After you have just caught that big trout or salmon you have been fishing for, or perhaps have just taken a big 10-point buck, you just might be looking for a taxidermist.
I’ve personally seen a lot of taxidermy work, some outstanding, some acceptable, and some just plain horrible.
A few years back a hunter I know just couldn’t wait to show me his buck he had mounted by a bargain priced taxidermist. “It only cost me $200 bucks” he exclaimed with joy.
When I cast my eyes upon the mounted deer head I had to compose myself not to laugh out loud. It was terrible, the deer resembled a goat with false teeth and I think he even looked cross-eyed!
If you want to avoid this type of disaster with your trophy, take some time and check out the local taxidermy shops and take a look at their work and ask a lot of questions.
Here where I live, we are very fortunate to have a local taxidermist, artist, and master fish carver, Gene Bahr. Bahr is nationally recognized as one of the best in the business and his name is known virtually all over the world. Bahr’s work ethic, experience, skill and a natural vision of animal knowledge put him at the top of the heap.
Bahr has always encouraged potential customers to visit his studio and is always cordial and informative. A visit to his studio always leaves its visitors with a great respect for his talent.
There are several other good taxidermists here in southern Maine. Check them out, most do a good job and work very hard at what they do.
Bahr has mounted all of my deer heads; with a little luck I’ll be bringing another on to him this fall. And just remember, when it comes to taxidermy, cheaper ain’t better!
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