Hamburg Cabela's to showcase PA taxidermists’ craft

Hamburg Cabela's to showcase PA taxidermists’ craft

By Tyler Frantz

            If there is one thing certain to preserve the memory of a hunt, it is a carefully recreated work of taxidermy. Be it a shoulder mounted buck lip-curling just as he did moments before the shot or a customized mount of a black bear creeping down a snowy hillside, the natural beauty of the animals we harvest can be artistically captured by an experienced taxidermist.

            I’m a sucker for a good wildlife mount, as evidenced by the many fish, game birds and assorted mammals gracing the walls of my home office and den. Mere photographs simply cannot compete. A realistic mount tells more of the story.

           

            To many like me, taxidermy provides a special opportunity to honor the memory of the animals whose lives were taken to sustain our own- to admire their magnificence and to preserve their legacy long after the last of their nutritious meat has been enjoyed at the table.

            But a quality mount doesn’t create itself. The talented hands of a professional taxidermist must mold the skin, fur and feathers into an artistic work of art, almost bringing the animal back to life, as if frozen in time.

            The process takes skill, creativity, patience and knowledge of the wildlife species they hope to recreate- all traits that can only be improved through training and experience. 

             

            That’s why from September 18^th – 20^th, members of the Pennsylvania Taxidermist Association will gather at Cabela’s in Hamburg to celebrate their trade, display their work and build upon their craft.

             

            According to PTA Vice-President, Jason Krause, the association was established in 1979 to promote and develop the art of taxidermy through education and high standards; to educate the general public in the art of taxidermy and conservation, to propagate the sport of hunting, fishing and an appreciation of the outdoors, and to advise and assist its members and the general public on compliance with federal and state legislation relating to the art of taxidermy.

            “The PTA focuses on education, and through being a member, one may attend seminars at two of the yearly events we organize,” Krause said. “At these events, taxidermists can enter their mounts to have them judged by some of the best taxidermists in the country. They can then talk with the judges to help them learn how to become better in our craft.”

            “The Cabela's Taxidermy Weekend is a way for our members to learn and progress in the art of taxidermy,” Krause explained. “Pennsylvania has one of the largest associations in the country, and through being a member, I personally have learned a

tremendous amount of knowledge about crafting a better piece of art for my clients’ trophies.”

            “I enjoy being able to make a snapshot in outdoorsmen’s minds come back to life and help them enjoy that memory forever,” Krause said. “It is also satisfying to be creative and artistic in the way an animal is posed and presented in a moment in time. Through the PTA, I’ve met many new friends that have become a network of knowledge if I ever have a question about mounting a particular animal.”

            But the PTA events are also a great way to reach the general public to educate them in top quality taxidermy as well. That’s why the Cabela’s taxidermy display will be open to the public, even offering a People’s Choice Award category for shoppers to vote on their favorite mounts.

            “By coming to the Cabela's Taxidermy Weekend, a hunter, fisherman or trapper will be viewing some very well crafted and artfully minded taxidermy pieces,” Krause said. “By learning to educate themselves on what good taxidermy looks like and what is available, they will be helping themselves pick the right taxidermist when the moment comes to have a trophy preserved.”

            In addition to educating oneself on quality taxidermy, the PTA strongly recommends considering the following before selecting a taxidermist:

-  Is he or she licensed by the state? In Pennsylvania, a taxidermist must be licensed by the PA Department of Agriculture. In the case of waterfowl or migratory birds, a taxidermist must also hold a federal taxidermy license.

-  Reputation. Simply put, “Have you heard anything bad about the person?” If so, check it out thoroughly. A taxidermist can never please everyone, but it’s not out of line to ask for a client list and simply call a few of these and ask them if they were satisfied with the taxidermy work.

   -Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Will you guarantee your work? Do you use professionally tanned skins or dry preservatives? May I see a few finished mounts? How much expertise do you have? Do you have insurance in case something happens to my valuable trophy? Above all, go and look at the individual’s work; don’t just shop for a cheap price and quick turn-around over the phone. Make an appointment with the taxidermist and ask your questions directly.

-  Price. Price of the finished mount is always a tough call, and sometimes hunters get hung up on the price alone. Consider price carefully and always remember the saying “you get what you pay for.” If one taxidermist is mounting deer heads for $150 less than most others, be suspicious of the quality going into the work. Buy the best quality you can afford. After all, you may have waited a lifetime for this special trophy. Picking your taxidermist carefully will assure your trophy really will last a lifetime.

            For more information about the upcoming PTA event at Cabela’s, or for information about taxidermy and the association in general, please visit pataxidermist.org.

For more great writing, photography and video work by outdoors freelancer, Tyler Frantz, visit www.naturalpursuitoutdoors.com. Also, please LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

 

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