Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/528216
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 5 5 Chris Dorsey O n o c a t i o n L A rtful, finely crafted mounts of trophy animals are primary symbols of our passion for the outdoors and hunting. They are recognized, even by non-hunters, as tributes to the animals and the memories of past adventures. A talented and skilled taxidermist is an absolute must for hunters who want to preserve their adventures with trophy mounts—a bad one can ruin the entire experience. When I moved to Colorado several years ago I spoke with a lot of experienced, well-traveled hunters. I wanted to find the best, most-artistic taxidermist, someone capable of creating truly lifelike mounts worthy of the remarkable animals found in the US and around the world. Time and again, I heard the name Mike Jankovsky, the owner and artist-in-residence at Artworks Taxidermy (www. artworkstaxidermy.com) in the Centennial State. When I checked out Mike's work first-hand, it was obvious that I'd found the right guy—I think I saw a couple of his mounts actually blink. Such realism is the sign of greatness, and he's been handling a number of my personal taxidermy needs for years. When I started production on this season's Ultimate Sportsmen's Lodge for Great American Country Television, I knew I needed the very best mounts possible. You see, this year's ultimate lodge is actually mine, where my hopes, dreams, and, yes, most-treasured trophies are on display for me and my guests. Whom could I turn to other than Mike? "I was honored but not all that surprised to do the mounts for your lodge," Mike said as I toured his "For my money, Mike Jankovsky is the finest taxidermist in the country." S imple yet breathtakingly elegant best describes this pedestal presentation of a leopard with its kill. Artworks tAxidermy