Quality Taxidermy by A Living Memory Taxidermy

Located in Malone, NY

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Antelope Shoulder Mounts

Deer Shoulder Mounts

Elk Shoulder Mounts

African/Exotic Shoulder Mounts

Other Shoulder Mounts

Shoulder Mounts

Shoulder mounts are one of the oldest and one of the most admired parts of the taxidermy world. There is nothing better than having your first deer, your biggest deer, or your child's first deer hanging on the wall to display your trophy.

I pay strict attention to the eyes, ears and lip lines. I set the antlers where they need to be set, a lot of times you can see a mule deer's antlers being set the same way you would a whitetail and they are two different animals with two different angles.

Have a look at some of my example shoulder mounts in the photo galleries at the left separated by species.

I use the best materials that are available. I do not use one supply company, I use twelve. Why this? Simple. Some companies cater to the whitetail and other companies cater to the mule deer.

I use the highest quality eyes to give the mount the most life-like appearance possible. I have never seen a deer with a solid brown eye, but that's the type of eyes typically ordered. I use only the white banned eyes unless asked not to.

There are so many poses available, how do I know which one to pick?

The following are a few ideas to consider before choosing your pose. Consider the room that will display the mounted animal, if the ceiling is low and the antlers are tall an upright pose might require the mount to be hung low on the wall.

There are three basic form poses - upright, semi-sneak, and full sneak.

With an upright form, the neck is almost parallel to the wall. The semi sneak form has the neck at an approximate 45 degree angle off the wall.

The full sneak pose has the neck at 90 degrees from the wall or straight out. For a low ceiling, a semi sneak or full sneak may be the better choice.

Next to consider is which direction to have the head mount turned. Where in the room will the mount be placed?

A mount in the corner of the room will most likely look better if the animal is turning its head in towards the center of the room.

Placed above a stairway the straight head position would be a good choice. Are there any unique antler traits that will be more prominently displayed if the buck is turned to the left or right?

When determining a left or right turn, use the head direction towards the animal's shoulder. If the head is turned toward the animals left shoulder, it is considered a left turned mount.

From the observer's perspective, the head will be angled to the right of center. Avoid the mistake of using the observer's perspective rather than the animal's shoulder when telling the taxidermist which direction to have the deer mounted. Take a look at as many mounts as possible before you decide on your pose; I have samples of my work as well as numerous photos to browse.