I've been noticing that some deer mounts seem to have a lacquer typecoat on them, and appear glossy. I've seen others that don't look like that at all, and appear more natural. Do some taxidermists prefer this method? Also I'm curious what is used to make them appear lacquered?

Thanks in advance.

Some people like their horns shiny, so yes they make them that way. They use a clear laquer sealer with sheen of the'r choice. I don't like it though, like you said it's more natural without!

I agree it is not natural to have antlers that shiney. I just clean and polish them.

Antlers can be naturally shiny. I saw a buck this year with a high gloss rack. I think it was wet but if I would have shot it I would have made them glossy.