I NEED A TAXIDERMIST!!

[jlmiller]

Was wondering if anybody knew of an experienced taxidermist that can mount a walleye I caught recently. I have two being mounted already from three years ago and haven't saw them yet, I won't mention who has them!! I'm having a hard time finding a GOOD taxidermist that can produce a good quality mount in a decent time frame. The cost does not matter, it is a once in a lifetime 13 pound Erie walleye. If you know of a taxidermist anywhere in Iowa, or southern Minnesota that YOU would recommend ~ please respond!! Web sites would help a bunch!! Thanks, jlmiller

[Capt. Tony Denslow]

For years, I have been taking my fish to Skip Schweitzer in Mantua. He does a wonderful, life-like job. His tele is 216-562-9801. Last fish he did for me cost around $5 an inch, plus the mounting.

Capt. Tony

[eyeman_1]

I realize that this taxidermist is not in the region you were looking for but without a doubt the best taxidermy work I've ever seen is by Douglas Taxidermy in Naperville, IL. Doug's work I think is the best around. I have two Erie eye's mounted by Doug and a pike.

Doug's work goes beyond taxidermy... it is artwork. His fish look as if they have just come from the water. He is not cheap and he is not fast, you may wait 18 months! But, you will get the highest quality mount I know of! Doug has done fish for several people you'd recognize like Spence Petros, Gary Roach, Babe etc..

If you are intersted you can contact Doug @630-355-9311. I can only speak for myself and I am in no way affilitated with Doug other than as a very satisfied customer! Give him a call it will be worth it.

[JEB]

I know that it is out of your area but I take all my fish and recommend to my friends Brian Lewon of Randolph, Nebraska. You will have your fish back within a year. It is his only job and he is around $7.50 per inch and worth every penny. His place is Lewon's Taxidermy Studio and he has done mounts for Ted Nugent. His number is 402-337-0077. He is vey nice and explains everything that he will do to your fish. His studio is awesome. I hope this helps.

[FreeByrd]

First,
Congrats on a GREAT fish!
You may want to consider a replica mount from Artistic Anglers in Duluth, MN. You can find their number by doing a web search on "Artistic Anglers" Matt Vernatich is the guy to talk to. Excellent work. We've got some mounts that are 15 years old and look as good as the day we got them. Most people don't know they are replicas unless we tell them.
Other place that will be a little quicker is Fibertech out of Brainerd. Should also be able to find them on a websearch. We have some mounts from them too. I think the AA work is a little better and for your 13# I'd go with the best.
Good Luck,
Steve Carlson

[CJW]

Just had mine done by Jeff Kahler taxidermy in Balsam lake, Wisc. Give him a call at 715-485-3069. He is very very good. Charges as of last Jan.were $3.50 an inch. Yes that was $3.50 an inch. If he's not too swamped he will do them in 3 months for ten percent more. Had a 29.5 inch and the wifes 33 inch walleye,and a 14.5 inch perch done by him and are spectacular. He mounted them all on driftwood. My total cost shipped to me was $327.60 for all three. I would recommend him to anyone. Craig

[jlmiller]

Thanks for the info guys. I will spend a little time this weekend contacting and find out where to go. I appreciate your suggestions and hopefully will find a temporary home for miss piggy!! Feel free to add any additional names you would recommend. Finding a good taxidermist is almost as hard as catching a trophy. Hopefully it will be all smiles in the end!! Thanks alot!! ~ JLMiller