Rick Hill Taxidermist & Deer Processing

Taxidermist in Lenoir City, Tennessee

2.3(3 reviews)
(865) 382-5796695 Smith Valley Rd, Lenoir City, TN 37772View on Yelp
Rick Hill Taxidermist & Deer Processing - taxidermy in Lenoir City, TN

Customer Reviews

2.3
out of 5
3 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

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About Rick Hill Taxidermist & Deer Processing

Rick Hill Taxidermist & Deer Processing operates in Lenoir City, Tennessee, a community in Loudon County that sees heavy hunting traffic during whitetail season. The combination of taxidermy and deer processing under one roof is a practical setup for hunters who want to handle everything in one stop after a successful hunt. Lenoir City sits between Knoxville and the Tennessee River, putting it in the middle of serious deer country. The shop currently holds a 2.3-star rating based on 3 reviews, so it's worth doing your own due diligence by calling ahead and asking about current wait times and pricing.

Services

Taxidermy

Services & Process

Rick Hill's dual focus on taxidermy and deer processing sets it apart from shops that only do one or the other. On the processing side, customers can expect basic field-to-table services like butchering, packaging, and sometimes sausage or jerky making. On the taxidermy side, deer shoulder mounts are the core offering, with skull cleaning and antler mounting available for hunters who prefer a more minimalist display. Having both services in one location saves time and multiple trips, which matters a lot during the busy weeks of Tennessee's rifle season.

Service Area

Rick Hill serves Lenoir City and the broader Loudon County area, including communities like Loudon, Greenback, and Philadelphia. Hunters from the Tellico Lake area and southern Knox County also make the short drive to use the combined processing and taxidermy services. The shop's location off the main corridor between Knoxville and Sweetwater makes it easy to reach from multiple directions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off a whole deer at Rick Hill during hunting season?
Yes, combining deer processing and taxidermy drop-off is the main convenience this shop offers. Call ahead during peak season since intake hours can vary and wait times for both processing and mounts tend to be longer in November and December.
What is skull cleaning, and how does it work?
Skull cleaning removes all soft tissue from a deer or other animal skull, leaving a clean bone display often called a European mount. This is done through maceration, beetles, or a boiling-and-degreasing process, and the finished skull can be mounted on a panel or left natural.
How is deer processing different from taxidermy, and can I get both done at the same time?
Processing turns the meat into table-ready cuts, while taxidermy preserves the hide, antlers, or skull for display. At a combo shop like Rick Hill, you can request both at drop-off, though the taxidermist needs to skin the animal specifically for mounting before it goes to processing.
What happens if I don't tell the processor I also want a shoulder mount?
If the deer is skinned for processing before the taxidermist knows you want a mount, the cape can be damaged or cut too short to work with. Always tell the shop upfront about your taxidermy intentions so the caping is done correctly from the start.
How long does deer processing typically take during rifle season in Tennessee?
During the busiest weeks of Tennessee's rifle season, processing can take anywhere from a few days to over a week depending on the shop's backlog. Calling ahead to check current wait times is always a smart move before you load up the truck.
Does the rating reflect current quality, or should I call to check?
Online ratings with a small number of reviews don't always give a full picture of a shop's current work or service. Calling directly, asking specific questions about turnaround and pricing, and even asking to see recent finished mounts if possible is a better way to judge fit for your needs.

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