It has often been said that catfish do not make good skin mounts, and that it is almost impossible to get a quality product doing them this way. I am never one to back down from the so called impossible. When my client asked for a skin mount for his prized catfish, I agreed to take it on.
I will say from the outset that using a replica blank or custom molding and casting is a better way to go on most catfish. From a time stand point and overall quality a replica is hard to beat. Catfish are also quite greasy fish, and this can effect the overall mount. There are ways to combat this however and produce a long lasting, quality catfish skin mount.
The subject of the article is a 28″ channel catfish from PA .
First step was to make a tracing or template of the fish so we could carve a form out of foam. You cannot buy catfish forms from the taxidermy suppliers.
After our tracing was made, we removed the head and set it aside for molding and casting. The catfish was skinned and fleshed like any other fish.We opted to use the natural fins.Molding and casting the fins is also an option . Doing this can help avoid shrinkage and grease bleeding…but this cat had fins that were not too greasy. The fleshed skin was soaked in a heavy solution of powdered borax and concentrated commercial Dawn® dish soap overnight.
On day two we molded and cast the head. The mold material we used was dental alginate. The head was cast out of a mix of bondo and polyester resin .
After our head was cast, we carved our form and made sure the head fit properly.
Next step was mounting. Use a smooth mache to help adhere the skin to the form, or better yet a clay mache mixed with dextrin. I like to mount my fish on a board for the first day. It really helps to get good junctures and work with the fins.
After the skin dried( about a week), we started the finishing process . We attached our cast head, did the fin repair work and apoxied the repair areas.The whiskers are the artificial ones from McKenzie supply. You can also use weed whacker line with the ends sanded . The fish is now ready for the paint booth .
Final step was painting. This fish was a darker color then most channel catfish we do.
After receiving a phone call one day this past fall I began thinking about writing this article and how I wanted to approach it. I didn’t want to make it about how and why to price your services a certain way. I think that dead horse has been pretty well beaten over the years. Besides from my past experiences, you are not going to change someone’s mind if they don’t want to change it and it just turns into an argument. Also, I didn’t want a full time vs. part time discussion. Frankly it doesn’t matter which you are because at the end of the day we all are taxidermist.
I get phone calls, emails and private messages per Social Media on a regular basis asking how I do this or what I use for that and so on. I rarely get any asked about the business end of things. Most likely this is due to folks not wanting to discuss their financial and personal business. I can respect that because I don’t do it either. With that said there are some simple things that can be done to make this industry more professional and less peered upon as a hobby.
So, back to the phone call that started all this. I answer the phone, and a fellow on the other end that was not a client of mine says: “How much ya’ll get for a deer head” (right then I knew he would never be a client of mine) I replied “$600”, he said, “WOW, what if I bring you 2 can I get a discount?”, in which I answered “no sir, sorry but that is twice the work and twice the materials and expenses, so I don’t and can’t offer volume discounts”……CLICK! He was gone.
Now this is not the first time I have been asked this question. For some reason that day as I continued working I was thinking to myself, someone is going to give that guy what he is looking for. A light bulb went off in my head. Some people let the customers run their business instead of them running it themselves. So I started jotting down notes to things that I think make a taxidermy business operational on a long term basis. The following is what I came up with, listed from top to bottom in what I would consider highest priority.
CASH FLOW
Every successful business “MUST” have cash flow to stay afloat, if not you cannot order supplies, pay utilities, etc. How do you keep it rolling, you ask? You make it as easy as possible for your clientele to give you their money. Credit/debit cards, personal or business checks, cash and yep even rolled up pennies will work. That way when someone walks in with a job for you to do they can leave a deposit, and there will be no excuses for you to provide free storage.
Family or buddy discounts don’t create cash flow, remember it is a business. Also, on the outgoing side you can’t use your deposits to fund a hunting trip or family vacation; this is where a lot of taxidermist get into trouble. You have to be able to manage your money, incoming as well spending. I could write an entire article on “Cash Flow” and may just do that in the future. This is in my opinion the number one thing that keeps your business going.
PROFESSIONALISM
Greeting potential clientele, remember the first impression is very important. If you are stumbling through your words you will not be taken seriously. Whether on the telephone or in person make it clear that you are in control and know what you are doing and talking about. I know we have a dirty job, but some clients and their wives or children don’t want to see it. So have an area for drop-offs and pick-ups that are separate from your work space. Make sure it is clean and welcoming.
It doesn’t have to be Trump Palace, just inviting and comfortable. For example my showroom/entrance at Outback Taxidermy is only 18’ X 13’ or 234 Sq. Ft. But it is a totally separate space than where all the work is done. Be sure to have examples of your work on display and photo albums. Remember for some clients this will be the first time they have ever interacted with a taxidermist. Have catalogs available for them to browse through to make them feel at ease and not overwhelmed, remember many times their adrenaline is still pumping from the hunt they were on.
Your attire, dress professionally and clean as possible. You don’t have to wear an Armani suit, but you also can do better than ragged t-shirts and jeans filled with holes and covered in blood or paint. Wear an apron while working on projects it can easily be removed when you need to meet with a client.
INTEGRITY
Integrity is very important when operating a business, especially a small business, be honest and up front with yourself, your vendors and most of all your clientele.
You must believe in yourself to be successful. If there is something you do not think you can handle, educate yourself on how to handle it.
You must have vendors to operate and to produce your services, so pay your bills in a timely manner. I know for a fact that some of the larger supply companies used to ship out on open accounts. Now due to lack of “Integrity” in many of their customers, they no longer offer this because they couldn’t collect their “Cash Flow”. See how that works?
Be honest with your clients; for instance try to give them as close to a completion time as possible. I know things happen beyond our control so I like to give them a range based on my work load at the time, such as 8-12 months. This works pretty well for me.
Always answer your phone and return any messages left from a current client ASAP. If you try to avoid folks it will come back and bite you. People start getting a little paranoid if they can’t get in touch with someone that they are in the middle of a business transaction with. This could cause things to turn south quickly. All that most folks want is the truth, whether it be cost or turnaround time or whatever the question maybe. Be as honest as you can, and don’t give a list of excuses. They don’t care and it makes you look unprofessional.
RESIDUALS
This is what I consider the smaller things that need to be thought about. For instance, you should have set business hours, whether you are full or part time. Also, this holds true whether your shop is located at your home or a store front location. Remember you run the business not the clients and set business hours help to lay down the guidelines in which you will operate.
Advertising is important, to a certain extent, especially with the internet and Social Media all the buzz. A lot of your taxidermy business will come from word of mouth. However, you still need to let people know you are there to serve them. You will find that someone doesn’t call the local taxidermist until they need you; it’s almost like calling 911. Websites and Social Media pages have pretty much taken the place of the phone book and signs which lead into my next topic.
I have never had a sign out front and never will, and here is why. A sign is an invitation for folks to stop in; If Joe Hunter happens to ride by and sees your sign he may swing in just to see what is going on. Being the professional that I mentioned above, you must entertain him and answer all his questions before you can run him out politely.
So I have a “NO” rule; “NO” sign, “NO” community coffee pot and “NO” where for someone to sit down and make themselves to comfortable. These rules will help to cut down on non productive time by you and/or your employees. Remember this is your business, not the local gossip hangout. As stated, most people will not call you until you are needed. No one is riding down the road and says let me drop this deer head off. In my opinion a sign is useless to a taxidermist.
Education is next, you may think you know everything there is to know about whatever you are specialized in. Well, you don’t. In fact nobody does. Join your state association and go to their annual show and sit in on the seminars. You may be surprised what you will pick up from someone who is willing to share their techniques.
Lastly, I do want to touch on pricing just a bit. I’m not going to tell you what I think you should charge for whatever it is you do. To be quite honest with you I don’t give a damn what you charge. Your money doesn’t support me and my family, which leads me to my last point I would like to make. You are the only one who knows how much money it takes to operate your business and to support the life style you choose to live. My point is don’t set your prices by what the guy ten miles down the road is charging. Sit down and do the math yourself and figure out what to charge for your services.
I hope this article has something everyone can take and use in their own shop to make life a little easier and successful.
TTN- Bass Pro Shop CEO Johnny Morris released a letter today to the employees and customers of both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s . The letter is in response to the recent acquisition of Cabala’s by Bass Pro. The major take away here is that for the time being it will be business as usual at both stores, and most notably the Cabela’s brand will stay as is.I have included the letter in it’s entirety below.
“I write this letter with the belief that it represents the most important expression of deeply held convictions regarding the future of our company that I may ever have the opportunity to convey. There is no way I can begin without first saying, THANK YOU TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! Your hard work, passion and dedication to applying your extraordinary talents have made possible the exciting announcement we’re making today.
This morning it is with tremendous pride and humility that I share with you the great news that Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have agreed to combine our two legendary brands to create a truly premier retailer in outdoor sporting goods. This merger of resources, experience and passion for the outdoors represents a unique opportunity for both organizations and their respective team members.
For many years I have believed there is a remarkable strategic fit between our companies. The prospect of bringing together our time-tested, iconic outdoor brands: Cabela’s — a leader in hunting, Bass Pro Shops — a leader in fishing, and White River Marine Group — a worldwide leader in boating, is very exciting!
In my view this really is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for both of our companies and clearly provides the foundation to create a “best of the best” shopping experience for all outdoor enthusiasts worldwide for generations to come. I truly believe combining our two companies in this transaction will benefit our collective associates and our vendors while enabling us to enhance our service and expand our products to better serve our valued customers.
I have enormous admiration for Cabela’s and the remarkable brand and business they have built. Cabela’s is a great American success story. Dick, Mary and Jim Cabela started the company at the family kitchen table when Dick decided to place an ad to sell fishing flies. From that humble start, the Cabela’s family, along with a remarkable team of “outfitters” has grown to become one of the premier specialty retail companies. Today Cabela’s nearly 19,000 outfitters operate 85 stores across the United States and Canada, offering merchandise and equipment for hunting, fishing, marine use, camping and many other outdoor activities as well as a best in class direct and e-commerce business.
Both of our companies share a remarkably similar heritage, each starting very small and growing over time thanks to the hard work and passion of many remarkable team members. The combination of our two companies will honor and build upon this legacy. Bass Pro Shops has every intention of celebrating and growing the Cabela’s brand. We will work hard to foster the qualities that customers love most about both Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. The spirit of this agreement is about adding to our great brands and creating increased stability and opportunities for our team members.
We also believe this new combined company and its significant outdoor database of sportsmen and women will be of great support to White River Marine Group and our hospitality division which includes Big Cedar Lodge, Big Cypress Lodge and Wilderness Club Vacations. It will also benefit our conservation attractions including Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium soon to open in Springfield.
As you know, conservation is at the heart and soul of Bass Pro Shops. Cabela’s has an admirable legacy in conservation as well. We share a steadfast belief that the future of our industry, and the outdoor sports we all love, depends — more than anything else — on how we manage our natural resources. By combining our efforts with Cabela’s it is my personal belief we can have a profound positive impact on the conservation challenges of our day and help foster the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
Under this agreement our company will remain private with a long-term view to do what is best for our people, our customers and to maintain our steadfast support for conservation.
While we are excited to align forces with Cabela’s, it must be noted that today’s announcement is only the first step in the process. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2017, subject to the customary conditions and reviews. Until that time both businesses will continue to operate as separate, independent companies.
Throughout this process our commitment to serving our customers needs to be our number one priority. As we move forward, I will update you on our progress.
A PROUD PAST — A BRIGHT FUTURE TOGETHER!
Yesterday afternoon at our company picnic I had the opportunity to visit with quite a few of you including several who have been an important part of our company for many years now. Knowing what might happen today I couldn’t help but think of where we have come from together as a team. It has been a truly remarkable journey that we have shared. I reminded myself that it has no doubt been much the same for the fine folks at Cabela’s. Just like us, they started their business from scratch and worked hard to see their company grow.
We can all take much pride in knowing the wonderful outdoor memories we have helped to create for so many. It is even more exciting to think about the remarkable possibilities that lie ahead and our bright new future together!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What will happen to Bass Pro Shops and/or Cabela’s stores?
It is business as usual at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s and there will be no immediate impact to our stores.
What will happen to my existing Bass Pro Shops and/or Cabela’s rewards, program points, and credit cards?
All Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards and Cabela’s CLUB points will be unaffected by the transactions and customers can continue to use their credit cards as they were prior to the transaction.
Bass Pro Shops recognizes the strength of Cabela’s CLUB loyalty program, intends to honor Cabela’s customer rewards and sees potential over time to expand the program in the combined company.
Following the transaction, Capital One will service Cabela’s credit card business.
Where can I use my Bass Pro Shops or Cabela’s gift cards?
At this time, Bass Pro Shops gift cards can be used at Bass Pro Shops stores and Cabela’s gift cards can be used at Cabela’s stores.
What will happen to the Cabela’s brand?
Following the closing of the transaction, we intend to celebrate and grow the Cabela’s brand, and will foster qualities that respective customers love most about both Bass Pro and Cabela’s.”
TTN- Bass Pro Shops has bought Cabela’s for $5.5 billion. The two outdoor retailer giants can now better position themselves against lower cost dealers like Wal Mart and online retailers like Amazon. We have heard that the strong point of sales for the companies is firearms over the last few years, as clothing and other sales have flattened out.
The sale price is almost twice as much the original asking price. It remains to be seen if Bass Pro can recoup that staggering payout.
It appears as if Cabela’s will continue to build new stores in 2017, with as many as 7 slated to open. This will keep pumping money into the taxidermy industry as the 7 stores account for hundreds of new mounts and habitat displays.
Bass Pro and Cabela’s provide another important service to the taxidermy industry….they inspire countless sportsmen to increase their personal taxidermy displays. Hopefully taxidermy mounts will continue to be a fixture in their stores into the future.
Very little has been written on how the economy effects taxidermists. The truth is , taxidermy has had a good run economically over the last 40 years. Growing up in the taxidermy business and owning a second generation studio that has been operational for over 40 years gives me a unique perspective on the Industry. While the US and World economies were on cyclical roller coasters, taxidermy stayed relatively strong. That changed when 2007 hit….but I will touch on that more later in the article.
Lets start by trying to put a finger on the size of the taxidermy economy. This would include taxidermy supply companies, tanneries, shippers etc, and of course the money taken in by taxidermists. While I haven’t been able to find an exact economic number , it is in the billions of dollars every year. Looking past rogue taxidermists and the other assorted novelties the media likes to portray taxidermists as, there are thousands of serious taxidermy studios across the country operating like any other business. Taxidermy supply companies have sales in the millions and the larger ones have distribution centers across the country. Millions of mammals, fish,birds, and reptiles are mounted every year by people who count on the income. These include everything from $ 200 bluegill mounts for a kids first fish to $300,000 game rooms full of exotic game and elaborate habitat displays. The fact is the taxidermy industry is a diverse and unique economic engine that plays an integral part in the overall hunting and fishing economy.
The 70’s ushered in a new era in taxidermy. For the first time, mass produced foam forms became available and the process of taxidermy became more standardized and in some respects easier. More taxidermists took up the trade, and more sportsman found taxidermy in their price range. While the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s had recessions, taxidermy remained flat or grew right through them. Hunting & fishing proved to be something few sportsmen were willing to give up, and if they harvested the trophy of a lifetime, money was found to preserve the memory.
The great recession that began in 2007 was a different story for taxidermists.The home equity fueled spending finally ran out, and taxidermy operations of all sizes felt the economic hit. We saw that first hand in our sub contract taxidermy business . Many shops struggled to get clients to pick up mounts, and many reported numbers of new mounts dropping off. We did not see many shops go out of business, but many had to diversify their operations and rein in spending. 2007 was a necessary reset for the economy. Unfortunately, sometimes hitting that reset button can hurt. If there is a take away lesson from 2007, it is to operate your business a little on the recessionary side ( the side of cautious growth and spending). The studios that didn’t make it through overspent and over borrowed and fell hard when the flow of cash stopped.
In conclusion, recessions of all sizes effect taxidermists. The extent depends on the severity of the recession, but taxidermy does seem to be somewhat recession proof. History tells us that. Complacency is the death sentence of business, Failing to prepare for changing economic times will spell trouble for any business.
Having trouble getting the hair patterns to line up properly around the nose on your deer heads? How about shrinkage or wrinkled nose pads once dry? There is a simple answer for these issues. It is proper thinning and prep of the skin long before it is mounted. The less tissue that is present the less shrinkage and pulling you will have, think about it! The thicker the tissue, the more moisture needed to hydrate the area, the more moisture that is present the more shrinkage you are going to have during the drying process. It is that simple!
It is very important to remove all the muscle, tendons and fatty tissue to have a nicely shaped and realistic looking nose when done. You need to get it down to the skin, you should actually be able to see through the nose pad once properly thinned. If it is not clean and evenly shaved you will not a have a smooth nose and your hair patterns will not dry in the correct locations.
The tips and techniques to learn the proper steps to achieving a well thinned nose like the one pictured above can be found in “Mastering The Fleshing Machine A-Z PLUS” along with over three hours of other shaving and prepping techniques and tricks of the trade. This quality of shaving is absolutely necessary to put out high end taxidermy in this day and age of the industry. Check it out today, you can’t afford to let your competition get a step a head of you!
