NICOLLET, Minn. — When pictures just don't do it justice, hunters often bring their big bucks to a taxidermist. However, it is getting harder to find them in rural Minnesota.
"We are just catching our breath from busy season," North Star Taxidermy owner Jeff Holmin said.
Taxidermy is an art that takes years of practice to perfect. Holmin started it as a hobby in high school. He went full-time after graduation. He's been in the business for 42 years.
"If you can hunt it, I have seen it," Holmin said.
The industry has changed a lot over the years. Prices for products have increased and, over time, the demand has too. Homlin said a lot of the older taxidermists are retiring, and there aren't a lot of young people replacing them.
"I don't think people look at our industry as a viable career," Holmin said.
Holmin is one of a few taxidermists around the Mankato area but patrons need to drive over an hour to find another shop nearby. He said that the lack of taxidermists outside of the metro is leading to longer wait times for trophies because of the high demand.
"Everyone is always excited to talk about their trophy stories. It's great that we deal with so many people in a good mood," Holmin said.
His passion for the craft has never made his work feel like a job. Holmin said he hopes that more people can see the beauty in it and want to get into taxidermy.
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