EP102: Finding Artistry in the Hunting Industry ↣ Doug Cockroft From Splitting Image

In this Episode Robin visits Doug Cockroft –founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy– in his incredible factory and studio space. The conversation delves into the journey of taxidermy, It's origins, the unknown passion involved, and the future of the industry. It explores the impact of importation rules and its evolving solutions to new challenges. Amongst Doug's own fascinating stories we also cover the evolution of 3D printing technology, the art of taxidermy and anatomy, tanning techniques, ethics and principles in taxidermy, and the discussion of hunting, conservation, and responsibility. We also couldn't tip our hat to the future of taxidermy without giving a comical nod to taxidermy 100 years ago.A huge thank you to Doug for the thought provoking chat, and to the Splitting Image team for their help setting up the space.Check out the Splitting Image websiteFollow them on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook tooGive Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook...Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and watch on YouTube too.This episode dives into the fascinating world of taxidermy, guided by Doug Cocroft, founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy. We explore the history, technological advancements, ethical considerations, and the profound connection between hunting and conservation.Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and the importance of respecting wildlife in taxidermy00:44 - Doug Cockroft’s entrance into taxidermy01:30 - The origin of taxidermy practices02:16 - The transformative role of hunting and conservation in Africa04:10 - The relationship between taxidermy and wildlife storytelling05:16 - Personal reflections on connecting with nature06:40 - The importance of patience, observation, and respect08:07 - Hunting versus non-hunting – A spectrum of attitudes09:13 - Memorable experiences and mishaps10:52 - The story of a vehicle mishap14:50 - The role of hunting18:49 - Transition from guiding to taxidermy20:00 - How 9/11 reshaped Doug’s career path into taxidermy21:40 - Early training and challenges in taxidermy25:12 - Doug's true passion for the craft and conservation’s role28:49 - The history and cultural roots of taxidermy in Africa and beyond38:31 - 3D printing, scanners, and chemical advancements42:17 - Evolution of techniques and technologies48:44 - Handling ethical considerations 53:01 - Taxidermy and creative, respectful expressions56:46 - The influence of legislation and poaching60:39 - The connection between hunting, storytelling, and societal perception64:18 - The importance of authentic outdoor experiences a65:33 - Resources and inspirations for those interested in taxidermy