The Fascinating History of the Jackalope: A Masterpiece of Taxidermy and Folklore
The American West is a landscape filled with vast prairies, towering mountains, and legends that blur the line between reality and imagination. Among these legends, few are as enduring or as charmingly deceptive as the Jackalope. Often described as a cross between a jackrabbit and an antelope, this antlered rabbit has graced the walls of taverns, souvenir shops, and private collections for nearly a century.
To understand the Jackalope, one must look beyond the antlers and delve into the intersection of natural history, viral pathology, and the skilled hands of a taxidermist. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the Jackalope history with taxidermist influences, tracing its origins from a small town in Wyoming to its status as a global pop-culture phenomenon.
What is a Jackalope? Defining the Myth
The Jackalope (Lepus temperamentalus) is a mythical creature of North American folklore. It is traditionally depicted as a jackrabbit (genus Lepus) possessing the antlers of a deer or pronghorn. According to local lore, these creatures are notoriously shy, highly intelligent, and capable of mimicking human speech.
Legend has it that cowboys sitting by their campfires at night would often hear their songs echoed back to them in a tenor voice. While these stories added flavor to the frontier life, the physical manifestation of the Jackalope is almost entirely a product of gaff taxidermy—the art of creating rogue specimens by combining parts from different animals.
The Anatomy of a Legend
- The Base: Usually a Black-tailed Jackrabbit, common in the Western United States.
- The Antlers: Typically small deer antlers or pronghorn horns, meticulously grafted onto the rabbit’s skull.
- The Temperament: Described as “fearsome,” requiring “Jackalope milk” (which is said to have medicinal properties) to be harvested by brave individuals.
The Origins: Douglas Herrick and the Birth of a Legend
While stories of horned rabbits have existed in European and African folklore for centuries, the specific American “Jackalope” has a very clear point of origin. The story begins in Douglas, Wyoming, in the early 1930s.
The “fathers” of the Jackalope were two brothers, Douglas and Ralph Herrick. As teenagers who had studied taxidermy through a mail-order course, they were looking for ways to expand their skills and their business. The moment of inspiration occurred in 1932 after a hunting trip.
The Famous 1932 Hunting Trip
According to Ralph Herrick, the brothers returned from hunting jackrabbits and tossed a carcass into their taxidermy shop. The rabbit happened to slide right next to a pair of deer antlers. Douglas Herrick looked at the arrangement and remarked, “Let’s mount it the way it is.”
That first mount was sold to Roy Sharp, the owner of the LaBonte Hotel in Douglas, for a mere $10. The mount became an instant conversation piece, attracting tourists and locals alike. Recognizing a business opportunity, the Herrick brothers began producing more “Jackalopes,” effectively launching a new industry in Western taxidermy.
The Taxidermy Connection: Crafting a Cryptid
The relationship between the Jackalope history with taxidermist techniques is inseparable. Without the skill of the taxidermist, the Jackalope would remain a mere campfire story. In the world of taxidermy, the Jackalope is classified as a “gaff”—a term used for fake creatures created for sideshows or curiosities.
How Taxidermists Create Jackalopes
Creating a convincing Jackalope requires more than just glue. A professional taxidermist must ensure that the proportions look natural. You must select a rabbit pelt that is sturdy enough to support the weight of the antlers.
The process involves: 1. Skinning and Tanning: The jackrabbit pelt is carefully removed and preserved. 2. Form Selection: A foam or clay “mannequin” of a rabbit is used. 3. Antler Attachment: The antlers are bolted or wired directly to the skull plate or the internal form before the skin is draped over. 4. Finishing Touches: The skin is sewn, and the eyes are set to give the creature a “lifelike” yet mythical expression.
The Art of “Gaff” Taxidermy
Gaff taxidermy has a long history, famously utilized by figures like P.T. Barnum with his “Fiji Mermaid.” The Jackalope, however, is unique because it transitioned from a sideshow hoax to a beloved regional symbol. Taxidermists today still produce these mounts, often using ethically sourced pelts and naturally shed antlers.
Science vs. Folklore: The Shope Papilloma Virus
While the Herrick brothers popularized the antlered rabbit through taxidermy, there is a fascinating biological basis that may have inspired earlier sightings of “horned rabbits.” This is where the Jackalope history with taxidermist narratives meets hard science.
In the 1930s, around the same time the Herricks were creating their first mounts, a virologist named Dr. Richard Shope began investigating reports of rabbits with “horns” in the wild. His research led to the discovery of the Shope Papilloma Virus (SPV).
Natural Horns or Viral Growth?
SPV causes hard, keratinous tumors to grow on a rabbit’s head and neck. These tumors can become quite long and rigid, remarkably resembling antlers or horns. In the wild, a rabbit suffering from this virus might appear to be a mythical Jackalope to a distant observer.
It is highly probable that early pioneers and indigenous peoples saw rabbits infected with SPV, leading to the initial myths. However, it was the professional taxidermist who took this biological anomaly and refined it into the aesthetically pleasing (and much healthier looking) Jackalope we recognize today.
Douglas, Wyoming: The Jackalope Capital of the World
You cannot discuss Jackalope history without mentioning its home base. In 1985, the Governor of Wyoming declared Douglas to be the “Jackalope Capital of the World.” The town has fully embraced its cryptid heritage.
Visitors to Douglas can find: – The Giant Jackalope Statue: A massive 8-foot-tall statue in the town square. – Jackalope Hunting Licenses: The local Chamber of Commerce issues “official” licenses to tourists, though hunting is only permitted on June 31st (a date that does not exist). – The Herrick Legacy: Local museums preserve the history of the Herrick brothers and their original taxidermy shop.
The Cultural Impact of the Jackalope
The Jackalope has transcended its origins as a taxidermy joke to become a staple of American culture. It represents the “Tall Tale” tradition of the American frontier—a way for people to celebrate the strange and the impossible.
Tourism and Commercialization
For decades, the Jackalope was the ultimate “tourist trap” souvenir. Postcards showing cowboys riding giant Jackalopes or Jackalopes attacking wolves were ubiquitous in Western gift shops. This commercialization helped cement the creature’s image in the public consciousness.
The Jackalope in Popular Media
From Pixar’s short film Boundin’ to appearances in video games like Red Dead Redemption, the Jackalope continues to appear in modern storytelling. It serves as a symbol of the whimsical mystery that still exists in the natural world.
Collecting Jackalope Mounts: A Guide for Enthusiasts
If you are interested in owning a piece of this history, you should understand what makes a quality Jackalope mount. As a taxidermist would tell you, not all mounts are created equal.
Identifying High-Quality Taxidermy
- Symmetry: The antlers should be positioned naturally on the head, mimicking the anatomy of a real horned animal.
- Pelt Condition: Look for thick, well-groomed fur without visible seams or “bald” spots.
- Eye Placement: The eyes should look alert and realistic, typically using high-quality glass or acrylic inserts.
- The “Graft”: A master taxidermist ensures that the transition between the fur and the antlers is seamless, often using a bit of epoxy and paint to mimic the “burr” of an antler.
Legal Considerations and Ethical Sourcing
When purchasing taxidermy, you must ensure the piece complies with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and local wildlife laws. Fortunately, jackrabbits are generally not protected species, but it is always wise to buy from reputable taxidermists who use legally harvested or “roadkill” specimens.
Step-by-Step: Understanding the Taxidermy Process
While we do not recommend beginners attempt taxidermy without proper training, understanding the steps helps you appreciate the craft involved in the Jackalope history with taxidermist tradition.
Step 1: Preparation
The taxidermist selects a rabbit pelt and a set of antlers (often from a small deer species like the Roe deer or a young Whitetail). The antlers must be cleaned and bleached if they are not “in velvet.”
Step 2: Mounting the Skull Plate
The antlers are attached to a wooden or plastic base that fits inside the rabbit’s head. This provides the structural integrity needed to keep the antlers upright.
Step 3: Fitting the Skin
The tanned rabbit skin is stretched over a foam form. The taxidermist uses “hide paste” to ensure the skin sticks to the form and doesn’t shift over time. This is the most delicate part of the process, as the skin around the antlers must be tucked and pinned perfectly.
Step 4: Grooming and Drying
Once the skin is set, the rabbit is brushed to restore the natural flow of the fur. It must dry in a humidity-controlled environment for several weeks to prevent shrinking or cracking.
The Legacy of the Horned Rabbit
The Jackalope is more than just a “fake” animal. It is a testament to human creativity and our desire to find magic in the mundane. The Jackalope history with taxidermist expertise shows how a simple joke between brothers could evolve into a symbol of a state’s identity.
Whether it is a result of the Shope virus or the clever hands of a Wyoming taxidermist, the Jackalope reminds us to look a little closer at the shadows on the prairie. It invites us to participate in a shared cultural myth, one that requires a wink, a nod, and a healthy appreciation for the art of the tall tale.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Jackalope real?
Biologically, no. The Jackalope is a mythical creature created through gaff taxidermy. However, the Shope Papilloma Virus can cause real rabbits to grow horn-like tumors, which likely inspired the legend.
Who invented the Jackalope?
The modern American Jackalope was popularized by Douglas and Ralph Herrick in Douglas, Wyoming, in 1932. They were the first taxidermists to mount antlers on a rabbit for commercial sale.
Can you hunt Jackalopes?
In Douglas, Wyoming, you can buy a souvenir hunting license. However, the “official” hunting season is only on June 31st, which is a non-existent date, keeping the joke alive while protecting the (non-existent) population.
How do I clean a Jackalope taxidermy mount?
You should lightly dust the mount with a soft brush or a feather duster. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the fur, and keep it in a dry area to prevent mold or pest infestations.
Why is Douglas, Wyoming famous for Jackalopes?
Douglas is the birthplace of the first taxidermy Jackalope. The town has embraced the creature as its mascot, featuring statues, festivals, and the official Jackalope registry.
Conclusion
The journey of the Jackalope—from a viral infection in the wild to a masterpiece on a taxidermist’s workbench—is a unique chapter in American history. It highlights our fascination with the “monsters” of the woods and our ability to turn those fears into something whimsical and iconic.
As you explore the Jackalope history with taxidermist lore, you realize that the “truth” of the Jackalope isn’t found in a biology textbook, but in the stories we tell and the art we create. The next time you see an antlered rabbit staring down from a wall, you’ll know the decades of craftsmanship and legend that put it there.
