Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Bill as you know my son shoot a worlds record Big Head Carp ...after watching the History channel I saw the freeze dry method ... could this be done to his fish and if so do you know of anyone who would do this and is it expensive?

Doc

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

His Worlds Record taken with a bow ...

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Freeze drying is usually reserved for much smaller specimens. That fish would just be too large. I don't know a lot about those fish in particular, so I also don't know how well a skin mount would turn out. A good taxidermist could create a reproduction for you. As with any type of taxidermy, quality comes with a cost.

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Hey Doc, I was looking into freeze drying and found some info for you. This place does all kinds of critters. The do catfish at $7.50/inch. You might want to contact them and see if they will tackle it. I saw on another website they were freezing dogs up to 90 pounds. They said it works just as well on larger animals it just takes longer.


Price list



Website

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Rifle thank you for your work in getting me this info ..seems pretty reasonable ... I will contact them ....


Doc

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Not a problem doc, anytime.

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

I personally would not use freeze drying as a method to preserve a fish that size, or the other large animals mentioned here. Understanding how its stabilized, and protected against infestation is why I choose against it. Jeff was correct in suggesting a good fish taxidermist either to skin mount it with a reproduced head or a total reproduction. If you choose freeze drying with that carp, youll be emailing me about "little shavings" or sawdust around the gills and fin butts, etc. I know others might have a different opinion, I respect that. A freeze dry company used my name with their advertising, and sent me three different freeze dry units to mess with. I felt that within their range, they were an excellent choice...small critters, turkey heads, bait fish, velvet antlers. Now, that big carp could be conventionally mounted, and then dried in the FDer, but I personally see no advantages.

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Makes sense Bill. Of course those websites never mentioned the problems that can occur. I know absolutrly nothing about this, I was just bored and looked up some info for doc. What is really weird is all the people who have their pets freeze dried. Just seems a little odd to me. LOL

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Thanks Bill ...I was wondering ...if you have your pet dog freeze dried does he then become a "Pup Cycle" ? ;>))


Doc

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Longrifle, I understand you. Check out references, and get all the info you can. My opinion is just an opinion, yours and Docs count as much as mine or Jeffs, or anyone. If you do decide to go the FD route, try calling Anthony Eddy out of Slater Missouri...800-529-3470.

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

The only thing I might do freeze dried is food. LOL The smaller critters did look good. But it is the concept of it being the whole animal that turns me off. Call me a wuss if you must, but I think it is kind of weird.:D


Bill, have you heard anything about the taxidermy school in Burlington, IA? I was thinking about taking some classes their.

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

I suggest if you want the mount to last, spend the extra money and have it done right.

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

LR, is that Tom Matuska? Im not sure which one you mean. Can you give me a name?

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Bill- It is called Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy. Some gal named JoAnn runs it. Here is a link to the schools website.

Kindred Spirits

RE: Bill tell me about Freeze Drying
 

Nope, dont know about that one. I know Tom Matuska is in Spirit Lake. I know Tom, and he has an excellent reputation. I never looked into "full time" or enrollment type schools. I guess for those with the schedule or retraining money, its a good way to look. Many offer one on one classes, like three and five day seminars. Others join the state associations and sit in on seminars there.