Taxidermist

Chuckle, chuckle...this is like one of those forums where we discuss favorite hunting dogs or the best deer rifle!  Everyone's is better than everyone's no matter what...if you know what I mean.

Anyway, it wasn't all that long ago where it was difficult to find a taxidermist worthy of doing quality work, or for that matter, a taxidermist period.  Technology, knowledge and several other attributes have contributed to a very large pool of qualified taxidermists throughout the state or even tri-state area.  Point being, no longer do we have to search for a taxidermist capable of doing a "good job".  We have many within an hours drive.

I've spent some time with a few of the most respected taxidermists around because of mutual friends and because I've had the ability to work with many through the site over the years (whether it be advertising, sport shows, or other site related reasons).  They admit that their are many taxidermists out there capable of doing a good job.  So the obvious question of what makes another better than the other comes to mind.  None, of course, want to toot their own horn because they aren't those type of people but the consensus is time and dollars.  I don't think it's anything new to any of us.  In all walks of life (from buying hardware, food, clothes, cars, boats, to whatever) we often get what we pay for.  Yes, sometimes there is a diamond in the ruff that blows our expectations away in quality and it didn't cost that much but more often than not, we always end up getting back to the "we get what we pay for".

Getting back to taxidermy, I'm not going to sit here and type that I think I know what good work is.  I can say I do know what I like and I have a couple mounts that are exceptional and I have a couple that are very disappointing.  What were the two factors in their differences?  You guessed it, time and money!

The best thing to do when choosing a taxidermist is to visit with them.  Don't do it by the phone (well solely anyway); go see their shop so you can see their work and meet them in person.  Obviously, the visual of their work will help make your decision easier but I also think that getting to know the person a little gives you an idea of what kind of work they'll do as well.  Besides the small chit chat, ask them how much time they typically spend on their work.  Then ask what components they use.  Taxidermy really is no different than building a car, a computer or a TV.  The quality depends on what type of components are used.  Is the taxidermist you are choosing uses the best tannery, the best forms, the best facial components (nostrils, eye balls, etc), is the taxidermist using quality paint (is he painting at all) and is he building the facial features of your deer by hand or purchased parts?

Components are important but time is equally important.  Is the taxidermist you have in mind pumping his or her work out just to make the dollar flow or are they spending showmanship time on each creation?  Are they artistically expressing themselves with the facial features such as the membranes, glands, muscles and nostrils?  Forms and purchased parts are really just canned parts.  Every taxidermist gets basically the same form (depending on how much they are spending of course) but great taxidermists spend time on their work to fine tune the items I listed immediately above.

I see that people often lump "I got my head in this amount of time".  Well, that is somewhat of a concern but that really only dictates whether the person is a good business person or not.  Obviously, a person isn't going to want to get his head back over a year later but honestly, I don't think I'd want to get my mounts back in just a few months either.  Typically, the "big names" of taxidermy have a turn around of six to nine months (more closer to nine months usually).  So that's something else to keep in mind.

In closing my words, it comes back to three things.  Time, money and detail.  Those are the items that separate a good taxidermist from a great taxidermist.  I believe there are many good taxidermists out there and I probably wouldn't have a problem going to many of them.  But I will say when it comes to taxidermy we are getting a memory preserved forever right?  Why not ensure it gets the attention it needs so in the years to come you don't watch your memories age and deteriorate.  That's right, mounts age.  That's where the components and detail come into play.  If they are built to last...they last.

I think goatboy says it best in that we have many qualified taxidermists around.  To me it comes down to pride.  North Dakotan's have pride in what we do and it shows in our taxidermists.  Since goatboy mentioned Jamie I'll admit that I've deemed him my taxidermist (he did our mule deer of last year).  I've visited with him and he's a guy motivated by family and the outdoors.  He treats his clients trophies as if they are his own and it shows in his work and the awards he has won over the last several years.

But hey, I'm not going to tell anyone who they should go to.  That's ultimately up to you and the expectations you have for your trophy or memory(ies) of a lifetime.  Just make sure you ask all the questions and you'll find the right taxidermist for you.

Best Regards,

Tim Sandstrom