|
|
 .................................................
First off, I'd like to thank God for the many talents He's given me, Jesus my Savior for dying for me for all the stupid stuff I've done and probably will still do and for the Holy Spirit who creates the desire in me to seek Gods guidance to be the best servant I can be.
At the age of six, I went on my first black tail deer hunt with my dad on a private ranch in Sonora, CA. It was a very successful hunt. Not only did my dad get a buck, but it helped solidify my place in the outdoor world. Dad continued to take me fishing and hunting and at age 12, I got my first black tail, my first duck and my first rooster pheasant. As time went on, my interest in Taxidermy started to stir. While attending junior college, I met a fellow duck hunter who said he had dabbled in it and invited me over to watch him do a duck. After that day, I knew I not only had the talent but also the desire to pursue the art of Taxidermy. Along the way, there have been many people who have encouraged me and helped me hone my skills. A couple of local taxidermist have shared their time and expertise with me and for that I am very grateful and blessed. Family and friends have encouraged me and trusted me with their trophies, helping to nurture the seed that had been planted long ago.
After retiring from the construction trades in 2001, outdoor activities came naturally to occupy my time. Then in 2003, a young taxidermist friend of mine from Livermore, CA suggested I should join The California Association of Taxidermist and try the competition arena. Well, this ol' dog took his advice and I'm glad I did. Since then I've had opportunities to study with the best in the west. My main focus has been on birds, big game heads, and small life size, due mainly to my small shop size. Personally, I think it's a win, win for the customer and myself. It keeps my overhead down and my attention to detail on the work that I can do. I've recently accumulated the necessary achievements to receive my Master of Bird Taxidermy Award and I'm presently in the process to do the same for big game heads. Along with many ribbons I've received, other awards include Best of Categories and California Challenge Award 2009. In 2007, I competed in my first World Taxidermy Competition and came away with ribbons for both birds and game heads..
Organizations I presently belong to and promote all I can for the betterment of our youth are California Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mt. Elk Foundation, Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, CA Deer, NRA, North American Hunting Club, Let's Go Fishing Ministries, and the Livermore Big Buck Contest.
Feel free to call and come by to check out what's new in the shop, as work is coming and going out all the time. May God bless you with His guidance and safety on all your outdoor adventures. Please remember to take a child with you to share the experience. Hopefully, you'll choose Favorite Feathers Taxidermy to keep those memories alive.
Keeping the Faith, Taff
|
|
|
|
