From a small town in the great state of Texas, Clay has been doing taxidermy for more than 30 years. Among his accomplishments are a 2nd in the World medallion for Mammals, a National Champion Gamehead, multiple State Champions in several categories as well as multiple Breakthrough awards. As a judge and teacher he brings experience not only from his taxidermy but from hands on live animals, ranging from a pet bobcat to caring for exotics on a Texas ranch.
Initial interests in hunting, fishing, outdoors, combined with a natural love of art and composition began to sculpt a career. Kens interests and passions include music, luthiery, archery, woodworking, sculpture, etc… however woodworking and sculpture in particular started a natural progression into taxidermy. A love of sculpture and woodworking, combined with a passion for duck hunting quickly led to decoy carving, then fish carving…” nothing is there for you, every feather, every scale, has to be carved… which forces study, particularly anatomy in its finest detail”.
My name is Tyler Erickson. I am driven by the desire to produce the most realistic and artistic taxidermy available. I have attended many competitions and seminars in my pursuit to improve. I grew up near Fox Lake, MN. As a young boy, I was introduced to the outdoors by my father and fell in love with God's creation. I landed my first trophy walleye when I was four and still remember trying to reel it in. I am an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. I have been blessed to win many top awards at the state and world level including World Champion (reproductions) in 2017, North American Champion, and National Champion in 2018. Second in the World (reproductions, 2015), 4 Best of Shows, 2 Wasco Awards, along with multiple state champion titles.
It is a privilege to serve as the White-Tail Deer judge at this year's Minnesota Taxidermy Show. The category is a favorite of mine, and I’m excited to share my expertise with the competitors. For 13 years, I have worked as a taxidermist and have been an active member of the South Dakota Taxidermy Association. I own and operate Bach Taxidermy in Watertown, South Dakota, where I enjoy working on a variety of species brought in by my customers. Their support and trust have allowed me to refine and diversify my skills. My wife and I live with our two young sons on an acreage in rural Florence, South Dakota.
