Fanta Taxidermy, Artistry and Craftsmanship, Bird

Charlie Fanta has been doing taxidermy professionally for over 25 years, but his real education started at age 10 in 1967 when he split the cost of a correspondence course with his dad. After apprenticing at a professional studio outside Chicago during high school, he earned a degree in wildlife management from Michigan State University and worked at the campus natural history museum with raptors and non-game animals.

The skill paid off. In 1995, Fanta entered the World Show—a gathering of taxidermists from over a dozen countries with nearly 700 entries—and won Best in World for bird taxidermy plus the competitors award for technical skill and artistic merit. He placed second in world mammals in 2001 with a coyote mount.

• •Specializes in birds and big game. Fanta works with a wide array of species worldwide—upland birds, waterfowl, turkeys, raptors, and mammals. Whether it's a local whitetail or an Ocellated Turkey from Mexico, every mount receives full time and attention. All work meets the highest standards and is built to last a lifetime.

Clients include sportsmen, museums, schools, and nature centers.

Fanta offers personalized one-on-one training in bird taxidermy. Classes and seminars run for all levels, from beginner to professional. He's developed straightforward techniques that students can actually understand—learning from someone who was honored as a world champion.

Portfolio includes galleries of upland birds & waterfowl, turkeys, raptors, and big game & mammals.

Contact: - 15484 Upton Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 - (517) 641-6481 - [email protected]