Anyone for stuffing?

Jethro and I have been meaning to visit the Aasland Taxidermy Musuem for about six months, ever since we drove past it on the way to Fernie when we first arrived. So today was the day, and boy... was it an experience!

We parked up and there were no signs of life (fnar, fnar! Geddit?) but as we ventured towards the door we saw a lady smile and beckon us in so we ventured forth. As we walked through the door, we were greeted with a number of crazy looking stuffed owls on the walls... spooky.

Another chap was inside, and we thought he was being sarcastic when he said "yeah, we get a lot of folk thinking it's a Musueum who just drop in. You're welcome to have a look around though."

"So, it's not actually a museum then?"

"Err... no."

However, they made us feel very welcome and took us through to the back where we greeted by two other gents who worked there and told us a bit about what they do. One of the older gentlemen was very knowledgeable and we had a good natter about the perils of banning fox hunting and the delicate balance of nature... the usual topic of conversation for a Wednesday morning, then!

Aasland Taxidermy is one of the most respected taxidermist operations in North America, and they stuff animals for clients all over the world. When you have a chat with them you can see why. Mostly, it's people who shoot a deer, elk or other animal for the meat and don't want the pelt to go to waste. There seems to be a great deal of respect from the hunters and the taxidermists for these animals, which was nice to see. And before you ask, no, we didn't see any blood, guts or gore. All that gets done at a Tannery and then the skins and pelts get sent to Aasland to be fitted over sculpted animal models carved of clay, wood or plastic.

The rather amusing sign over the door. The lady was telling us that we should stick around and meet their pet cat, which was obviously very much alive and loved... but not perturbed by the dead animals hanging around in the slightest!


Inside the shop - note the huuuuuuuge antlers!


Needless to say, I wanted to take this cute little fella home with me.


A very majestic looking black bear (not-so-gentle-Ben!)


A rather fierce looking Cougar... hopefully not like the one that was tramping through our garden a few months ago. And there was me thinking that Cougars were shy... not a bit of it.


Jethro thought it would be HILARIOUS to take a photo of me with some antlers mounted on the wall...