Bringing taxidermy deer mounts to life relies on the skilled craftsmanship and the mount form. These poses allow for this work of art to take shape and truly portray what the animal might have looked like in the wild. A skilled taxidermist like the ones at All-Taxidermy, are well versed in numerous deer taxidermy mount forms. Here are some examples of deer mount forms that the highest quality trophies use.
No mount is the same thanks to the uniqueness of each individual animal. Here you can find superior quality mule deer mounts and whitetail deer mounts.
Deer Shoulder Mount Forms
The shoulder mount form, especially for deer, is the most popular. It consists of the animal manikin from the shoulder up in various poses. The taxidermy deer is mounted on the wall in such a way that the deer’s head appears to be sticking out of the wall. The shoulder form for deer also comes in different poses to differentiate the head and neck position.
- Upright: The classic deer mount, it is a proud position normally mounted with alert ears and a slight turn to the left or right to accentuate the antlers. It is important to note that this pose needs to be hung lower on the wall but it does not stick out too far.
- Semi Sneak: Is a relaxed pose that can be created with a small or large head turn. This position allows for the ears to be mounted either alert, relaxed, or one of each. This pose allows for the mount to be higher on the wall, but note that it does stick out farther than the upright mount.
- Full Sneak: This is the most relaxed pose and can have ears that alert or relaxed. Not as popular as the Upright and Semi Sneak but a good change up from the typical poses. It can be hung the highest on the wall but also extends the farthest from the wall.
- Sweep Sneak: It shows a stretched-out, muscular rut neck with deep shoulders. The parallel neck position keeps the antlers lower for better ceiling clearance, though the deer also extends out into the room more. It resembles a buck in pursuit of a doe, so a curling lip or open mouth is a good artistic touch.
Deer Mount Wall Pedestal Forms
The wall pedestal form once again involves the animal manikin from the shoulder up. This time however the upper body is more turned and is often accompanied by environmental accessories such as branches, leaves or a physical pedestal. Due to the curvature of this deer mount form, its different than that of a shoulder mount as it doesn’t appear to be sticking out of the wall.
Floor & Table Pedestal Forms
This mount form mirrors that of the wall pedestal, with the taxidermy deer being from the shoulder up with a curved upper body, however this time the manikin is accompanied by a stand so it can be placed on the ground or on a table.
Here is a list of additional taxidermy forms and whitetail manikins.
