Whitetail Forms

What area of the “east coast “ do your deer come from ? What is your average size range ? They vary greatly from northern Maine to Florida all east coast deer.

 

They all are good and they all suck, order from a few and decide which sculptor sculpts a deer form closest to what you feel matches your interpretation of good references, with the least amount of altering. If you do this long enough you are going to mount deer from all over. Deer are like people in the fact that they are all a little different.

 

McKenzie has a wide selection. I'm sure they are the largest supplier out there.

 

McKenzie as with all companies isn't perfect but you can get a wide selection of forms and mounting materials from them so follow Joey's suggestion. Good luck

 

My opinion is to widen out as much as possible as far as suppliers to choose from. Limiting yourself to a smaller selection, just gives you less options to work with.

 

Research Mannikins, Matuska Taxidermy Supply, Ohio Taxidermy Supply, Head Quarters Taxidermy Supply, Joe Coombs Classics ... so many more out there than just McKenzie!

 

Can I let you in on a secret? Each and every taxidermy mannikin is the INTERPRETATION of the individual sculptor. The only thing that makes your work look any better (or worse) is the detail you do concerning the facial anatomy and the anatomical markers on the hide. If you use the best form out there, set the ears too far back or too low, don't have some emotion in the eye work, don't have definition in the nostrils and have a lip pulling out, it really won't matter whose form you use. May suppliers have generic mannikins tailored to fit a spectrum of deer. We know Southern deer tend to have "delicate" facial features, we know Northern tier deer tend to have shorter muzzles as compared to the neck circumference and shorter ear lengths. Look for a pose that pleases YOU and get your measurements right. Over 99% of hunters only care about their "horns", so make sure if it's that 1% you have enough lipstick on that pig to make it look lifelike with realism.

 

Hilton Eplley Forms LLC out of Ohio, use the new narrow head series. PA deer fit like a glove!