Local taxidermist wins state awards

Re-creating nature’s masterpieces is a passion for Twin Creek Taxidermy owner Dana Shultz of Allison. Shultz won first place in the Masters division for Upland Birds and Masters Best Turkey at the 35th annual Iowa Taxidermy Association competition and convention held in Tama March 22 to March 25. The turkey was also recognized as best turkey by the National Wild Turkey Federation.
     Shultz has sustained high quality in his work throughout the years. In 2013, he won Masters Best of Show in the Iowa Taxidermy Association, taking the top award in a field of over 90 professional taxidermists.
     “I like the artistic side,” said Shultz. “Everything is an artistic composition telling a story.”
     Mostly self-taught, Shultz said taxidermy is a skill his grandpa learned in the 1930s. His dad did taxidermy in the 1960s until around 1980, and introduced him to the basics when he began learning taxidermy as a hobby in 2001. Shultz’ interest was sparked while he was still a teenager by his love for hunting.
 
Read more in the April 5 edition of the STAR or Tribune.