“Hanging up the Badge”

From a career in serving and protecting the community to a second career in serving people in the out of doors world, I have been blessed. Preserving a trophy for a fellow hunter or fisher has not only become a passion it’s become a way of life and a new profession.

Charlotte, and I started a joint taxidermy business one year ago in October, and in the beginning Charlotte worked full time in the shop, and I worked part time. I was employed full time as a Police Officer for the Mt. Pleasant City Police. Because of the support of our old and new followers, the business has grown to need both Charlotte, and I full time.

As of September 7th, 2007 I will hang up the gun belt and badge to face the new challenges of business owner and taxidermist. With 5 years Military Police, 1 plus years with the Gratiot County Sheriffs Office and 10 ½ years with the City of Mt. Pleasant, I embrace the opportunity to pursue a new career. Charlotte and I look forward to the challenges of the new business, and serving you with all you future taxidermy needs.

“2006 Bow Hunting Trip”

Take a look at our 2006 Bow hunting Highlights Video. From Canada to Texas, and from Michigan to Iowa, Charlotte and I had another great hunting season. Here are a couple clips of our 2006 bow hunting.

We were able to make some awesome memories in God’s country. We feel very fortunate and blessed to have the freedom to hunt and enjoy the great outdoors.

We want to thank all the Soldiers, Seaman, Airman, and Marine’s stationed around the world for defending and preserving our freedom. We wish you a successful 2007-hunting season, and we hope to see you soon so we can help you preserve the memories of another trophy hunt.

“The Sheds”

It was a turkey hunt to remember, but it had nothing to do with bagging a turkey. I was hunting turkey in southeast Iowa in the spring of 2006 when I came across the find of a lifetime; that is, if you are an avid bow hunter like myself. While walking along an oak ridge in one of my favorite spots for whitetail deer I spotted the rare find. There, in the tall grass was one side of a massive, mature whitetail deer shed. WOW! I was in disbelief. My focus quickly changed from the quarry that I was hunting, the illusive gobbler, to the matching side of this unbelievable deer antler. Lying only a few yards away was the matching set, what a find!

Even though we had several miles to go on foot, and the gear I was carrying seemed to become heavier with every step, I strapped the massive antlers on my pack and continued to hike. My brother Steve and his son Jay were hunting with me that day and they suggested I leave the antlers at the back gate and then drive back to retrieve them after the hunt. I would have nothing to do with that because I’d already become attached to the antlers myself and would have separation anxiety if they were left behind. You see, finding an average deer shed is awesome, but finding a potential booner buck on the property I bow hunt is absolutely amazing.

I’ve been an avid bow hunter and have harvested several Pope & Young deer on this particular tract of land, but finding these potential Boon & Crocket buck sheds will keep me coming back for years to come. I never did bag a gobbler that April morning, but my reward for the hunt was far greater that day. I found the sheds of a lifetime.