Perhaps this is the wrong forum, but I wanted to grab the attention of the Candian's on this subject,

Who is the best in Canada ( western Canada preferably), if you are looking to

- get full, pedestal and sholder mounts

- NA and worldwide trophies

thanks

There are some pretty good ones but the one who stands out in my mind is Brian Dobson of Artistic taxidermy in Edmonton Alberta. He acts as a judge now for most of the competitions. Be prepared for long wait times though. It took over a year for my buddy to get his deer head done.

Brett

Im the buddy, like Brett said Brian Dobson is the guy to go to in my opinion all though there is a year wait and hes a little pricier then some his work is well worth it.

Chris

Brian at artistic has won many international awards and is one of the leading taxi's in north America. A one year wait is not considered a long wait in the taxidermy business especially for quality work, most take longer, some take years longer.

I use a guy in Saskatchewan - Steve Von Hagan, Tundra Taxidermy. Steve has done three bears for me and has two of mine in his shop now. He does excellent work, is very professional and will personally deliver and set up your trophy - even in South Texas where I am! he will also pick your trophies up from your outfitter. In my case, Steve has retrieved my bears from Northern Sakatchewan, Northern Alberta and the Vancouver area of BC. His email is tundra@sasktel.net

Bighorn Taxidermy in Calgary

Hello;
I've used Paul Munsgaard of Mountainview Taxidermy in Olds for the last 15 years. For a guy who came here from Denmark with very little experience, he's come a long way to doing Museum quality work. He aint cheap, but I've seen enough shitty taxidermy that I don't mind paying a little more. The most unusual thing i've seen in his shop, other than exotic game from all over the world, was some old ladies beloved pet dog. She wanted it preserved for posterity and Paul obliged, even though the creature was a little bit smelly by the time she called him.
Grizz

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Ken Walker of Alberta Beach, AB. He's won several awards at the World Taxidermy Championchips over the past few years.

I particularly like his mount of the extinct Irish Elk. I was told he used 4 white elk hides for this mount. The antlers are 9.5' wide and are cast from real Irish elk antlers. Check it out: www.breakthroughmagazine.com/issues/2005/spring2005/gallery/gallery09.htm

As far as taxidermists go, he's probably at or near celebrity status. If I ever shoot a critter I deem worthy of mounting I'd likely call Ken.


GordM

I don't know about the best but...

Hello;
This wouldn't be the Joe Busstto Taxidermy of old? There are a couple of outfits in Alberta that carry the name of once well respected taxidermists, but now have no connection with the original owner. Penns, is now owned by some guy out of Airdrie.
Grizz

There is a good taxidermist in Montreal, Tino Reatto. But he is not a serius guy. From 5 years ago he have part ofmy trophies and the money I have payed in advanced. So better don´t use this taxdermist.

quote:

Originally posted by mark65x55:
I don't know about the best but...

What is the story on J.B.?

Thanks,
Dean

I can`t believe no one mentioned Larry Murphy of Pineridge Taxidermy. His work is incredible, he does specimens from all over the world. He just did a segment for "Canada In The Rough" television show.

It really pays to invest the extra $ to have a good taxidermist do a fine mount. I have a few trophies that I look at almost every day and admire them and remember the hunts. I also have a couple that I regret having scrimped and payed less for a poorer job.

I have 5 heads from three different fellows.
"Alpine" in Calgary did a pronghorn that turned out very well. The mouth is open just a little and there are fake teeth visible. A nice touch I have not seen before.

Garry Schaffer of Eckville area, Alberta ("Schaffer Studios" I think he calls his shop) does great work. He did two white-tail bucks for me that are great.

I have a ram and a white-tail done by a "part timr taxidermist that look like part time quallity work.

I took a BIG black bear to a "low bid" taxidermist and he lost it and tryed to give me an unfinished rug from a small bear. A really bad experience that I try to gorget about.

Robin down under

Jim Boland of Cochrane...He's the older version of Brian Dobson, he has one many, many competitions as well, mostly when he was younger. If you have ever looked into the incredible detail he puts in his Art, its amazing.

quote:

Tundra Taxidermy

Is who I use as well now. Owen has become a good friend of mine and now does taxidermy as part of team Tundra fulltime after retiring from the RCMP. Tundra does game from all over the world and I have yet to see any mount produced by this crew that wasn't impressive. Steve work on Sheep is awesome. These guys pay huge attention to detail and the mounts are all good enough to be show pieces IMHO. Like said Tundra will hand deliver your mounts.

Another good one is Rion White (Orion) in Moose Jaw.

Dobson does great work as well.

None of these taxidermists are quick in turn around or cheap. However when it comes to taxidermy it is well worth it IMHO.