76 ALASKA SPORTING JOURNAL AUGUST 2019 | aksportingjournal.com
T
axidermy is a true art form and
the right taxidermist can create
the most incredible pieces that
truly reflect that time spent afield.
Now, not all taxidermists are created
equal. If you’ve seen some of my earlier
stuff, you’ll know why. These days I only
choose those who are either hunters
themselves or have ventured into the
places I have been. Sounds cliché, but
you wouldn’t want a fish guy creating a
muskox mount.
There are many great taxidermists
out there. If your plans include a man
cave and ultimately getting some work
done, then I suggest you follow a few
simple steps when choosing the right
one for you. Remember that cheaper is
hardly ever better, and if you really want
it done right, pay the few extra bucks to
have it done by a quality professional. It
will last forever and, more specifically,
each time you glance up you’ll relive the
day you took it.1) Use somebody who is familiar with
the animal itself. Most taxidermists
are hunters and it should make you feel
better if they have actually pursued the
animal you’ve harvested. They know
what the eyes and nose should look like
on a bear or sheep, the way the ears
should be set on a moose.2) Location is another important fac-
tor. If you take an animal in Alaska and
time and money permits it, I would have
it done by somebody instate. Again, a
good taxidermist will know the finer de-
tails of what the animal should look like
and make it as real as possible.
I had to learn the hard way. Long be-
fore I moved to Alaska I came up here to
hunt. On my first outing, I got lucky and
took a pretty nice caribou bull. I want-
ed to have it mounted, took it back and
had the local guy mount it. It looks like
a Jersey cow.3) Price can be a big factor and should
be considered before making your final
decision. This is often the most limit-
ing factor for us as hunters and some
taxidermy work, depending on what
you choose, can be very expensive.
Taxidermy as a whole is pretty much
a business, but in the end, you usually
get what you pay for. There are bargains
out there, but make sure you do your re-
search before you decide who to use.4) The reputation of the person doing
the work also has to be considered. Any
good taxidermist will have a good rep-
utation for producing quality mounts.
But how do you make sure? Usually
they will have a website that tells a littlePaul Atkins is not only a hunter who harvests
wildlife to fill his freezer; he also creates
memories of the hunts with an assist from
taxidermists he trusts. (PAUL D. ATKINS)about their business and includes a few
pictures of their previous work, so check
there first. If you like what you see, give
them a call and schedule a visit. Being
able to see a finished product or one in
progress could be a deciding factor in
your decision.5) Ask a lot of questions. It’s your money
and your animal that will be mounted, so
you have every right to ask as many as
you want. Several come to mind. Do you
have insurance in case something hap-
pens to my mount while in your shop?
Do you guarantee your work? How long
have you been doing this?
Lastly, you need to ask about the time
frame. Good taxidermists are usually
backlogged and good work usually takes
some time. I’ve seen anywhere from six
months to one year, but you still need to
ask. I once had a blacktail deer mounted
that took almost three years to get back,
and if not for my constant contact with
the guy, he might still have it. In the end
if you’re satisfied with their answers, use
them; if not look elsewhere.
Remember, choose a taxidermist
that has the ability to make your animal
look the way it did the day you took it.
Since it’s an investment, even though
he or she will only have it for a relatively
short time, you will have it forever. PATIPS FOR PICKING A TAXIDERMIST