Superior Township’s Own Taxidermy Artist: Jeff Burnett Preserves Memories, One Deer at a Time
Nestled in the charming community of Superior Township, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling city of Ann Arbor, one man’s passion for the outdoors is transforming a traditional craft into a heartfelt tribute. Meet Jeff Burnett, the creative mind behind Ritual Taxidermy, where he preserves not just deer heads and wild turkeys, but also the cherished memories of those who bring them to him.
A Journey Back to Roots
Originally from Bay City, Michigan, Jeff took a detour in life that led him to the vibrant world of brewing in Nashville, Tennessee. From 2013 to just a few years ago, he was crafting delectable beers for Yazoo Brewing. But the call of the wild and his love for hunting were never far from his heart. After migrating back to Michigan to be near family, Jeff decided it was high time to reel in his childhood passion for taxidermy and open his own business.
“When I came back to Michigan, I thought, ‘Why not do something I truly care about?'” Jeff shared, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. His venture into taxidermy was not only a business decision; it was also a labor of love, allowing him to embrace his longstanding passion for hunting.
The Art of Taxidermy
Now operating from his property at 3624 Prospect Road, Jeff is dedicated to preserving the legacy of his clients’ most memorable hunts. His unique method of taxidermy combines self-taught skills with industry knowledge gleaned from seasoned professionals. His wife, Liz, describes his work as truly artistic. “It’s literally watching something dead come alive again,” she says, capturing the essence of Jeff’s craft.
Creating a lifelike representation of deer and turkeys is no picnic, though! Jeff plays a multifaceted role from reconstructing muscles in a deer’s face with clay to airbrushing intricate details on wild turkey molds. “It can take up to a year to finish a piece,” he explained, emphasizing the time and effort that goes into each project. He partners with preservation companies for skin treatments while mastering the art of preserving hides himself.
Creating Lasting Memories
Each animal that Jeff works on carries its own story—a tale told by the hunter who brings it in. “To me, personally, I don’t care if we get a deer or not,” Jeff expressed thoughtfully. “What matters most are the memories created during the time spent together.”
Rather than focusing strictly on trophies, Jeff recognizes the deeper significance of the experiences behind the hunt. “There’s no difference in my eyes between small or large deer,” he said empathetically. “If it means so much to someone, then it means the world to me to preserve it for them.”
Support from Family
With his wife Liz also being a business owner, Jeff’s venture has her full support. “He hits this sweet spot of doing something he loves, something he’s really good at, and there’s a market for it,” she noted proudly. Watching how his work positively impacts others, Liz says, “It’s been so cool to see people happy, picking their creations up and excited about their memories.”
Get In Touch with Ritual Taxidermy
If you’re curious to learn more about Jeff Burnett’s artistic venture, Ritual Taxidermy, he welcomes you to connect with him online, check out his social media pages, or give him a call at 734-845-9052. It seems that in Superior Township, the phrase “preserving memories” takes on a whole new meaning, thanks to Jeff and his passion for taxidermy!
By stepping into his world of Ritual Taxidermy, you’re not just getting a mounted trophy; you’re capturing a moment in time that will be cherished for years to come.
