Who is considered to be the best for waterfowl taxidermy?

I would look at Birdman Studios and Flyway Taxidermy. Not to say they are the only good ones but what I have seen of theirs are great. Go over the Refuge Forums and look in their Taxidermy forum. Some great stuff posted by both of them.

Birdman Studies is the only person that will get any of my birds. Here is what I've had Todd do for me. You can find all these on his website.

For waterfowl Brian Yacinno in Moosup Ct.is outstanding.

If Stephen Savides hasn't retired, he has long been considered the dean of bird taxidermy( 20 plus years).

Stephan doesn't do taxidermy anymore

Shane Smith in NE Alabama is a major bird taxidermist.

quote:

Originally posted by Jerry Huffaker:
Stephan doesn't do taxidermy anymore

i was afraid that was the case. when i took taxidermy lessons 20 years ago, my teacher was a student of his years before that- she was a super bird taxidermist herself but freely admitted that no one could compare to him! his work has graced the cover of Breakthrough more than once...

quote:

Originally posted by safari-lawyer:
Shane Smith in NE Alabama is a major bird taxidermist.

The best there is right there.

I think Shane Smith and Birdman Studios are the top waterfowl taxidermists in the world. Shane is subbing out a bunch of his work these days, but I think he still does most of the ducks.

Paul Czarnecki, who is in the Erie, Pennsylvania, is one of the best out there. Google Tri-state taxidermy to find his website. He has done a few sea ducks for me, and did an outstanding job.

I would say there are some great taxidermists out there right now. Lets start with some of my favorites...and yes, this is NOT a haphazard list.

1) Stefan Savides
He is doing limited sculpture work (If money is no object get one of his waterfowl bronzes)

2) Patrick Rummans (If money is no object)
http://www.birdtaxidermy.com/migratory.php

3) Frank Newmyer (If money is no object...he does both bronze sculpture and very expensive waterfowl taxidermy, taxidermy work is worth every penny. He is TEN times World Taxidermy Champion)
http://franknewmyer.net/about.html

4) Jerry Froehlic (Two time World WATERFOWL taxidermy champion)
http://flywaytaxidermy.com/pages/TaxidermyPrices/

5) Shane Smith (Only if Shane does the work himself....and not contracts it out as someone mentioned in the earlier post). One of the best habitat makers in USA.
P.S. Shane can mount the best Turkey in the world. He is a World TURKEY taxidermy champion.
http://www.waterfowler.net/Artistic/pricing.php

6) Jeff Brown
http://www.jbirdtaxidermy.com/waterfowltest.html
One of the best waterfowl taxidermists in the USA in my opinion. He does not do fancy habitat work.

7) Todd Huffman
http://www.birdmanstudios.com/prices.html
Well no one can mount a better upland bird than Todd. His skills have greatly improved over the years. He is a professional photographer and pics of his bird mounts usually seal the deal when people are shopping for a bird taxidermist.

8) Dave Luke
http://www.davidluketaxidermy.net/photogallery.htm
One of the more senior taxidermists. Fun personality. Does a lot of commercial work for other taxidermists. One of the best habitat makers.



In waterfowl taxidermy you get what you pay for....once you start getting into habitats you would have wished you had gone on an African Safari instead

Great list and great artists. Thanks for sharing.

If you are still looking.. check out our website, address below..

ordered the eygption geese in landing position,and idea or pics..kindly post

quote:

Originally posted by sikander:
ordered the eygption geese in landing position,and idea or pics..kindly post

Egyptian goose mounted here or over in Africa? I had one mounted in Africa b/c there apparently was no way to get it back stateside in perfect frozen condition. It's not very good work compared to my normal awesome bird guy's (Kevin Hynes in Slidell, LA) mounts, but better than not having it at all. Pretty cool just having in the trophy room.

This guy is the best I have ever seen. He is an artist in the truest sense. No worries about him subbing out your bird either.

http://www.wingsinflightbirdtaxidermy.com/

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quote:

Originally posted by BearCountry953:
For waterfowl Brian Yacinno in Moosup Ct.is outstanding.

+1

Rich, there are good birdmen, great birdmen and top shelf birdmen/women. One thing to consider is where you live. If your far from any one of the recommended taxidermists, you may be forced to ship your finished mounts home (I highly recommend you don't). Even though most can ship anywhere, getting your fragile bird(s) back undamaged would be a minor miracle. I mounted birds professionally for 17 years before retiring and finding someone that I would trust with one of my trophy birds was a journey. If you live within a reasonable driving distance, do it. Also, when someone says "If money is no object" pay attention. Some birdmen are way over the top in pricing. Most of the taxidermists mentioned are reasonable on their mounts. Add detailed habitats...well, it can get pricey. I sometimes help guys that hunt with me by dropping off their birds to some of the studio's I recommend but I'd make a plan to pick them up or meet them. Many travel to shows and could meet you along the way or at the show if your attending. If your having several mounted, this makes even more sense. LDK
Pacific Eider mount by Jerry Froelich St Cloud, MN.