captain - I wouldn't take to anyone else. Most taxidermist can recognize others work, at least in my area I can. If this guy is a friend, treat him like one. Go to him and explain to him, like a friend. He shouldn't have a problem with it, especially if he is going through "some stuff". I would think he would want to know and would want to fix it. If he doesn't want to, then take it to someone else, but only as a last resort. Just my thoughts.