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In this episode of the Mississippi Outdoors Podcast, host Matt Wyatt sits down with Dan Heasley, a veteran taxidermist from Raymond, Mississippi, who’s been in the business for more than 25 years.
Dan shares how he got started — turning a hobby into a full-time career — and offers practical, detailed advice for hunters and anglers on how to properly handle and preserve their trophies for the best results. He also tells stories about the most unusual mounts he’s worked on, from giraffes and brown bears to tiny crawfish.
The conversation covers:
• How to prepare a deer, duck, or fish for taxidermy the right way
• Why refrigeration is critical — and what happens if you wait too long
• Common field care mistakes hunters make every season
• The challenges of working on exotic animals like giraffes and porcupines
• What makes turkeys the hardest mounts of all
• Advice for beginners interested in learning the craft
It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the art, science, and grit of taxidermy from one of Mississippi’s most experienced professionals.
Mississippi Outdoors