Ocker's Taxidermy

19/06/2025

Unique colors on this sweet Brook trout that was picked up this week…

17/06/2025

Nice golden rainbow trout pedestal mount with water splashes

16/06/2025

I had a special request for some Ocker's Taxidermy tshirts that just arrived. Since sharing them in my story, I've had clients express interest in buying one. I'm giving it until Wednesday to place a new order. Any color is available. Small-XL T-shirts are $21, XXL or larger are $24.

The logo is on the left side and an American flag with the field of the flag is facing forward is on the right sleeve. The picture is a small example of some of the colors available. It is a really nice soft comfort tshirt, 100% cotton.

I'm also placing an order for hats. Hats are $25 (some camos are an additional $2). Any Richardson 112 hat color is available.

Sample colors in the picture below are: Navy, Espresso (brown), Olive Green, Chambray (light blue), Crimson and Grey, but they carry any color.

You can place your order below in comments, PM the page or text me (717-554-6423) if interested. Payment will be needed prior to ordering.

15/06/2025

Beautiful Large Female Rainbow Trout out the door… 23+” length by 17” girth. This client has another one coming that is even bigger!

06/06/2025

To all my new and current followers…it’s time to “Meet Your Taxidermist”

What is your name?
Caleb, I am 26 and am the sole owner and operator of Ocker’s Taxidermy located in Shippensburg, PA.

Where did you grow up?
Middletown, PA

Did you attend any training and how did you start your business?
Attended taxidermy school in the Poconos and completed my first projects in the basement of my parents’ home. Following school, my grandmother offered me a location on her farm. In September of 2018, I officially opened Ocker’s Taxidermy in Shippensburg.

What led you into a career in taxidermy?
After HS I took some time off and really got into trapping. My parents questioned whether I’d be interested in taxidermy. I have always had a love for the outdoors… whether I was trapping, fishing or hunting. So attended training, and went to some taxidermy shows, I met someone whom I saw as a mentor, Vince Spellane and he really helped solidify my decision to continue in this field. He encouraged me, saw something in me that I was wasn't sure about and gave me the confidence to pursue this business. I’ve also had some very faithful clients that have stuck with me since the beginning, for that I am grateful.

What do you enjoy about taxidermy?
I love different animals. I enjoy hearing the stories behind the project. I love the excitement of seeing a client pick up the final project. It’s gratifying to have someone seek my skill set and I appreciate that they have confidence in my work, but most importantly, I really love the art of taxidermy that allows me to be creative.

What is your specialty?
This year I’ve really started to specialize in replica/reproduction fish and whitetail deer but I also love a great predator mount.

What does your day look like?
I work usually 6 or 7 days a week, normally start by 9:30 and usually work 10-12 hour days. Days can be long. It’s a one man show.

What is your ultimate goal?
My goal is always to make the client happy, by creating a treasured trophy piece. I want each client to have something they are proud to hang on their wall and share with friends. A taxidermy mount is a talking piece and we all know that hunting or fishing trips never happen without stories! A beautifully mounted piece offers the perfect starting place for sharing stories amongst family and friends, honoring the animal and capturing a lasting lifelong memory.

Where did the secondary motto of your business, “Giving Life a Second Chance” come from?
I have had some personal challenges and struggles that I have battled through, and so the motto has dual meaning…I love that someone can have a great harvest and taxidermy allows me to reestablish and replicate their memory as a "second chance at life" mount, while celebrating in the same way that life offered me a second chance when I didn’t make the best decisions for my life.

Favorite animal?
Definitely the Red Fox

Favorite Snack?
Cereal

Favorite Team?
Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest challenge?
I talk too much

Something others might not know about you?
This spring I bought over 40 chickens and am enjoying the challenge of raising some very spoiled hens. I hope to have eggs in a few months and will probably need to be looking to sell them as well.

Do you have any pets?
Yes, one dog, a liver and white roan Brittany named Skye.

Hardest part of owning a business?
Hard to please everyone. You can do “thousands” of things right and if you make one mistake it has the potential to ruin your business. I also struggle with being patient and social anxiety. There is never a day off and I have to stay self motivated. It is hard to make friends because I’m alone a lot. Sometimes I wonder if it was the right career path but I love what I do, I think taxidermy allows me to use my gifts and I believe it has become the right decision for me.

Message to current and future clients?
Thank you! I couldn’t have grown without you. To new clients, give me a call or shoot me a text…stop in and see my work…my business welcomes you!

31/05/2025

Several more golden rainbows and a brown trout out the door

20/05/2025

Beautiful Brook went home today.

08/05/2025

A couple more beautiful trout that made it home this past week.

Important information -
1. Currently I am done taking in fish for 2025, thank you to all!

2. Please note that when a project is completed, clients are expected to pick up projects within 30 days or forfeit the project to the shop. This is written on the invoice and pointed out when dropping something off. Sadly, I have several projects that have been ready in the shop for months. Please understand that completing a project and letting it sit for months, takes away income for my business that I need. Income helps me to grow and to be successful. Second, when I forfeit a project, I lose time and money which is also not fair to me or to the clients anxiously waiting for me to finish their project and they want to pick up. It is important to adhere to the pick up policy

3. All projects require 50% down. I accept cash, check, venmo or Paypal. I cannot continue to give clients any leniency on the lack of a deposit.

I am a pleaser, I want my clients to be happy...it is difficult for me to turn down work, it is difficult to say no when no deposit is offered, it is difficult to demand pick ups...but to be a better business owner I need to start demanding better from my clients.

No one would go to the grocery store not expecting to pay for their goods, no would would order something from somewhere else and not pick it up. Things happen...life happens and I promise to work with you, but I need to do better for myself as well.

I appreciate the confidence in my work and the opportunity to capture your trophy, trust me...I am working hard to finish all projects from the spring of 2024.

03/05/2025

03/05/2025

Table pedestal fish mount arrived safely in McKeesport, PA. Video to follow

01/05/2025

ATTENTION CLIENTS... I will not be taking in ANY turkeys this year this includes turkey fans.
I am focused on trying to catch up on fish orders from last year and believe this is best.

I will also be cutting off my incoming 2025 fish orders very soon.

I appreciate your patience as I am a one man shop, and I work diligently to produce the best product possible. I am trying to stay faithful to timelines and they are currently getting stretched.

30/04/2025

A recent Brown Trout that arrived to its new home in Wisconsin. Thank you for the business.



Cody Emig