My name is Dale Livingood of Autumn Legends. Our talented staff here at Autumn Legends builds custom antler molds and makes museum quality antler replicas. We replicate horns and antlers from whitetail deer, moose, elk, stags, sheep, and exotics. We also offer custom velvet on real antlers or replicas.

I have been involved in the industry for over nine years, and I have seen a lot of changes during that time. A decade ago you could hardly sell a replica. If a hunter shot a large deer or new record whitetail deer back then, only then would he consider replicating it in case the original was in a mishap or total loss. Another reason for replication in the past would have been to sell the original to a private collector and retain a replica for themselves. That has substantially changed. People now understand that there are two values in trophy racks. The real rack itself has value, and so does "purchase of molding rights".

Autumn Legends recently molded and replicated a whitetail deer named "Double Down". His score is 386" BC, net with 11 1/8" bases and over 80" of mass. This was a very challenging project. We were honored to mold and replicate such a large and noteworthy whitetail.

The process typically starts in first convincing the client/ owner to select Autumn Legends. Most of our incoming projects are by referrals of past clients due to the quality products they themselves received. Trust is very important, as these parties have a great amount of time and investment involved. There are many different antler replicating businesses in the industry. The major difference between these companies is in the method of molding as well as the type of material used for the replica. For example, polyester replica was quite popular five to six years ago. It was beautiful, but extremely brittle. We have found a new material composed of polyurethane that is extremely durable and is very acceptable to the painting and toning.

When a work order is drafted, the client knows when the the project starts and when it will be complete. Our focus is the clients' needs and goals.

We do a lot of antler cutoffs and burs need to be reinstalled. This is made easier if at the time of cutting antlers an initiate mold of remaining burs is made (please inquire as to how to make this mold in the field). We build a totally enclosed fiberglass jacket. At some point in time, the rubber in the mold will exceed its longevity and fail. By building a totally enclosed jacket, all we have to do is pop in a first generation replica or the original, pour in rubber and, cut the seams. This way, you are not going through all of the expense of building the mold over again!

Questions to ask: What material is being used? Are the seams ground? Are the holes filled and repaired before painting? Is the blending and toning of colors quality work? And finally, does it look real? In regards to painting, we have found that there are very few exceptional painters in this field.

Antlers come in all different colors. In Canada they are blacken, and in Kansas or Iowa they are almost snow white. There are far more brown tones in Minnesota, and in Texas they are mahogany.

We pride ourselves on creating a replica that truly looks like the real antler.

There is something about whitetail deer that generates an enormous amount of excitement. You can pull into a gas station parking lot, or carry a set of antlers into an upcoming show as an exhibitor and you will generate a crowd with boisterous laughter and memorable conversation.

Autumn Legends is looking forward to this season and the incredible projects it will bring. We value making lifelong friendships over one of God's greatest creations.