Description

This taxidermy mount features a Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) preserved with velvet-covered antlers—an uncommon and visually striking stage in antler growth. Velvet is a soft, vascular skin that nourishes the antlers as they develop in summer before hardening and shedding later in the year.

Native to western North America, Mule Deer are easily recognized by their large, mule-like ears and forked antlers. They are a popular game species and a symbol of the American West.

• Scientific Name: Odocoileus hemionus

• Range: Western United States, Canada, and Mexico

• Antlers: Forked rather than branched; velvet antlers appear in spring and summer

• Size: Males can weigh 150–300 lbs

• Habitat: Shrublands, forest edges, mountain slopes

• Behavior: Known for a unique bounding gait called “stotting” when alarmed

Velvet mounts are prized by collectors for their rarity and the insight they provide into the biology of antler growth. This mount offers a distinctive conversation piece with natural texture and softness.