Reawakened Taxidermy

07/02/2024

"The Gentleman"

There is no escaping the truth that these birds are quite odd to look at. With their giant head and small body they can be seen as disproportional and most of all different. I think that is why I like them so much!

The hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) is a species of fish-eating duck in the subfamily Anatinae. It is the only extant species in the genus Lophodytes. The genus name derives from the Greek language: lophos meaning 'crest', and dutes meaning 'diver'. The bird is striking in appearance; both sexes have crests that they can raise or lower, and the breeding plumage of the male is handsomely patterned and coloured. The hooded merganser has a sawbill but is not classified as a typical merganser. (Information provided by Wikipedia)

Let me know what you think of Hooded mergansers!

07/01/2024

"Elegance"

Monday mornings are for mottled ducks! This was the first of hopefully many mottled ducks that have circulated through my shop and even better, it was a banded one!

The mottled duck (Anas fulvigula)[note 1] or mottled mallard is a medium-sized species of dabbling duck. It is intermediate in appearance between the female mallard and the American black duck. It is closely related to those species, and is sometimes erroneously considered a subspecies of the former. (Information on species provided by Wikipedia)

Mottled ducks are truly beautiful with very detailed feather patterns and a beautiful splash of color on their wings. I look forward to preserving many more in my lifetime!

06/30/2024

"Committed"

Proverbs 16:3-4: "Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster"

Looking back at the pose of this mallard the only word that could come to my mind was "committed". The way it's vision is locked in and its mannerisms match its desired destination made me think of the importance commitment holds in each and every one of our lives. Whether it's a marriage, a job, a friendship, or most importantly our spiritual walk, commitment is vital. With this commitment we strive for, we are promised that God will work things out in his timing and for his glory alone, and the way we act towards others should be a direct reflection of the level of our commitment and desires. I strive to live a life that others see as locked in or committed to the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, rather than worldly treasures which quickly lose their value and appeal. Thank God for this beautiful life he's given us with these beautiful birds to remind us of his glory. Have a great Sunday!

06/29/2024

"The Show-Off"

This gorgeous Wood Duck Drake is posed showing off some fancy jewelry in which we as duck hunters dream about. Thankful to be trusted with such a fine specimen and true trophy of a bird.

For those who do not know, biologist's capture and release a small number of birds each year and attach a band typically made of steel or aluminum which allows them to track migration patterns, behavior, and survival rates. Once a banded bird is harvested you are encouraged to report the numbers indicated by the band and you are given a certificate with information regarding where the bird was released, the birds age, and the exact species. The excitement of harvesting a banded bird is like no other and can really help you appreciate the work these birds put in as they fly thousands of miles in their lifetimes.

taxidermist

06/28/2024

"At First Light"

Lamentations 3:22-23
22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

For me personally, the duck blind is a place of peace where respect for the Lord's creation can be meld with appreciation of the gifts He has provided us with. At first light, there is a moment where the prep work has been finished, the camouflage clothing applied, the decoys spread, the blind brushed , and guns loaded and ready for action. In this time I typically pray a prayer of thanks, first for the opportunity, second, a request for a plentiful harvest, and third, a plea for safety. This scenario brings to mind the field we as Christians embark on daily. We do our best to clothe ourselves in righteousness, to plant seeds of our knowledge of The Word in order for Christ to cultivate and provide a reaction, and then to fill our minds with wisdom and knowledge in order to lead others to Faith in Christ. And finally, we wait and let the Lord provide what He sees necessary in his timing and for His glory alone. I try to thank God every day for these beautiful animals he has placed on this earth and for the opportunity he has given me to attempt to recreate a fraction of the beauty he gave to each and every one of them.

It was an honor to mount this beautiful Gadwall for my great friend .celsur as it will be his first mount from his first season hunting. Thank you for trusting me with such a beautiful bird!

06/23/2024

Another gorgeous wood duck! The colors on these birds never cease to amaze me!

06/22/2024

Another one down! Mallard Drake coming in!

06/21/2024

Steered away from the traditional sitting pose on this wood Duck to a swimming pose. These birds are so beautiful!

#2024

06/20/2024

It was a good year for the Pintail!

06/18/2024

I sure do love getting to work on this different birds! Hooded Mergansers are typically either sought after or hated for their odd looks and fishy smell. I stand on the side that thinks they are awesome birds that are often underrated compared to other migratory birds.

06/18/2024

Gotta love those banded birds! Especially when they are a stud Gadwall!

05/01/2024

It's Wigeon Wednesday!!

04/26/2024

A beautiful flushing wood duck drake to end the week!

04/25/2024

This Oklahoma wigeon turned out pretty sweet!! Another memory preserved!

#2024

04/24/2024

First Canvasback hen to roll through the shop! These birds are massive and look SWEET! There is also something about all of those neutral colors that attracts the eye!

04/19/2024

Fridays are for Pheasants! Just look at all those colors!🤯

04/18/2024

Wigeon Drake dropping in the spread! Mounts like these have me anxiously waiting for opening day of duck season!

04/15/2024

Big fan of the pose on this giant mallard drake! On to the next!

04/12/2024

Beautiful Flushing Wood Duck Drake finished up! Requests for flying wood ducks are uncommon but they sure look good!

04/11/2024

Mallard Drake fly by! It's been a good year for green heads!

04/09/2024

Mallard Drake coming in hot!! Stud of a bird in every way!

02/24/2024

It's always nice trying some different ideas! Love how this redhead natural deadmount turned out!

02/23/2024

Very nice colors on this BIG Mallard Drake! Already counting down the days until next season!

02/22/2024

Who loves Northern Pintail?? I know I do! Especially when they are as beautiful qe these two that just got finished up! Come see me for your bird stuffing needs!

02/21/2024

Finished up a nice stud greenhead table mount today! Had fun doing something a little different to hide some shot damage on the left wing while also showcasing some pretty curls, another one bites the dust!

02/20/2024

Sad to see this pair leave the shop! It sure is hard to beat a Mallard hen and drake! I am still taking a few birds for the season so if you need your bird mounted give me a call!

Taxidermist in East Texas
Ephesians 2:5-6
Preserving God’s beautiful creations since 2020

02/11/2024

Beautiful Texas wood Duck put together!

02/04/2024

Work is rolling at the taxidermy shop and I am still taking birds! Drake Wigeons sure are pretty birds and fun to put together!