REPLICA FISH ONLY: We work from a waiting list. We do not request your 50% down-payment until we are ready to begin ordering materials for your fish mount. We will call you when your name comes up on the list, and contract services for your artwork at that time.
Why a replica and not my own fish skin?
Color and Pattern: What many don't realize is that even with a skin mount, what you see is not the skin itself, but layers of primer and paint. Once the skin is treated with chemicals and applied to a foam form, it is coated with primer to form a barrier so that any remaining oils in the skin don't interfere with the application of paint. The colors on your fish actually begin to fade the moment you take it from the water. This is why it is so important to take photos directly after catch.
Texture: Fiberglass forms are created from direct molds of fish, creating the same texture you would have with a skin mount. Even with a skin mount, it is customary and recommended to use a fiberglass reproduction head and fins as it is nearly impossible to remove oils that cause bleeding and paint compromise.
Heirloom quality: Deterioration and shrinkage over time is much more likely with a skin mount, even when well done. Skins are much more susceptible to heat, moisture, insects, mold, ultraviolet light, and handling. A fiberglass reproduction will last a lifetime.
Sustainability: Catch and Release is the number one reason that we no longer provide skin mount taxidermy in our studio. With so many species and ecosystems in decline, and with so many trophy fish coming in laden with eggs, Rob finally made the decision to focus only on the artwork and the memories, and no longer contribute to that cycle.
"PERFECT" match: Once a mold is created, hundreds of forms can be produced from one fish. Most of the time our suppliers can provide what we need to replicate your catch from measurements and photos. That said, sometimes there is a fish like none other, or you simply want an exact cast of your fish. See our Fish page for instructions on preserving your fish if you would like this done.
Color and Pattern: What many don't realize is that even with a skin mount, what you see is not the skin itself, but layers of primer and paint. Once the skin is treated with chemicals and applied to a foam form, it is coated with primer to form a barrier so that any remaining oils in the skin don't interfere with the application of paint. The colors on your fish actually begin to fade the moment you take it from the water. This is why it is so important to take photos directly after catch.
Texture: Fiberglass forms are created from direct molds of fish, creating the same texture you would have with a skin mount. Even with a skin mount, it is customary and recommended to use a fiberglass reproduction head and fins as it is nearly impossible to remove oils that cause bleeding and paint compromise.
Heirloom quality: Deterioration and shrinkage over time is much more likely with a skin mount, even when well done. Skins are much more susceptible to heat, moisture, insects, mold, ultraviolet light, and handling. A fiberglass reproduction will last a lifetime.
Sustainability: Catch and Release is the number one reason that we no longer provide skin mount taxidermy in our studio. With so many species and ecosystems in decline, and with so many trophy fish coming in laden with eggs, Rob finally made the decision to focus only on the artwork and the memories, and no longer contribute to that cycle.
"PERFECT" match: Once a mold is created, hundreds of forms can be produced from one fish. Most of the time our suppliers can provide what we need to replicate your catch from measurements and photos. That said, sometimes there is a fish like none other, or you simply want an exact cast of your fish. See our Fish page for instructions on preserving your fish if you would like this done.
Artist: Robert McMillin
Rob's incredible natural gift, and years of experience bring a level of artistry commanded by few. Being a hunter and fisherman himself, he not only studies and understands anatomy and muscle structure, but also has deep sense for honoring the animal's life through attention to details.
He truly loves this work and treats each mount as if it were his own trophy.
Excellence is in the details
Unlike many who have taken up the trade and are purely self-taught, Rob attended taxidermy school in Montana, and even then impressed his instructor with his natural abilities. He entered three of his mounts done in school in the World Taxidermy Championships and was told that his beginning work was as good or better than professionals who had been working in the trade for many years.
Learning never ends and Rob is constantly studying, researching, and gleaning information and tips from other experts every chance he gets, even bringing in world class taxidermists to come to his studio for tips and pointers.
Rob strives for excellence with every mount.
Unlike many who have taken up the trade and are purely self-taught, Rob attended taxidermy school in Montana, and even then impressed his instructor with his natural abilities. He entered three of his mounts done in school in the World Taxidermy Championships and was told that his beginning work was as good or better than professionals who had been working in the trade for many years.
Learning never ends and Rob is constantly studying, researching, and gleaning information and tips from other experts every chance he gets, even bringing in world class taxidermists to come to his studio for tips and pointers.
Rob strives for excellence with every mount.
What goes into your mount?
We opened our doors for business in July of 2006, and Rob's dedication to perfection and extra attention to detail has earned him an exceptional reputation. Many clients have expressed that they feel they have received far more than their money's worth, and can see that their mount has a level of quality that you don't see often.
Virginia City is only a 15 minute drive up scenic Geiger Grade, Hwy 341. We encourage you to make an appointment to visit our studio any time.
We opened our doors for business in July of 2006, and Rob's dedication to perfection and extra attention to detail has earned him an exceptional reputation. Many clients have expressed that they feel they have received far more than their money's worth, and can see that their mount has a level of quality that you don't see often.
Virginia City is only a 15 minute drive up scenic Geiger Grade, Hwy 341. We encourage you to make an appointment to visit our studio any time.
Community Service:
Rob is the founder of Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs. His special understanding for sportsmen in wheelchairs comes from his own life experience.
Rob is the founder of Nevada Outdoorsmen in Wheelchairs. His special understanding for sportsmen in wheelchairs comes from his own life experience.
