Wild Instinct Design Co.

01/26/2025

There’s not a single day—whether I’m in the shop, out in the yard, or wherever this work takes me—that I don’t love what I do.

This beautiful moose came into the shop pretty late in the season, and it’s a special one: my client’s first moose. He wasn’t too sure how European mounts or taxidermy worked, but we had a great conversation that brought me back to the simple things. He wanted a Euro, and, well—he was told I was the lady for the job.

What stood out most wasn’t just the story of this moose but his excitement. He was absolutely thrilled, and I never get tired of seeing that kind of joy. Whether it’s someone’s first or their tenth, there’s nothing better than watching someone light up about their harvest.

This moose has been beetle-cleaned and degreased, and the next steps are lightening. Stay tuned for the finished result!

And as a bonus, I had some company in the shop today—my one and only co-worker, Red. He’s been my buddy through thick and thin. He’s deaf now after years of bird hunting, but he’s still got more heart than anyone I know. He spent most of the day out here with me, watching what I was doing.

You’ll see him in the photos—because he’s part of the process, too.

I’m so grateful for moments like this—for being trusted with milestones like a first harvest and for having the best co-worker by my side. Here’s to many more “firsts” and the stories that come with them.

Gratefully,

Jessii

01/25/2025

Can we take a moment to appreciate the first bucks? It’s easy, and I’ll admit I’ve been guilty myself, to forget why and how we started—to lose sight of those first moments that sparked a lifetime of passion. But practicing gratitude for those beginnings is so important.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of seeing clients, young and old and everyone in between, bringing in their first buck. For those of you reading this (if anyone actually does read these posts!), I know you can relate to that moment where everything connects—the hunt, the hard work, the memories—and where, for so many of us, a lifelong obsession begins.

This young client harvested his first buck on his family’s property, a place filled with history and memories, as generations of his family have hunted there for many years. It’s such a meaningful harvest, and it’s an honor to preserve it.

Thanks for taking the time to look,

Jessii

01/25/2025

01/25/2025

The conservation world is such a small place, and that’s one of the things I love about it.

Years ago, I had the privilege of hunting with an incredible old-timer (he’d probably hate me calling him that!) named Mike. He made me feel so welcome in the hunting community and was just one of those genuinely great guys you don’t forget. We had so many memorable hunts up in McBride together, alongside his friends and ours—turns out we have a lot of friends in common.

Fast forward to this year, and I get a call from Mike’s grandson, Keyron. I already knew he lived down here, but it was something special to be able to work on his projects this season. Keyron harvested this beautiful deer, along with the moose I shared recently (the one with the bear story!).

It’s such a privilege to create something meaningful for someone whose family has played such a big role in my life. Mike’s been on more hunts than I’ll probably ever see in a lifetime, and to now work with his grandson on his own harvests—it’s moments like this that make me grateful for the connections we share through conservation.

What a wonderful world we live in, where we can bump into people and families that tie us back to our own stories. Thank you, Keyron, for trusting me with your beautiful deer, and thank you, Mike, for being such a positive influence all those years ago.

I’m so proud to be part of preserving these memories for a family that has meant so much to me.

Jessii

01/25/2025

Not every mount I work on is pristine or “intact,” but every single one comes with a story worth celebrating. This moose is a perfect example.

It was harvested by a couple of amazing clients, both of whom happens to be the grandsons of someone I really admire—Mike, a guy who’s made me feel incredibly welcome in the elk hunting community. The hunt itself was unforgettable, but what happened after is where the story really gets wild.

A bear stole the moose’s head. Yes, you read that right. It disappeared for a while, and they had to track it down and retrieve it from the bear. When it finally made its way to me, it was in rough shape—extremely fragile and far from what you’d typically expect for a mount.

Restoring it was a unique challenge. I had to handle it completely differently than a typical project, but figuring out what would work and bringing it back to life was incredibly rewarding. I ended up mounting it on a beautiful piece of wood and using some careful airbrushing to enhance its look.

You might see a mount like this and wonder, “Why?” But for the people who harvested it, this piece carries a lifetime of memories and an incredible story. What we each celebrate through conservation is deeply personal, and that’s what makes my work so fulfilling.

Thank you for trusting me with such a special project. Grateful to be part of preserving stories like this.

Jessii

01/25/2025

Nature is both beautiful and brutal, and nothing showcases that better than the incredible elk I get to work with. This magnificent bull tells a story through his scars—one healed injury and one still in the process of healing, both from what was likely a violent encounter in 2025, before he was harvested here in BC.

Bull elk behavior, especially during the rut (mating season), can be astonishingly fierce. These animals use their impressive antlers to establish dominance, defend territory, and compete for mates. What may seem violent to us is nature’s way of ensuring the strongest genes carry on. Their battles can result in broken antlers, punctures, and scars, each one a testament to their resilience and role in their environment.

This particular bull is still a work in progress—cleaned by beetles, degreased, and soon to be lightened—but even now, his story is remarkable. It’s a privilege to preserve pieces like this, helping to share not just their beauty but also their history.

What an exquisite specimen—every scar and detail is a testament to his life and the wild, untamed world he came from. Thank you for reading and celebrating wildlife with me.

Jessii

01/23/2025

Usually, my shop is dominated by elk and deer, but this year? Moose. Moose everywhere. It’s been a wild trend, and I’m here for it! From a conservation standpoint, it’s incredibly exciting—it means our moose populations are thriving again in areas of BC where they weren’t as abundant before. Many of these beauties came from LEH hunts, but not all, and seeing so many healthy, large ungulates crossing my workbench has been nothing short of incredible.

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-incredible part: grease. Moose skulls? They’re up there with bear skulls when it comes to grease production. You know that commercial tagline, “But wait, there’s more”? Yeah, that’s moose skulls in the degreasing process. Just when you think they’re good to go—nope, surprise! There’s more grease.

And it’s not just the grease; it’s the sheer size of these skulls. Moose have some of the longest ungulate skulls out there, which makes finding a degreasing receptacle… fun. For years, I was improvising with a livestock stainless steel tub, and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty- and it was awkward. But then, a year ago, I connected with an amazing welder out of Quesnel who built me custom degrease trays that fit perfectly on a three-burner Camp Chef stove. Game changer.

In 2024, I have had 67 moose in the shop—that’s no small feat! Each one is a testament to the health of the species and the hard work that goes into conservation, hunting, and yes, taxidermy. It’s been a privilege to work on every single one of them (grease and all), and I’m excited to see what 2025 will bring.

Thank you for supporting a small business like mine—it means so much.

Dead On Display

Jessii

01/23/2025

I know predator harvests can be a divisive topic. Some people say, “I don’t eat bear” or “I don’t eat cougar,” often citing concerns about trichinosis. And yes, trichinosis is a possibility—but with proper preparation and cooking, it’s a non-issue. Wild game, when handled and prepared correctly, is not only safe but also absolutely delicious.

From a young age, I was lucky enough to experience the incredible variety of wild game. My Uncle Glenn, my dad, and my grandpa were all avid hunters and fishers, and what they brought home was part of our meals. There wasn’t a question—it was just how we lived. For some, though, wild game can be intimidating or even off-putting. Maybe they tried an old buck that wasn’t prepared properly, or maybe they’re just not sure where to start. But for those willing to give it a chance, wild game is some of the most exotic, flavorful, and meaningful meat you’ll ever taste.

This week, we were fortunate enough to enjoy a wonderful meal thanks to a great friend of ours, Travis. As a trapper, he works hard to contribute to predator management, and he generously shared some of his cougar harvest with us. I turned it into taquitos last night with a side of my version of Mexican rice. It was delicious! To me, cougar is very similar to pork in both flavor and texture, and this dish was a testament to how incredible wild game can be.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to not only honor someone’s hard-won harvest but to also enjoy a meal that reflects the full circle of conservation and sustainability. What a gift to share this experience around the table.

Thank you again, Travis, for your generosity and support over the years. And to all of you reading, I’d love to hear—have you tried cougar or other predator harvests? If not, would you?

Thanks for reading,

Jessii

01/22/2025

Hello friends, happy Wednesday!

I just wanted to share a quick update—during the down season (well, less busy season), I’m still working hard because, let’s be real, there’s no true “off season” for me. This is a 12-month-a-year passion! However, I tend to be more active on Instagram during this time since I find the platform easier to navigate.

If you’d like to follow along, check out my work, or join in on the shenanigans, I’d love to connect with you there! Expect content all in line with Wild Instinct Design, conservation, and taxidermy, with a little extra fun thrown in.

Here’s the link to follow: 🔗

https://www.instagram.com/wild_instinct_design_co?igsh=cnRkOHdneHRxMTE5&utm_source=qr

Thanks for your support—it means so much!

Jessii

01/21/2025

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to my absolute next-to-the-dog best friend—my husband, Norm.

For context, Norm hates having his picture taken. He’s a quiet, serious man, but over the years, he’s let me take thousands of photos of him—because he loves me. That simple gesture speaks volumes about the kind of man he is.

I’ve been so fortunate in this life to be surrounded by incredible men—good men. There is so much grace in that. From friends to family and most importantly my husband, I’ve been encouraged, supported, taught, and uplifted in ways I’ll never take for granted. Norm has been my rock, my partner, and my constant reminder that we are not meant to do this life alone.

So today, I’m celebrating him. Norm, thank you for everything you are, for standing by me, and for showing me what love and strength look like every single day. Happy birthday.

01/20/2025

I never thought I’d be here—successfully caping, fleshing, tanning, and producing a tubed piece like this wolf, completely on my own. It’s one of those “I never thought I could” moments that hits hard. Years ago, I couldn’t imagine the skill, patience, and resilience it would take to bring a project like this to completion.

Of course, I didn’t get here alone. It’s taken a lot of help from incredible people who’ve shared their time, knowledge, and support along the way, and I’ll always be grateful for that.

This wolf is also a reminder of the bigger picture: the importance of predator management. I know seeing something like this can trigger strong reactions, but there’s a vital role science and conservation play in maintaining balance. Predators have their place, but without careful management, ecosystems can suffer—overpopulation leads to declines in prey species and throws everything off balance. Responsible harvests like this one are part of keeping that balance intact.

So here’s to growth, to learning what we’re capable of, and to doing the hard but necessary work that helps wildlife and habitats thrive.

Gratefully,

Jessii

01/19/2025

🏹 Wild Instinct Design is proud to once again sponsor The Badlands 3D Archery Shoot this year! Supporting events like this is something I’m deeply passionate about because they bring our community together and reflect the values I hold at Wild Instinct.

One thing I’ve always said about what I do is that I’ve never had to advertise—and I’m so grateful for that. Instead of paying for ads on Facebook or Instagram, which I personally feel is a waste of money, I get to use those funds to support amazing community events like this. It’s such a rewarding way to give back while connecting with all of you.

This year, I’m especially excited because I’ll have a table set up at the event. I’ll be showcasing a display of Dermestid beetles in action (yes, the little guys behind the scenes who make European mounts so clean and beautiful). I’ll also have some swag available and can’t wait to connect with everyone. Huge thank you to for being my wingman for this event.

It’s amazing to see how this event has grown over the years, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it again. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!

Looking forward to seeing you all there,
Jessii

01/19/2025

One of the things I love most about being a taxidermist is the ability to set the tone and pace for how I approach my work. It’s something I take very seriously—because once all the hard work, grit, and attention to detail are done, my goal is to honor these majestic animals. Not only through preservation, but by presenting them photographically in a way that truly captures their beauty. I want to inspire others to see just how incredible these species are, both in life and as preserved memories.

Lately, with the sheer volume of work—hundreds of animals over the fall—I started to feel a bit of a creative lull. So, I decided it was time to mix things up and try something new.

Today, I had the privilege of getting outside in the stunning Thompson-Nicola Valley for a different kind of “workday.” With a couple of client mounts in tow, I teamed up with my good friend Kyle for some outdoor photographic presentations. Of course, no adventure is complete without a hiccup—like getting the truck stuck! But we laughed it off and kept going, because honestly, what better way to spend the day than surrounded by nature, doing what I love?

It’s moments like these that remind me how much grace and privilege I have to walk this path and call it work. I’m so grateful for the journey, the incredible animals I get to work with, and the chance to honor them not just through my craft, but in how I share them with the world.

Enjoy the photos, everyone, and I hope you’re having an amazing weekend!

~ Jessii