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The Art of Taxidermy

Mike Orthober places a Red Crossbill in the display. Submitted photo.

Master taxidermist Mike Orthober will be at the Door County Historical Museum most of the day on June 27 demonstrating the art and methods of taxidermy as he mounts a specimen for the museum’s permanent wildlife diorama.

Orthober created the detailed exhibit over a period of years and though it appears to be complete, it is still an ongoing project. He continues to add birds and animals, doing many of them in demonstrations such as this.

Orthober, of Egg Harbor, is well known in the taxidermy field, having won many national and worldwide awards, among them “Best in World” for warm-water fish and “Second in World” for a non-game bird. He also judges World Taxidermy Championships and teaches others his methods.

Stop by the museum on Saturday, or come in anytime to see the beautiful exhibit. Orthober will also hold demonstrations on July 18 and Aug. 22. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm. For more information, call 920.743.5809 or email [email protected].