You kill 'em and he'll fill 'em

• Photo: Tyler's Taxidermy

Tyler James specializes in shoulder, European and antler mounts.

Talk about it

Tyler James loves to hunt and fish. He also enjoys working with his hands. Taxidermy involves both, and so it was somewhat natural that the Rosemount man fell into the art form.

For five years or so, James did taxidermy as a hobby. He would do mounts for friends and family. And then he decided to get a little more serious about making it a career.

Last year, he attended Dan Rinehart’s School of Taxidermy in Edgerton, Wis. Then started his business, Tyler’s Taxidermy.

Currently he specializes in shoulder, European and antler mounts for large game. Going forward he hopes to return to school to learn to preserve fish and birds.

Taxidermy is an involved process that includes tanning the skin, sculpting the foam mold, fitting the skin and air brushing to make the animal seem lifelike. Creating a lifelike trophy takes skill and patience and that’s why James likes it.

“A lot of people don’t realize how artistic it is,” said James.

James works full time in addition to running Tyler’s Taxidermy but he hopes someday in the taxidermy will be his full-time job. James said taxidermy is a competitive field and that it takes time to establish a good reputation.

“I wish I was busier,” said James.

James runs his business out of his home in Rosemount. He moved to the community with his wife in 2009.

To learn more about Tyler’s Taxidermy call 651-248-6650 or email Tylers_taxidermy@yahoo.com. You can also check out Tyler’s Taxidermy on Facebook.

Tags: news, rosemount, business