Aged Hunter with his Stuffed Menagerie

[Shotgun Steve]

Mounted silver gelatin print
Photographer unknown, ca. 1885
2002.117

This elderly hunter has transported his collection of hunting trophies to the photography studio to commemorate his life-long passion. The stuffed bear cub and fawn, almost hidden behind the larger deer, bespeaks the hunting ethics of another time. The chain leash behind the fox may indicate that it is alive, although this seems doubtful. The old hunter is holding a Model 1873 Winchester rifle. Is it possible that he, himself, was a taxidermist in earlier years?