I am happy to introduce this new article series on white-tailed deer which will focus on SOLID professional techniques. I’m not going to waste your time and lead you in an unproductive direction with irrelevant competition techniques. Instead, I am going to provide you with techniques that are the foundation for a high quality professional mount that will satisfy your customers. The backbone, bread-and-butter of the taxidermy industry is the American Sportsman and the taxidermists that service them. Providing a quality product at a fair price is what keeps the “wheels” of the taxidermy industry turning. For years much emphasis has been placed on the importance of taxidermy competition. I would agree that competitions serve their purpose in helping us all progress. However, it should not be misunderstood that the most important mount is the mount that satisfies your customer – not a judge.