Welcome to Merlin’s Hide Out

Merlin’s Hide Out Through the Years

1999
A Dream is Born

Merlin’s first project took place in a spare bedroom when he decided, in the middle of a Wyoming winter, to tan a couple of beaver hides to make a new pair of gators for himself. It was the first of many products to come.

When the number of projects grew and took over the entire room, Merlin was banished from the spare bedroom. He built the first iteration of Merlin’s Hide Out, a modest log cabin where he could tan hides and tailor garments.

2005
The Big Decision

Word spread about the artistry and craftsmanship of Merlin’s products. With the ability to handcraft each product, it made Merlin’s products unique and one of a kind. As demand for our premium Buffalo Hides, Buffalo Fur Coats, and unique fur home decor and accessories grew, we made the decision in 2005 to make this a full time business and have never looked back.

Eventually, Merlin outgrew his original Hide Out. In order to create more production space, as well as storage, the Blue Shop was built. This second iteration of Merlin’s Hide Out served as the foundation for an ever growing business.

2013
Expansion

From the beginning Merlin’s Hide Out was comprised of three enterprises under one roof: a full service tannery, a production facility, and a retail showroom. As interest for custom products grew, we were confronted with the question of whether to cut back or expand. The answer was easy – we opened our 5,000 square foot expansion.

2015
Hollywood Comes Calling

Courtney Hoffman, the costume designer for the Quentin Tarantino movie “The Hateful Eight” gave us a call. They needed 8 bison fur coats for actor Kurt Russell’s character John Ruth. Having handcrafted bison fur coats for many years, we were happy to create coats for the film. Since then, we have worked with several Hollywood and television productions.

2021
Time for a Partnership

As customer demand for hand tailored products grew, we found ourselves working 24/7. We knew something needed to change. In 2021, we made the decision to lease the tannery operation to the next generation of entrepreneurs. This decision gives us the time needed to create best-in-the-industry custom handcrafted fur products.

2026 and Beyond
Slowing Down and Scaling Back

After more than two decades of crafting, creating, and connecting through Merlin’s Hide Out, we decided to close our showroom and shift to selling exclusively via our website.

As we move forward, we’ll be limiting our product line and overall stock. To help keep things clear and up to date, we’ll be adding photos of our current inventory to the website. If you’ve seen something in the past and are curious whether it’s still a possibility, please don’t hesitate to email or call us—we’re always happy to check and let you know.

Thanks to our loyal customers, treasured friends, and loved ones, the Merlin’s Hide Out story has been shared far and wide. Each and every one of them believed in our mission to keep the American hand crafting industry alive.

While we have been blessed to live our dreams every day, it’s time for us to slow our pace and spend more time with loved ones and friends.

So while things are changing, one thing isn’t: our commitment to creating authentic, handcrafted fur and leather goods that stand the test of time – it’s still just one man with his sewing machine.