Emerson Dolby Taxidermy

Emerson Dolby started hunting in Connecticut at 12, then landed a gig in a taxidermy studio sweeping floors and sanding forms. That first antler mount lit a fire. After years of self-taught work on small game and birds—fleshing, airbrushing, learning every step—he relocated to Maine in 2017 and has become the go-to for European and antler mounts.

By summer 2020, he'd upgraded to an 11x22 shop space with cold storage and dedicated maceration and degreasing setups. Volume increased enough to land a small wholesale contract while maintaining quality.

• •European Mounts start with maceration—submerging skulls in tempered water (80-105°F) to soften and break down tissue. After washing and picking, skulls get degreased in a separate bath with dawn and degreaser at 80°F to pull out residual grease. Final step is whitening with peroxide solution wrapped and kept warm for 24 hours, repeated until the desired color is achieved. No bleach—it degrades bone in high concentrations and causes yellowing and flaking over time.

Antler bases stay tightly wrapped throughout to preserve color and prevent damage. Skulls mount on oak or walnut plaques with hanging hardware.

• •Antler Mounts combine a skull cap, foam form, black felt, and gold accent rope. Custom colors available at additional cost.

• •Antler Restoration brings back antlers left outside or DIY mounts gone wrong—restored to natural finish.

Commercially tanned furs also available—call for pricing.

Address: 84 Littlefield Lane, Farmingdale, ME 04344

Phone: 860-478-3621

Email: [email protected]