Taxidermy in the Elements

Here in the world of taxidermy, we deal with the beauty and resilience of nature. But what about nature's temperamental side? Weather can significantly impact the taxidermy process, from fleshing to drying. Here's a breakdown of how common weather conditions can affect your work and how to adjust accordingly:

Heat and Humidity:

• The Downside: Hot, humid weather accelerates bacterial growth, leading to spoilage and slippage (loosening of the hide from the form).

• The Fix: Work in well-ventilated areas with air conditioning if possible. Increase the use of degreasers and borax during fleshing to combat bacteria. Consider using commercial drying aids or desiccants to absorb moisture.

Cold and Dryness:

• The Downside: Freezing temperatures can stiffen hides, making fleshing more difficult. Dry conditions can slow drying times and lead to cracking or shrinkage of the hide.

• The Fix: Let frozen hides thaw completely before working on them. If using a salt curing method, monitor the hide closely to prevent over-drying. In very dry climates, consider using humidifiers in drying areas to maintain some moisture in the air.

Seasonal Considerations:

• Summer: Be extra vigilant about fleshing and salting to prevent spoilage. Consider faster drying techniques to minimize the risk of bacterial growth.

• Winter: Allow extra time for fleshing due to stiffer hides. Use humectants (moisturizing agents) if hides seem excessively dry.

The ideal taxidermy environment is cool (around 55°F) with moderate humidity (40-50%). However, realistically, weather conditions will fluctuate. By understanding how these extremes impact the process, you can adapt your techniques to ensure the quality of your finished mounts and take proactive measures to ensure your taxidermy creations stand the test of time, regardless of the season. Need help with your taxidermy? Contact us at Tim Knight’s Taxidermy to learn more.

April: Preserving Beauty and Bird

Avian taxidermy, the art of preserving birds after death, has a long and complex history. From the ancient Egyptians who mummified falcons to the Victorian era fascination with natural history collections, taxidermy has served various purposes – cultural, scientific, and aesthetic. In the modern world, avian taxidermy is a niche practice, but it still holds a certain allure for some. Here are some reasons why:

• Commemoration: For bird hunters or bird owners, having a beloved bird preserved can be a way to cherish its memory and appreciate its beauty. Taxidermy can serve as a lasting reminder of a cherished companion or a successful hunt.

• Education and appreciation: Museums and educational institutions often use avian taxidermy specimens for educational purposes. These mounts can provide valuable insights into bird anatomy, behavior, and ecological roles.

• Art and aesthetics: Some individuals appreciate avian taxidermy for its aesthetic value. Skilled taxidermists can create lifelike mounts that capture the intricate details and graceful form of a bird. These mounts can be conversation pieces and unique additions to a home or collection.

However, avian taxidermy is not without its critics. Some argue it is disrespectful to animals and glorifies death. Additionally, there are ethical concerns surrounding the sourcing of birds for taxidermy, particularly endangered species or birds obtained illegally. It's important to be aware of the ethical considerations surrounding avian taxidermy before deciding to pursue it. Here are some questions to consider:

• Where did the bird come from? Was it ethically sourced, such as from a breeder or a bird that died of natural causes?

• What is the skill level of the taxidermist? Reputable taxidermists use ethical practices and strive to create lifelike mounts that damage suffering and respect the animal.

• What are the legalities? In some areas, there may be restrictions on the possession or transportation of certain bird species, even for taxidermy purposes.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to engage in avian taxidermy is a personal one. By understanding the history, purpose, and ethical considerations surrounding this practice, individuals can make informed choices that align with their values and beliefs. If you have a taxidermy need, contact me today at Tim Knight’s Taxidermy!

Beyond Trophies: The Ethical Showcase of Animals in Museum

Taxidermy is often associated with game that had been collected during a hunting or fishing trip, or a loved family pet the owners are not yet ready to part with. But have you ever considered the odd taxidermy pieces displayed in museums? Pieces like polar bears, monkeys, beavers, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. It seems odd that such exotic animals not native to our land can be displayed in museums far from their origins. How do museums obtain these animals, and can it be considered ethical?

Ethical taxidermy is considering where the animal came from prior to its death and how it died. A distinguishing factor is if the pieces are used for educational purposes, rather than trophies. This practice is showcased by using animals that have passed from illness or age, not hunted for sport. Some consider roadkill to be an ethical sourcing for taxidermy, but they are not as commonly used for a variety of reasons.

Where do museums receive these pieces from? Animals sourced for taxidermy often come from places that have cared for and nurtured the animals prior to their deaths. Zoos or animal sanctuaries sometimes donate bodies of passed animals to be used for purposes such as taxidermy. Often in these zoos or sanctuaries, animals were born in captivity or injured in the wild and would not survive on their own without interference.

Another resource for taxidermy in museums is through private collectors who donate the pieces. Though private collectors can be used as another source to obtain highly sought-after pieces, it can be difficult to know the history of the item and if it was sourced ethically or killed to be a trophy.

Taxidermy in museums, when approached with ethical considerations and educational intent, can serve as a valuable tool for learning, reflection, and sparking conversations about our relationship with the animal kingdom. As we move forward, museums must prioritize transparency, responsible sourcing, and educational interpretation to ensure these displays continue to inform and inspire future generations. Curious about what happens in the taxidermy process? Read our past blog to find out more!

Fall in Love with Taxidermy

Taxidermy is an art, and there is a lot to love and admire about it. From the process, preservation, and design, taxidermy offers many options for your prized possessions. During this blog, we will be defining three mounts we are sure you will fall in love with: European Mount, Shoulder Mount, and the Full-Body Mount.

European Mount: Also known as skull mounts, European mounts are a cost-efficient way to preserve your hunted treasure. The European Mount is minimal, preserving only the skull and antlers and includes four benefits: it saves space, is cost efficient, has a quick turnaround time, and can withstand time well. Simple but sleek, the European mount is a great choice to add to any wall space and, on average, is $75 and up.

Shoulder Mount: Shoulder mounts are a beautiful display that starts at the sternum and continues upward. Preserving the skin and fur, the mount is molded to mirror the animal as it would have been in nature. This stunning mount still captures the life of the animal but does not require an abundance of space. The average cost of a deer shoulder mount is $600 and up.

Full-Body Mount: Feeling like an overachiever? The full-body mount is perfect for you! This mount is extensive, both in the work required to complete it and the cost of completion. With its great detail in preservation, the full-body mounts cost around $2,000 and up, and takes about eight to twelve months to complete. Good things take time, and that is no exception for the full-body mount. These mounts take up ample space, so consider your environment before moving forward with this design. Places you can find full-body mounts include libraries, preservation establishments, and even sporting stores. 
Ready to fall in love with your mount? I am here to help! To get tips about what to do once you obtain game, read these instructions. To receive taxidermy service, give me a call at 919.291.6506, or visit my website to learn more.

The Longevity of Taxidermy

Taxidermy is thought to forever preserve your earned treasures. But as we all know, nothing lasts forever, so how long does taxidermy last, and what can you proactively do to preserve your treasure? Read along as we discuss the timeline of a taxidermied piece’s life and tips to keep it looking fresh.

There is no set amount of time a taxidermy piece can withstand. The longevity of pieces depends on how well the mount was preserved and how often upkeep is performed. Oddly enough, the oldest known mount is a crocodile, currently hanging in a Ponte Nossa, Italy, church building. Though the piece was lost for years, it was recovered in the church building attic in the 18th century. Through the years, facts about the crocodile have been lost, but the church does contain details about the removal of the crocodile from the church building in 1534, making the article more than 500 years old! How does the crocodile go from a living being to a worldwide artifact half a century later? By a careful taxidermy process!

On average, taxidermy lasts about twenty years and older. If not regularly maintained, the piece lasts about 20 years. If properly tended to, the mount can last fifty years or longer. Since the mount skins come from organic materials, they are bound to start deteriorating over time. The smaller the animal, the shorter the amount of time it will withstand time. This is often because smaller pieces are prone to more damage and often have fragile features, like skin, feathers, and scales. The environment a mount is kept in also affects the quality. Humidity and sunshine are harsh factors that both cause quicker deterioration.

What can you do to preserve your piece? Keep the piece inside, maintain the humidity level it is exposed to, and give it a light dusting once a week. Furthermore, be sure to take in your taxidermy piece once a year for any necessary touch-ups. More importantly, here are four things you need to avoid doing to your mount:

1. Don’t use household cleaners

2. Avoid placing it in a location with lots of smoke, like above a fireplace

3. Don’t touch the piece

4. Avoid placing the piece in indirect sunlight

With the proper preservation techniques and care, your mount will last well beyond its expected years. To inquire about your trophy piece, call me at 919.291.6506. At Tim Knight’s Taxidermy, we are skilled and equipped to handle your most prized trophies. 

Bows Under the Trees

In North Carolina, archery equipment is defined as “any device that has a solid stationary handle with two limbs and a string that uses non-pneumatic means to propel a single arrow or bolt.” Longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and cross bows are the four legalized hunting bows in North Carolina and can be used for any species. ERegulations further outline laws when it comes to hunting with bows in North Carolina. “When used to hunt bear, deer, elk, wild turkey, alligator and feral swine:

• Longbows and recurve bows must have a minimum pull of 40 pounds.

• Compound bows must have a minimum pull of 35 pounds.

• Crossbows must have a minimum pull of 100 pounds. 

• Only arrows and bolts with a fixed minimum broadhead width of seven-eighths of an inch or a mechanically opening broadhead with a width of at least seven-eighths of an inch in the open position shall be used.”

To many, hunting with a bow is viewed as an art. Archery requires more stealth, focus, and practice than a gun. Below, we will be walking through each bow and what makes them unique.

Longbows: The longbow is centuries old and was crafted as a military machine. The curation of the longbow has been traced to the Celtics in Wales around 1180 C.E. Around six feet tall with 200 pounds of drawn strength, longbows can shoot up to a half a mile away. At its creation, the longbow was one of the most powerful and deadliest weapons used. 

Recurve bows: recurve bows are modern, sleek, and easy to use with plenty of practice. The most popular type of traditional bow, they are suggested for use with beginner archers. This bow is arched with the tips drawing towards the archer, giving it its name. These bows have up to sixty pounds in draw strength, and can shoot between 100-200 yards away. In 1972, recurve bows were introduced in the Olympics and are the only type of bow allowed to compete. 

Compound bows: “The compound bow was invented in the 1960s as a more mechanically efficient piece of archery equipment. The design uses a levering system of pulleys and cables, making it faster and decidedly more accurate than other types of bow.” The draw of a compound bow can be up to sixty pounds, but the hold once drawn reduces to thirteen pounds. The range of a compound bow is 60 yards to 130 yards. Same as recurve bows, compound bows are more enticing to beginner archers. Compound bows come in great variety, which helps find a more comfortable option. 

Crossbows: “A crossbow has a stock that is similar to a firearm, and it shoots shorter arrows than conventional archery equipment.” Crossbows are a short-range tool with a max reach of thirty to forty yards. Crossbows have a much greater draw weight than recurve and compound bows. They are hard and take more time to load as well. The draw weight of a crossbow sits between seventy five to 125 pounds. 

Want to give your hunter the gift of their dreams? A bow under the tree is a perfect option. As hunting season continues, you can rely on me to supply your taxidermy needs. Contact me today to learn more about my services.

The History of Taxidermy

Such a strange yet common practice, taxidermy is used by many to preserve proud hunting trophies, loving pets, and other unique animal finds one would want to display and cherish. Now common to us, taxidermy had to have originated from somewhere. Have you ever given a thought to the history of taxidermy? Or have you ever wondered who first began preserving remains? Did you know taxidermy was a forgotten art until only a couple of centuries ago?

You may or may not be surprised to learn taxidermy is traced to ancient Egypt. Just like with body mummification, Egyptians practiced preserving animals as well. Taxidermy came with a high price and was only offered to the pets of the Pharaoh or other high-nobility figures. Upon burial, the Egyptians believed whatever you lied with would follow you into the afterlife. This often included personal belongings, items of comfort, weapons, treasures, and animals. The Egyptians practiced taxidermy using specific tools and oils, and the art has since transformed over time. From skin preservation to stuffing, taxidermy has varied through each civilization it has passed through. Strangely enough, the art wasn’t practiced for a couple of centuries until discovered again around the Victorian Era. Early taxidermy practices included stuffing the skins with a variety of materials. This poor practice resulted in an unnatural appearance for the animals. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, taxidermist techniques evolved and relied on more form-holding materials, like styrofoam and metal rods. The styrofoam acted as a mannequin for the animal, with the skin being wrapped around the materials, and the rods provided the stability needed. Stepping into the 20th century, new practices became common for taxidermy. Once the skin was removed, the animal was buried in the ground until composition was completed, then dug back up for bone extraction. Another solution that became popular around 1980 was using dermestid beetles to eat the flesh off animal remains. 

Today, there are three popular forms of taxidermy in practice. “Convention taxidermy” is when the taxidermist uses real animal skin- after being tanned- and mounts it over a mannequin. The second method is freeze-drying the animal. This process, completed over a long period of time, removes all liquid and moisture in the body and preserves the body from decay. The freeze-dried method often allows for the most natural preservation process. The third method, mainly used for fish, creates a replica of the animal. Using pictures and measurements, the taxidermist replicates the animals often on resin or fiberglass structures. 

From the time of the Egyptians to today, one thing stands true- we love preserving our prized possessions. If you are looking to bring your trophy back to life, give me a call at Tim Knight’s Taxidermy. My services include the North American Shoulder Mount, ducks, birds, and fish. Call me today at (919) 291- 6506.

Scary Consequences of Hunting on Private Property

Thirty minutes before sunrise, you are sitting in the blinds of a hunting spot. Having gotten up early and trekked through the dark with your supplies, you are ready to begin your favorite time of year. You’ve been told this is the perfect location for geese to come through, but you’ve never been here before so you take others' word for it. You sit and wait, but it doesn’t take long to see geese cupping in the distance as they start to descend before you. You hoist up your shotgun and take aim. But wait, are you sure you are allowed to hunt on this property? You didn’t notice any signs as you came onto the land, and you don’t think your friends would break the law. Do you know the consequences if you are caught hunting on private property?

According to North Carolina law, hunting on private property, without permission, can result in a class 2 misdemeanor.

“Any person who willfully goes on the land, waters, ponds, or a legally established waterfowl blind of another that has been posted in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 14-159.7, to hunt, fish or trap without written permission of the landowner, lessee, or his agent shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor. Written permission shall be carried on one's person, signed by the landowner, lessee, or agent, and dated within the last 12 months. The written permission shall be displayed upon request of any law enforcement officer of the Wildlife Resources Commission, sheriff or deputy sheriff, or other law enforcement officer with general subject matter jurisdiction.”

Consequences for hunting on private property come with a big scare. If caught hunting on private property without written permission you could be fined up to $1,000, be required to complete one to sixty active days of community service, or even serve up to 60 days jail time. So before you pull the trigger and decide to hunt, do your research and make sure the property you are on is public game land, or you have written permission from a private land owner to use their land.

After your successful day of hunting, I will be ready to celebrate with you. Tim Knight Taxidermy is ready to make your hunt last forever. Contact me at (919) 291-6506 to preserve one of your greatest memories.

Early Fall hunting tips for Eastern north carolina

As summer comes to a close, many hunters in eastern North Carolina eagerly anticipate the start of early fall hunting season. The cooler temperatures create the perfect environment for a successful hunting experience.  

One of the most popular game animals during this time of year is the white-tailed deer. With the rut season approaching, bucks are more active and visible, making them easier to track and take down. Hunters should take advantage of this opportunity by scouting out areas where deer are known to feed and travel and setting up stands or blinds in strategic locations.

Another popular target for this season is the wild turkey. As the weather cools, turkeys begin to form larger flocks, making them easier to spot and track. Hunters should focus on areas with plentiful food sources, such as oak and hickory trees, and use calls to attract the birds within range. In addition to deer and turkey, there are also opportunities to hunt small game such as squirrels and rabbits. These animals can provide a fun and challenging hunt for both beginner and experienced hunters.

As with any hunting season, don’t forget to practice important safety measures and follow all regulations set by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Hunters should wear brightly colored clothing to remain visible to other hunters, and always keep their firearms pointed in a safe direction.

Overall, early fall hunting in eastern North Carolina offers a unique and exciting experience for hunters of all levels. With the right preparation and a little bit of patience, hunters can have a successful and memorable season. If you’re planning on going hunting this season, contact Tim Knight Taxidermy at (919) 291-6506, and let us bring your harvest back to life! 

Start Preparing For Early Fall Bowhunting in NC

As the summer heat begins to fade away and the leaves start to turn, bowhunters in North Carolina know that it's time to start gearing up for early fall hunting. While the weather may be starting to cool down, hunting at this time of year requires a bit more preparation and strategy than at other times of the year. In this blog, we’re sharing some tips to help you make the most of your early fall bowhunting experience in NC.

1. Scout your hunting area. Before you head out to your hunting spot, take some time to scout the area. Look for signs of deer activity, such as tracks, rubs, and scrapes. Pay attention to food sources and water sources, as well as bedding areas. The more you know about the area, the better your chances of success!

2. Practice your shot. Bowhunting requires precision and accuracy, so it's important to practice your shot before heading out into the field. Set up targets at varying distances and practice shooting from different angles and positions. This will help you get comfortable with your equipment and improve your accuracy.

3. Choose the right gear. Early fall hunting can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for a variety of conditions. Make sure you have the right clothing, including layers that can be added or removed as needed. You'll also want to make sure your bow is properly tuned and that you have plenty of arrows, broadheads, and other necessary equipment.

4. Play the wind. Deer have an incredible sense of smell, so it's important to pay attention to the wind direction when setting up your stand or blind. You don't want your scent to be carried toward the deer, as this will quickly spook them and ruin your chances of a successful hunt.

5. Be patient. Hunting this time of year can be challenging, as deer are still in their summer patterns and may not be as active during daylight hours. Be patient and willing to wait for the right opportunity. Remember, bowhunting is about the experience as much as the harvest.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a successful early fall bowhunting season in North Carolina. Remember to always hunt safely and ethically, and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. If you complete a successful hunting trip, let Tim Knight Taxidermy help you remember your harvest for years to come. Contact us at 919-291-6506 to get started. Happy hunting!