One of the most common questions new hunters have is why taxidermy takes so long. You drop off your deer cape in November, and the taxidermist tells you it'll be ready in 12 to 18 months — sometimes even longer. That timeline can feel frustrating, but there's a good reason for it.
What Happens After You Drop Off Your Cape
Once your cape and antlers arrive at the shop, the taxidermist begins the preparation process. The hide must be thoroughly fleshed, salted, and often sent to a commercial tannery for professional tanning. Tannery turnaround alone can take 6 to 12 weeks. When the tanned hide comes back, the taxidermist will mount it over a foam form, carefully positioning the ears, eyes, and nose before pinning everything in place to dry.
The Drying and Finishing Phase
After the hide is mounted, the form needs to dry completely — a process that typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on humidity and the size of the deer. Rushing this step causes the hide to shrink unevenly, which creates gaps around the eyes and ears. Once dry, the taxidermist applies finishing paint to the nose, lips, and around the eyes, then grooms the hide before final inspection.
Why Backlogs Push Timelines Out
The reality is that most taxidermists are small operations with one or two craftspeople doing all the work. Deer season floods shops with capes all at once — sometimes hundreds of them arriving in a 6-week window. A taxidermist working through 200 mounts at a steady pace simply cannot rush without sacrificing quality. That's why the best ones almost always have the longest wait times.
If your taxidermist promises a 3-month turnaround for a deer shoulder mount, ask a lot of questions before proceeding. Quality work at a fair price almost always requires patience. The wait is worth it when you see the finished piece on your wall.