Buckhorn Taxidermy opened in mid-October on Hunts Road near Port Haywood.

David Frayser owns the business and handles the animal mounts. He has been in the taxidermy business for 30 years, having previously owned a shop in Powhatan.

Frayser specializes in mammals, both whole body and shoulder mounts. He produces good quality mounts at preferred angles for clients, with his specialty whitetail deer. Also, he has done mounts for mule deer, sheep, bobcats, bears, turkeys, foxes, squirrels, raccoons and other animals.

Through the years, Frayser said, he estimates he has prepared more than 2,800 deer.

Taxidermy has evolved into a great work of art, he said, and many people are willing to spend money to proudly show off some good animal kills.

When an animal is brought to his shop, Frayser said he skins it, removes the hide and tans it with a chemical process, then removes the innards and skeleton. He places the animal in a freezer until ready for future work. It takes about a month for...