My best friend shot a nice 6 pointer in NY this past November, and got his deer back about 3 weeks ago. I was curiuos as to why he got it back so quick, my 9 pointer I got here in NJ in November will be done sometime this November or early December.

My friend called the taxidermist up, and asked him how he tans his hides, and he uses a dry tan, his mount looks good and cost $280. I called my taxidermist WILDLIFE PRESERVATIONS and asked George how he does his tans, and he told me he sends them out to be done professionally. I told him about my friends deer and the dry tan used. George told me he has never used and never will use any dry tan, or pickle tan, he will only use a professional tan. He went on to say that the dry tan or pickle may hold up for a very long time, but he wouldn't bet on it, plus he added that when tanned either way the hide can start smelling, bugs getting into it, and humdity is your worst enemy. Cracking around the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth is common with a dry or pickle tan. He ended the conversation with this: If a hide is done this way, cutting corners are being done lowing the cost for the mount, thats why your friend payed $280 for a full shoulder mount. I will stick with WILDLIFE PRESERVATIONS ,as George is 100% honest, and up front, plus he has done a few mounts for me and other friends, he did a wonderful job on my full body NJ black bear