Arctic foxes live above the tree line in the arctic and alpine tundra. They can be found as far south as Hudson Bay in Canada. The arctic fox in this article was only part of a lifelong dream trip. From my home state of Michigan, I flew to Chicago, to San Francisco, to Vancouver, to Anchorage and a 6-hour drive (ride) to the Alpine Creek Lodge. My host, guide, and comrade for a month-long adventure, Claude Bondy, helped design a custom package for my needs. The prerequisite being that I set all the traps—not a ride-along trapping trip, which is quite common.

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When considering a custom mount for yourself, competition or special request from a customer there are decisions that need to be made. That was the case when I began work on my arctic fox. I took some extra time to photograph some of the important decisions I decided to make and discuss and show some of the factors in implementing these ideas. These are decisions I consider during the mounting process for many of my competition mounts.

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My hometown of Escanaba, Michigan, is situated on the shores of Little Bay de Noc in Lake Michigan. Escanaba is one of a handful of places in the upper Midwest who lay claim to the title of “Walleye Capital of the World” as the bay is a fantastic walleye fishery, as is neighboring Big Bay de Noc

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If you want the highest quality of tan, a submersible tan is the one you’re looking for. This procedure produces a tannery-quality tan; you just have to do a little math, but it’s not difficult. Skins are pickled first, then drained and weighed. From there they go into a separate “tanning solution.” If you are going to tan a lifesize mountain lion, etc., I recommend learning how to do a submersible tan because it is bombproof with regards to hair-set. Note: skins can be stored in a submersible tan. The theory that you will over-tan a skin if it is left in too long is simply not true as long as you are using the skin/weight formula. (If stored for longer than a week, cover the container to prevent water evaporation.)

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Tribute: Matt Zimmerman

Matt was very well thought of in the taxidermy industry and a gifted artist/taxidermist. Matt won Best in World Reptile titles in 2009 and 2013 and a Second in World Reptile title in 2011. He was also a featured instructor and judge at many state, national, and World Shows. He will be dearly missed, but will be remembered as a World Champion and a great person and outstanding model for our profession. Shortly after Matt’s passing we received this email from Matt’s father, Ivan.

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