More Behind the Scenes: Forming Up a Deer

Most folks don't know it, but the word "taxidermy" is derived from ancient Greek and means "moving skin." That bit of language history really comes through in this clip, which captures me forming up a deer.

Here you see me taking a fully prepped hide, gluing it to a form, reattaching the antlers, sewing the cape, tucking the eyes and lips, etc. This is when a specimen really starts to come alive again, and it's one of the most satisfying parts of the process.

Over the next several weeks, while everything is drying, I will continue to make a series of adjustments. You're probably familiar with the standard mounting poses (upright, sneak, semi-sneak, etc.). Clients choose those at drop-off since they require specific forms.

But now is when we get to really dial in what you want the animal to convey, and you might be surprised how much of a difference small changes can make. For example, adjusting the ears even slightly can shift the focus, alertness, and even mood of the end result. It really comes down to your personal preference and the moment you want to preserve.

As I write this, we're just a few short weeks from the firearm opener here in Michigan, so I'm staying busy with the last of my 2024 mounts. As we enter one of our busiest seasons, I want to take a minute to thank the clients who make this all possible. Whether you've referred a fellow hunter, shared one of my posts, swapped stories over beers in the shop, or attended an event, the support is much appreciated, and we hope to see you again this year. Wishing you a safe and successful hunt!