Who is your preferred taxidermist?

[kevin masters]

Good replies guys

Communication and transparency of delivery dates are going to be paramount in my future taxidermy needs.
When Im told pictures will be emailed in a week...I expect those pictures to be delivered
When Im told a piece will be done before Christmas...I expect that promis to be solid.

Cant help but wonder of whom you are speaking? lol, not trying to get anything started.

 

[Buckdog]

Only Dennis Harris! Work is outstanding always and he delivers it in person and helps me put it all on the trophy room walls. He has the eye for customizing every mount.

 

[Rum Runner]

Animal Artistry. Good service, 90 day turn around, excellent work!

 

[tedthorn]

Animal Artistry. Good service, 90 day turn around, excellent work!

Do you have their phone number?

 

[Mekaniks]

Do you have their phone number?

They are sponsors around here on AH @Animal Artistry

 

[Areaonereal]

Schwarz Studio in St. Louis, one of the top in the country.

 

[tedthorn]

Swhwarz was once considered top notch when I was younger but looking at some of their work in the past couple years has failed to impress me.
I have a couple local guys that IMO are better at the small details the Swhwarz

 

[Rum Runner]

They are sponsors around here on AH @Animal Artistry

775 323 0203

 

[dailordasailor]

@Animal Artistry has my caribou as I type. First time with them so will write review when complete. I was sold on 90day turnaround and communication has been good thus far

 

[johnnyblues]

Who is your preferred taxidermist?

Am I mistaken but don’t you use Dennis?

 

[thi9elsp]

North America Black Bear - Olympic Taxidermy in Seattle WA. I used them in 2004 on my black bear rug and skull euro. Excellent work.

Dennis Harris, Artistry of Wildlife - Africa and New Zealand. His work is excellent. I was told 8 - 10 months from the time he receives the hides / skulls / etc. Trophies from both trips were turned around in about 9 months.

Would not use:

1). Wind River Taxidermy, Lander WY. Although my elk shoulder mount is very good, it was packed in a cardboard box, with foam peanuts. Both ears were broken at the base. Told me it was UPS's problem not his. UPS told me it was his problem. After several months I finally got a check from the taxidermist to offset the cost of a local taxidermist repair bill.

2). The Wildlife Gallery, Blanchard, MI. I used them for my first safari. Kudu ears are too pink, don't look realistic when compared to the photos. Initially tanned the Cape buffalo hide with hair on, then had to have it re-tanned with hair removed and dyed as had been requested. Made our kudu back hide pillow wrong (square vs. rectangle). Now, the work was done quickly and they made a second kudu rectangle pillow so we have both of them. And, they discounted the fees. So, they did step up, but I haven't gone back to them.

 

[slam8031]

Currently have mine from 2017 with Dennis --but mine have not been completed. Will give a report with pictures when I do (and hopefully soon)!

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

Currently have my 2018 and 2019 Africa safari with Erik @gizmo Top of Texas Taxidermy. He has started on 2018 mounts. I told him I was in no hurry for them and take his time.

 

[tedthorn]

Ààl

Am I mistaken but don’t you use Dennis?

He has a lot of my stuff

 

[tedthorn]

Currently have mine from 2017 with Dennis --but mine have not been completed. Will give a report with pictures when I do (and hopefully soon)!

PM you

 

[ActionBob]

Good replies guys

Communication and transparency of delivery dates are going to be paramount in my future taxidermy needs.
When Im told pictures will be emailed in a week...I expect those pictures to be delivered
When Im told a piece will be done before Christmas...I expect that promis to be solid.

From a true Artist? Not personality traits that go together with a true natural born Artist. At least from my experience. They do try, but it's not really the way of the World. You are fighting against Nature

 

[tedthorn]

From a true Artist? Not personality traits that go together with a true natural born Artist. At least from my experience. They do try, but it's not really the way of the World. You are fighting against Nature

I won't fight much longer before I make a road trip and make changes. Im a tolerant person but getting lied to for 4 years......I sure wont tolorate it for 4 more

 

[slam8031]

and for sure that is not very encouraging to me...with the time and money already involved!

 

[Speedster]

I agree. Part of running a business is customer service. Four years is entirely unreasonable.

 

[buck wild]

My preferred taxidermist? ME. I learned long ago after having a disappointing experience. I have only myself to blame now