Fortson's Deer Processing & Taxidermy

Fortson's isn't just another processing shop. Rob Fortson, who grew up in East Texas with a passion for hunting and wildlife, built this operation around a simple idea: taxidermy is art, not assembly line work. The difference between average work and something you'll hang on your wall for decades comes down to passion, creativity, and skill.

Rob runs the shop with two full-time taxidermists:

• •Kirby King - 25 years of taxidermy experience, national-level competitor in waterfowl and birds. His specialty is birds across all species.
• •Bryan Douglas - 6 years in taxidermy and processing, state competition competitor.

Together they bring over 40 years of combined experience. They handle all North American species plus African safaris.

• •North American Game - Whitetail, mule deer, elk, axis, fallow, sika, red stag, moose, caribou, antelope, pronghorn, bears (black, brown, grizzly), big cats, sheep, goats, boar, bison, coyote, bobcat, and more.

• •African & Exotic Species - Cape buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala, wildebeest, gazelle, hyena, warthog, and dozens of other African species from safaris.

• •Birds - Ducks, geese, pheasants, turkeys (standing, flying, strutting, fantail), sandhill cranes, and other upland game birds.

• •Fish - Reproductions only, priced per inch for bass and other species.

• •Custom Work - Open mouth mounts, removable antler/horn systems, custom bases, habitat work, tanned rugs with heads, horn/antler display panes, and novelty items like deer feet gun racks and pillows.

• •Deer, Elk & Large Exotics - Basic processing starts at $130. They do caping ($30), custom burger blends, bacon-wrapped backstrap, fresh jerky, marinated fajitas, and multiple sausage styles (fresh link, smoked link, summer sausage, snack stix, little smokies). All prices vary by preparation.

• •Wild Hog - Basic processing varies by weight ($110-$145). They require hogs to be gutted beforehand. Same meat preparation options as deer.

• •Address: 1400 N Robinson Dr., Robinson TX 76706
• •Phone: (254) 662-5608

Robinson is just outside Waco in central Texas.

Proper field care is step one. The shop provides detailed instructions:

1. Make a circular cut around the body 6 inches behind the shoulder 2. Cut front legs around the knees 3. Connect knee cuts to body cut 4. Skin up the neck to about 3 inches below the base 5. Cut around the neck at the neck bone and twist to detach the head

Don't drag the animal or damage the hide. If you can't bring it to the taxidermist immediately, pat it dry, place it in a trash bag, and freeze it.

Don't gut or skin the animal. Cool it down, place in a plastic bag, and freeze until you can deliver it.

Don't gut the bird. Rinse blood, pat dry, and bring it in immediately or freeze it. Protect tail and wing feathers from bending or breaking.

• •50% deposit required to start work
• •100% due upfront for migratory birds, flat hides, and skull mounts
• •Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express accepted
• •Multiple shipping options: UPS, FedEx, freight, or custom delivery

"A certain amount of damage to the hide is expected, excessive damage repair will be charged accordingly."

• •Storage Policy - Mounts not picked up within 2 weeks of completion are charged $25/month storage. After 30 days, the mount becomes Fortson's property and may be resold with loss of deposit.

Once your mount is finished, proper placement matters:

• •Hang it from a stud—unsecured mounts eventually fall and get damaged
• •Keep it in a low-humidity area (never above fish tanks or in the garage)
• •Dust often
• •Use a cotton ball and Windex to keep eyes and nose shiny

Done right, your mount will last a lifetime.