Merlin's Hide Out Has Retired

Thermopolis, Wyoming | 2026, July

Thank You for an Incredible Journey

After more than 25 years of designing, handcrafting, and sharing heirloom-quality buffalo and beaver fur products, Merlin and Barb Heinze have retired and closed Merlin's Hide Out.

Merlin's Hide Out was never about mass production. Every item that left our workshop was individually handcrafted in Thermopolis, Wyoming, using carefully selected hides and traditional techniques that honored the natural beauty of the fur.

Merlin often described the workshop as “one man and one sewing machine,” but the business was the result of a much larger partnership. Together, Merlin and Barb built a trusted Wyoming brand grounded in quality, integrity, and American craftsmanship.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us, visited the showroom, ordered from the website, shared our story, and trusted us to create something that could be treasured for generations.

Our Journey

Over the years, Merlin's Hide Out expanded from a small workshop into a nationally recognized destination for handcrafted buffalo fur coats, heirloom bison robes, and custom fur creations. Among the best-known projects were the bison fur coats created for Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight.

Throughout our journey, the team at Merlin's Hide Out remained committed to doing things the right way rather than the easy way. Every hide was hand-selected for its quality and natural character, every pattern thoughtfully designed, and every stitch sewn with purpose. We kept production in-house, with each piece designed and handcrafted in our Wyoming workshop. This allowed us to preserve the quality, authenticity, and American craftsmanship that became the hallmark of Merlin's Hide Out.

In 2012, we built our showroom and workshop in Thermopolis, Wyoming, creating a place where visitors from across the country could experience our products firsthand, meet Merlin, and see the craftsmanship behind every piece.

After more than 25 years, Merlin and Barb decided it was time to close the showroom, complete their final pieces, and enjoy retirement.

The sewing machines may now be quiet, but the pieces created at Merlin's Hide Out will continue to be worn, displayed, and passed down for generations.

So What Now?

Anyone who knows Merlin knows he won't be able to stay away from his sewing machine forever.

Merlin's Hide Out is officially retired, and we are no longer accepting regular orders. Still, the right project, the right person, or a sufficiently persuasive offer (ha!) may still tempt Merlin back into the workshop.

Have something special in mind? It never hurts to ask.

You are welcome to reach out with a special request, share an idea, or simply send us a favorite memory, photograph, or story from Merlin's Hide Out.

Email us at info@merlinshideout.com or call +1 307-864-3657.

Thank You

Merlin's Hide Out was more than a business. It was a shared life built around craftsmanship, relationships, and a respect for natural materials.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your homes, families, adventures, and traditions. Every order, showroom visit, conversation, photograph, recommendation, and kind word helped make this journey possible.

From the bottom of our hearts,

Merlin & Barb Heinze Owners