About to hit the water in a couple of weeks, and a nice pair of wood ducks are numero uno on the 'hit list'. Trying to do a little homework before getting into the season and looking for a taxidermist.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Lots of regular taxidermists subcontract bird work out....

Try looking on Taxidermy.net forums they have a section devoted to birds.Look at" bird of the month posts" and you see work that can give you ideas and leads...

http://www.taxidermy.net/forum/index.php

You can send whole frozen birds 2 day shipping.
I've had Ptarmagan don't like that.

Dan

David Luke in LA (one of the best in the country and can import frozen birds from International countries: http://www.davidluketaxidermy.net/

Blake Wilson in AL (learned from David):http://www.trophybirds.com/contact_proc.asp

Stephen Salvides in CA or OR, can't remember. Find him on the Net. Being your in CO, you are best to find someone local. Shipping is not so good for birds. However, David Luke has a lot of experience in shipping birds. His museum holds over 600 birds from around the world.
LDK

I've got 9 birds Currently with http://www.birdmanstudios.com/.
Todd is the most professional taxidermest I have ever used.
He is in Colorado, and I am in MD. No problem shipping there or back.
W.

Graybird,
I am an amateur taxidermist on birds. I do them for myself and friends.

Birds are a speciality and I would suggest you find someone who does them competitively. The rank and file taxidermist can do them and do them well, but for wood ducks and some others, you may as well spend a few extra bucks and get competition quality.

Dave Cowen in Alva, OK is one of the best out there, but I suggest you look at the National Taxidermist Assoc. website and look for competition winners for a good selection.

graybird, Todd at birdmanstudio's in CO would be the go-to guy in your State. I've never met him but know his work. His web site tells the story. His prices are very affordable, especially for the quality.
David

Graybird,

A large number of taxidermists do wholesale out their bird work. You need to ask point blank if they mount their own. There are a good number of taxidermists who can and do mount all animals 'in house' and master mounting them all very well.

I would be cautious of selecting someone off taxidermy.net, as that is primarily a teaching tool site. The vast majority on there are looking for guidance and help as beginners and intermediate level taxidermists. There are many beginners giving advice to beginners there. You will not find the 'cream of the crop' bird specialists on that site.

If you are looking for the BEST taxidermists with birds the list would include these Master, World and National Champion Icons:

Frank Newmeyer - Michigan. Frank singlehandedly elevated the art of bird taxidermy to the present level in the industry. He is a 10 time World Champion.

Stefan Savides - Stefan has studios in Northern California and Oregon. He is also a World reknown bird taxidermist. He accompanies Dick Cabela on his African hunts to care for his birds in the field then mounts them. He is also a bronze sculptor and bird taxidermy instructor.

Patrick Rummans - Patrick lives here in Az. and is primary doing work in L.A. with reproduction mounts for movies,t.v, and commercials. He still continues to do occasional mounts.

These gentlemen are the 'cream of the crop' in the industry. Every piece they mount is worthy of a World championship title.

There are many other incredible bird taxidermists who are National Champions:

Tony Finazzo - California

Charlie Thurston - Oregon

Cory Carruthers - Iowa

Harvey Ziegler - Illinois

Bret Kirk - Colorado

You could send ducks to any of the above 8 taxidermists without seeing a sample of their work, and I can ,without a doubt, guarantee a returned masterpiece you would be proud to display, as these 8 are at the top of the field.

Kind regards,
Mary

Todd (Huffman) is right there in Trinidad. He doesn't compete much anymore, but he does some great work. Dogcat, were you speaking of Dave COWLEY? If so, Dave is no longer with us. He died last spring.

Thanks Guys and Gals!

Been away visiting family the last couple of days.

I appreciate your time and suggestions!!