Taxidermist Spotlight: The Art of Preserving the Hunt with Hayes Taxidermy
Meet Brian Hayes of Hayes Taxidermy
Every mount tells a story. Behind every finished deer, elk, or turkey mount is a skilled taxidermist who helps hunters preserve the moment forever.
Today we’re featuring Brian Hayes, owner of Hayes Taxidermy, located in Campbellsville, KY. With 21 years of experience in taxidermy.
How It All Started..
How did you get started in taxidermy?
I got started in taxidermy after dropping off my 2nd buck ever at a taxidermist. I was so amazed at all the animals he had mounted that I wanted to try it myself. I am completely self-taught however a few years in I did order some videos to watch to make my work better.
How long have you been a taxidermist?
"21 years. I mounted a squirrel at age 15 and first deer mount at age 16. I'm right at about 1000 mounts to date."
What animals or mounts do you specialize in?
"Whitetails are definitely my specialty."
The Hunter Behind the Taxidermist..
Many taxidermists are hunters themselves, which helps them understand how meaningful a mount can be.
Do you hunt? What are your favorite animals to pursue?
"Very avid hunter! Whitetails are my passion."
Bow or Rifle? Both?
"I have been 100% bowhunting whitetails for the last 10 years, my rifles just collect dust nowadays."
What was your most memorable hunt?
"They all seem like yesterday, there’s two that really stand out for me the 172 1/8 I harvested back in 2021 I shot him on opening day and it wasn’t fatal. Ended up getting redemption 2 weeks later out of the same stand with him standing in the exact same spot like the good lord was giving me a 2nd chance. And another hunt with my wife, going after turkey’s I had crawled out into the field and fanned some Toms from 400 yards away and had to crawl back to her to get out of the way and the bird spooked and got behind a cedar tree and she couldn’t see it clearly at 15 yards and wouldn’t shoot, so after I was to the point of yelling SHOOT SHOOT, just pull the trigger she finally did and dropped the bird and we still talk about that to this day."
What makes a hunt memorable to you?
"Having history with a deer, knowing them for multiple years, watching them grow and then being able to harvest those are special."
The Story Behind the Mount..
Hunters don’t mount animals just for decoration… they mount them to remember the hunt.
What is a unique animal or piece that stands out to you?
"Wall Pedestals, Floor Pedestals with Habitat stand out to me."
If you had to choose one thing, what sets you apart from other taxidermists?
"Details mainly."
Advice from a Professional Taxidermist..
Proper care in the field can make a huge difference in the final mount.
What advice would you give hunters before bringing in their animal for mounting?
"If you're not sure how to properly cape a deer, please just let the taxidermist do it for you."
What are some common mistakes hunters make before dropping off their animal?
"Getting the animal caped and to the taxidermist in a timely manner. Time is your enemy in early season warmer weather. The longer they set out, bacteria growth occurs and that can cause hair slippage and possibly be detrimental to your cape."
The Future of Mounts: Reliving the Hunt
At Memory Mount, we believe a mount should do more than sit on the wall.. it should tell the full story of the hunt.
Memory Mount allows hunters to tap their mount with their phone and instantly relive the hunt through photos, videos, harvest details and the story of the hunt.
What has been your customers’ reaction to Memory Mount?
"Just getting started with memory mount myself however everyone so far has said it is an awesome idea and want a chip in there animal."
How has partnering with Memory Mount been for you and your Shop?
"So far fantastic, Brandyn has been very easy to work with. Can’t wait to offer the products through next deer season."
Are there any features you’d like to see Memory Mount offer?
"Brandyn already added the features in we had discussed!!"
Rapid Fire Questions
· Favorite animal to mount:
Whitetail
· Hardest animal to mount:
Bobcat
· Most underrated game animal:
Elk
· Favorite place to hunt:
KY
· One piece of advice for a NEW hunter:
"Shoot what makes you happy! A trophy is in the eye of the beholder."
Visit Hayes Taxidermy
If you’re in the Kentucky area and looking for a skilled taxidermist, check out:
Hayes Taxidermy
📍 Location: Cambellsville, KY.
📞 Phone: (270) 849-5205
🌐 Website / Social Media: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @hayestaxidermyky
Preserve the Story Behind Your Hunt
A mount preserves the animal, Memory Mount preserves the entire story.
With Memory Mount, hunters can store:
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The video of the hunt
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Photos from the day
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The story behind the trophy
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100's of optional Harvest Details.
- Keep all hunts organized within the mobile app.
Then simply tap the mount with a phone to relive the moment.
Learn more at: MemoryMount.com
