The "Trophy of a lifetime"
Attica Taxidermist creates a lasting memory of the big hunt
A write up in The Great Outdoors
By Alan Shalkowski
With the exception of being wild animals, what do deer, bear, fox, turkey, and fish have in common? They can all become a work of art that will provide years of enjoyment and a lasting memory of the nig one that did't get away.
Since 2002, Paul Nelson of Attica, a 32 -year-old avid hunter and fisherman, has owned and operated Orion Taxidermy & Wildlife Art Studio. He learned his skill at the Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy in Edinboro, with five world-class instructors teaching 920 hours of instruction.
Prior to becoming a taxidermist, Paul taught fourth and fifth graders at Robert Morris Elementary School in Batavia for three years after he graduated from SUNY Geneseo.
Of his mission in the business, Paul says, "My goal is longevity in your mount. There are a ton of different methods and shortcuts you can take and I don't like any of them."
Details are important to Paul. "I like to take my time on each piece. It takes me about 30 hours to complete a shoulder mount for a whitetail deer," he said.
When asked about a timeline for other animals he noted, "A squirrel takes as long as a deer. Despite being a lot smaller it's very delicate work."
A life size black bear cub mount on display in his studio required about 60 hours of work. Nelson has also preserved a rattlesnake for a display at Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in North Java and an African Grey Parrot for its owner.
"How much will it cost is usually the first question from a potential customer, because they don't know what else to ask," Paul said.
Many different factors go into the price, including the condition of the specimen, necessary repairs, custom poses and habitat or plaque costs, as well as labor. A basic price for a whitetail deer shoulder mount is $425.
Two misconceptions when it comes to taxidermy, are that all mounts are similar in quality and the best deal is the cheapest price. Paul advertises perspective customers to search for a taxidermist, who like himslef, competes in professional taxidermy associations.
"When competing in a contest, the small details really matter. Mounts have to be very original, something that will catch the judge's eye," he said.
Two of Paul's creations have earned first place blue ribbons at the United Taxidermists of New York Show held annually late in the summer in Syracuse.
Other reasons that a taxidermist may have a lower price are his use of lower quality materials or how his hides are prepared. Many, dry-process the hides, whereas Paul uses the tanning method, which is more expensive and much longer lasting.
It is best to get the animal to the taxidermist as soon as possible. "The skin is breaking down as we're talking," Paul tells his customers.
Some people ask about preserving their deceased four-legged family members.
"Pets are expensive. There are no commercial manequins available so everything has to be custom made," he said. An average cat would cost about $1,000.
Visiting the taxidermist's studio and checking mounts on display is something Paul advises.
"Quality and turn-around time are important. Prices can be, but if the work is good it's worth paying for. Keep in mind that you're going to be looking at your trophy for a long time, so it's wise to obtain the best mount possible," he noted.
Orion Taxidermy & Wildlife Art Studio is located at 1059 Attica Gulf Road in Attica. For more information, call Paul at 585-591-9200 or 585-993-1401, or see www.oriontaxidermy.net. |
