I just wanted to thank you for the incredible job you did on the harlequin. I’ve never seen a better duck mount anywhere, and I consider myself very fortunate to own such a great example of your work. It is truly one of my most prized possessions. Thanks again, and have a great waterfowl season! Best regards,

just wanted to thank you for the hospitality you showed to Elton and I. We really appreciated you taking time away from your work to help us get some beautiful, and I mean beautiful birds!!!! Your studio is unbelievable!! As a collector, I have checked out all the other taxidermy websites and no one comes close to what you are doing in my opinion. Elton feels the same way. You will have many more coming your way from us.

Excellent work on the Pintail and Greenwing Teal! I can’t thank you enough for the work you put into these birds and the turn around time! Also I never got around to thanking you on the Wood Duck, as with the other two birds the work is outstanding! I have showed off the Wood Duck to everyone I know and everyone has the same response: “That work is UNBELIEVABLE!” Thank you again Shane for all that you do! Excellent work!

I want to thank you for the incredible taxidermy job you did on my widgeon. All my friends ask the question: “Why did you send that thing all the way to Alabama?” Now that it is back and they have seen your work, they understand why. I have recieved numerous comments on the my bird and how realistic and life like he appears in my office. Thank you on the great job and it will not be the last bird I send you from Indiana. Thanks,

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, SO MUCH FOR MY 23 POUND MOUNTED TURKEY THAT YOU MOUNTED FOR ME. I LOOK AT IT EVERY MORNING AND EVENING BEFORE I GO TO BED. MY DAD JOE WALKER HAS ALWAYS TOLD ME YOU ARE THE BEST IN THE WORLD AT MOUNTING BIRDS AND YOU HAVE PROVEN IT TO ME. WE NOW HAVE 103 MOUNTED BIRDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD THAT YOU HAVE DONE. I THINK IT IS THE BEST MOUNT IN OUR COLLECTION. IT’S BEAUTIFUL . ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

After seeing many good and bad bird mounts over the years, when I finally got ready to mount my first bird I wanted to look for someone who specialized in bird mounts. Not only was this my first bird to be mounted, but it was my 8 month old retrievers first actual retrieve during a real hunt. After an internet search I found many and I mean many taxidermists to choose from. After looking over the choices I made the decision to try Shane Smith of Artistic Compositions. My choice was largely influenced by Shane’s many accomplishments and credentials. Well to cap this testimonial I got my bird back yesterday November 11, 2004 and all I have to say is WOW. I would recommend Shane Smith to anyone. Thanks Shane!

I have let Shane do the taxidermy work on some of my most prized waterfowl trophies, including a perfect pair of the extremely rare Pacific version Common Eider. On the piece, Shane had total artistic control, as I live more than a thousand miles away. When I got the mount back, I was blown away, it was perfect and absolutely beautiful on both the birds and habitat. Everyone who see’s it want’s to both go to Kodiak to hunt them and to have Shane design them a mount like mine.

My latest bird (drake redhead) is absolutely awesome! The work you and your staff do at Artistic Composition is nothing short of amazing. I receive more compliments about my bird mounts than any other thing, particularly when my clients visit our office. Your communication, return time and professionalism is very much appreciated and look forward to sending you many more birds in the future! Thank you again for showing me why you are the best waterfowl taxidermist in the business. Kindest,

My experience with Shane Smith of Artistic Compositions was excellent. At the end of last season (2003/04), I sent a nice drake pintail and wigeon to his shop after looking long and hard for a taxidermist that does quality work on waterfowl. I just received the mounts back and they are beautiful. The service was fantastic and included good communication, straight forward billing, packaging and shipment across the country. I would certainly recommend Artistic Compositions to any waterfowler who seeks a quality mount. Shane will be seeing more business from me in the future when trophy birds are taken.

The White Cheeked Pintail and Northern Pintail are amazing. They arrived in perfect conditions. Interesting packaging method that you have. I really appreciated the time invested in those birds they came out perfectly. Take care and hope I can send you more birds one day. Salud (Cheers!!) Marisel

I just wanted to thank you again for taking care of the hen wood duck. She looks great! I have her in my office with the drake up on file cabinets right in front of me so I can look at them all day long. That pose is really growing on me. I’ve seen that so many times in the wild…just a nice relaxed loafing position…..comfortably preening, not a care in the world. The eye expression is perfect, and the lines in the body are just right. And, nice job on the fanned tail feathers – on both birds. (see photo to right) Thanks again for a job well done.

Got the bird yesterday and it looks great, THANKS. I will be sending you more business. Thanks again,