3x3 Mule Deer Shoulder Mount Appraisal

3x3 Mule Deer Shoulder Mount

This is a taxidermy shoulder mount of a 3x3 (Western count) Mule Deer, reportedly harvested in Tunnel National Forest. The mount features a head-up, forward-facing pose with a slight tilt towards the right. The antlers exhibit a natural, textured bone-colored finish with darkened bases near the burrs, showing a typical bifurcation pattern characteristic of the species. The fur is a mix of gray, tan, and brown tones, featuring the white throat patch and lighter coloration around the muzzle and eyes typical of North American deer. The taxidermy work shows significant attention to detail in the tucking of the hide around the glass eyes and the wet-look finish of the nose, which provides a lifelike appearance. The ears are positioned in an alert, outward fashion. Some minor accumulation of dust is visible on the inner surface of the ears and along the upper brow, a common condition for wall-hung specimens. The hide appears well-preserved with no immediate signs of slippage, pest damage, or significant fading from UV exposure. The craftsmanship suggests a professional mount likely dating from the mid-to-late 20th century to the present, mounted on a hidden internal form.