I brought it home.  I was a very proud ten year old.
     My uncle Ron loved turkey hunting and went religiously every year.  Sadly, this past year he passed away after a long battle with cancer.  My family was given the mount of his last turkey and it now resides on our garage wall.  When we look at it we immediately think of him and all that he loved in life.
     My uncle Gene harvested a buck a few years ago that had large white patches on it.  He eventually got a full-body mount because of its rarity.  When people ask about it he talks about how my father and I carried it out on a stick because the brush was too thick to drag it.
 
     At first glance taxidermy can seem expensive.  It can appear to be only an old cape or skull that takes up room.  When you have a personal connection to the animal taxidermy takes on an entirely new meaning.  It is the most effective way to preserve memories, experiences, and sometimes even our friends and family.  Next time you take a trophy, go beyond a few faded pictures and get your animal mounted by Hitchins Taxidermy (www.facebook.com/HitchinsTaxidermy). 

Like a picture, taxidermy is worth a thousand words.