Antlers of all sizes work into unique pieces for Lee Co. taxidermist

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

A chair created from antlers is just one of the unique pieces of furniture created by Robert Feller, a Lee County taxidermist. -- Staff photo by Taylor

July 14, 2005 - Tucked back in a corner of Lee County ranching land, right outside of Lexington, Robert Feller is creating furniture out of antlers, along with his regular taxidermist work. Well, "regular" taxidermy if you consider his work includes the mounting of a 145-pound Alligator Gar!

According to Feller, he has "always" been interested in taxidermy. When he was in the seventh grade, Feller said he had a science teacher who was a taxidermist, and he spent many hours during lunch period watching the teacher working with mounts.

"I'm mostly self-taught … I read books, watched videos and just practiced," explained Feller.

Until 1987, taxidermy was just a "hobby" for Feller, but after word got out that he was really good at his "hobby," customers started coming around to see if Feller would mount their trophies. At that time, Feller said his "hobby" became his "real job."

The taxidermist used a 145-pound Alligator Gar to create an eye-catching table. His furniture creations started as a hobby, but has turned into a "real job." -- Staff photo by Taylor

His hobby-turned-real-job branched out when a female rancher in the area approached Feller about using antlers to create furniture. Although he had never thought about this type of work, he figured he'd give it a try. First, Feller took the pile of antlers, divided them by left and right antlers, then decided he needed to sit and think about how to work with the antlers. Needing a structure for sitting, he decided to create his first "antler chair."

Pleased with the outcome, Feller's new venture added a niche for his wildlife-related business. (The rancher has since purchased a number of pieces of Feller's antler furniture.)

While Feller is a hunter, too, he recalled a trip to Colorado for elk. He ended up with enough antlers for his first "elk" chair, which … eventually … ended up in the pages of a sportsman's magazine, after being purchased by a fellow hunter in Colorado. While Feller wasn't eager to sell the chair, he said he "did end up with a truck load of elk antlers" from the trip.

The antler furniture Feller creates is held together by steel screws, but they are almost impossible to see, due to the precise placement by Feller. Another thing about the antler furniture is that it is "very strong." Although it might look a bit fragile, Feller said anyone can sit or even jump on the furniture! (He proved that on a recently-completed, cowhide-cushioned couch in his shop.)

Feller noted "getting it all together" can be the most difficult portion of creative furniture building. It takes some mental planning, and trial-and-error, before getting the antlers to fit together and creating the piece of furniture. The task has become easier with each piece, he said, and it's always an enjoyable challenge. Feller added he loves working for himself and being able to be "creative."

During a normal hunting season … September to January … Feller continues to stay busy with his taxidermy business. He usually has around 300 mounts to complete for himself and his customers. When he began in the taxidermy business, it took him about eight hours just to skin and clean individual animals, readying the project for mounting, but he is now able to complete a "normal" mount in one day.

Along with his antler furniture and "regular" taxidermy business, Feller raises Longhorn and Watusa cattle. He admitted they are "mostly pets," but he does sell some of the offspring. After all, he has a son at Texas A&M University and a daughter at Texas State, and there's always a place for more income!

(Feller can be reached at 979-773-4376.)