Hager's Whitetail Workshop

Taxidermist in Mason, Michigan

(517) 474-6287609 Ives Rd, Mason, MI 48854View on Yelp
Hager's Whitetail Workshop - taxidermy in Mason, MI

About Hager's Whitetail Workshop

Hager's Whitetail Workshop is based in Mason, Michigan, a small city in Ingham County surrounded by some of the state's best whitetail deer habitat. The name says it all. This shop focuses on the craft of preserving trophy deer, serving hunters from across mid-Michigan who want their harvest displayed with care. Mason sits just south of Lansing, making it a convenient stop for hunters returning from nearby hunting grounds throughout central Michigan.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Whitetail deer mounts are the core offering here, including shoulder mounts where the hide is carefully fitted over a custom form to capture natural muscle definition and a lifelike pose. Full skull cleaning and antler mounting are also common requests, producing a clean European-style display from a fresh skull. Hunters who've taken other game can expect assistance with additional trophy species too, from small mammals to birds common to mid-Michigan's fields and wetlands.

Service Area

Hager's Whitetail Workshop serves hunters throughout Mason and the greater Ingham County area. Customers also come in from neighboring Eaton, Livingston, and Jackson counties, especially during and after deer season each fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after harvesting my deer should I bring in the cape?
You should drop off your cape within 24 to 48 hours of the harvest if possible. If that's not doable, roll the cape tightly with the hair facing outward and freeze it in a sealed bag until you can make the trip.
What's the typical turnaround time for a whitetail shoulder mount?
Most whitetail shoulder mounts take anywhere from six months to a full year, depending on the shop's current volume. Fall and early winter are the busiest times, so mounts taken during peak deer season often have the longest wait.
Do I need to bring in the whole deer or just the cape and antlers?
For a shoulder mount, you only need the cape and the antler plate attached to a portion of the skull. Your taxidermist can walk you through exactly how to field cape the deer if you call ahead before making the cut.
What's the difference between a shoulder mount and a European mount?
A shoulder mount preserves the hide and is fitted over a sculpted foam form, showing the deer's head, neck, and shoulder area. A European mount involves cleaning the skull down to bare bone and displaying just the skull and antlers, which is a simpler, lower-cost option.
How should I store my mount after I take it home?
Keep your mount away from direct sunlight, which fades the hide and hair over time. Avoid high-humidity areas like basements or garages, and dust it occasionally with a soft brush to keep it looking its best.
Can a damaged cape still be mounted?
It depends on the extent of the damage. Small cuts or punctures can often be repaired during the mounting process. Larger tears or areas of hair slippage may limit your options, so it's worth calling ahead to describe the condition before making the trip.

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