Ep.15 Turning Hunts into Art: The Taxidermy Expertise of Todd Turner

Send us Fan MailWhat if your passion for hunting could evolve into a lifelong craft? Join us on the Hunts on Outfitting Podcast as we sit down with Todd Turner, an expert taxidermist from River Glade, New Brunswick. Todd's journey into the intricate world of taxidermy began over 35 years ago, inspired by his father’s love for hunting. You'll hear how his varied career path and personal challenges led him back to his true calling – preserving the memories of the hunt in stunning detail. Todd also shares his enthusiasm for bear and moose hunting, offering tips on how to balance work with hobbies and what to avoid when bringing in your prized catches.Ever wondered what it takes to have your deer mount make it into a prestigious book? You'll find out as Todd recounts the exhilarating moment a deer mount scored 142 and narrowly made it into the New Brunswick record book. From scoring significant mounts to the delights of bear meat, this episode takes you on a journey through the highs and challenges of hunting and taxidermy. Todd sheds light on the nuanced process of mounting small game such as weasels and even provides some shocking revelations about bear diets and how they impact the taste of bear meat.The episode doesn't stop there. Todd dives into the complexities of maintaining and restoring mounted animals, including the challenges of cross-border shipping between Canada and the U.S. We delve into the red tape of CITES permits, mishaps like bear hide mix-ups, and unique requests such as mounting a young girl's pet rabbit. The importance of proper handling techniques is highlighted, with a heartfelt shoutout to Turner's Taxidermy. This episode is a tribute to the meticulous, demanding work behind the scenes in taxidermy and the camaraderie within this unique field.Check us out on Facebook  Hunts On Outfitting, or myself Ken Marr. Reach out and  Tell your hunting buddies about the podcast if you like it, Thanks!