About WildLife Arts
From field knowledge to fine artistry, we preserve wildlife through respect and lasting beauty.
A Commitment to Quality Craftsmanship
Our goal is simple: to create a trophy you will be proud to display for years to come.
How I Became a Taxidermist
I grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping along the beautiful Central Coast. Some of my earliest memories include quail hunting with my dad in the fields and lemon groves that once stood where the Fairview Shopping Center sits today. We spent countless hours fishing together at the Goleta Pier and the Santa Barbara Breakwater, often climbing down onto the rocks to gather mussels for bait.
Trapping on Figueroa Mountain was another chapter of my youth. I would run my trap line through rain, mud, and snow—always racing against the short eight-week season that opened every Thanksgiving Day and closed on January 31st.
These outdoor experiences shaped who I am and laid the foundation for my life’s work.
Not Just a Hobby—A Lifelong Passion
For many of us, hunting and fishing are far more than hobbies—they’re passions. My passion led me to taxidermy more than 50 years ago. As a kid, I began experimenting with mounting and painting the fish, birds, squirrels, and eventually the deer my dad and I harvested. I became fascinated by both the science and the art behind bringing each specimen back to life.
I dedicated myself to learning everything I could and spent years refining my skills. After countless hours of hands-on practice, I opened my first taxidermy studio in Santa Barbara in 1975. Over time, the studio moved from Santa Barbara to Goleta, then Buellton, and finally found its home in Lompoc in 1988.
Your Trophy is in Good Hands
We take tremendous pride in transforming each trophy into a true work of art. Every mount is crafted to mirror the natural look and character of the living animal, with exceptional attention to detail that enhances realism.