Legends of the Fall Taxidermy acquires Beetleworks

Legends of the Fall Taxidermy owner Kevin Whitmore has bought “the beetles.”  That is the flesh eating beetles and Dawson Ridge Beetleworks. 

Whitmore purchased Dawson Ridge because he thought it would benefit his taxidermy business.  He put the bug in the ear of owners Sean Fredrickson and Garrett Hull that he would like to buy it a couple months ago.

Fredrickson and  Hull, both 29, ran the business for five years.

Whitmore plans to keep the beetlewroks at its current location for a year before moving to  Paradise Valley, where he has his taxidermy business.

“I am keeping the same tradition, and Sean and Garrett will spend time showing me how to do things so as to keep the quality,” said Whitmore.  “It is another division of taxidermy to provide another service to my customers.”

“Both Garrett and I are pursing other options,” said Fredrickson.

Fredrickson is changing careers and hopes to soon be working as a border patrol agent, and Hull is pursuing a career with U.S. Customs. 

“We have been talking with Kevin for a couple months and decided now was a good time to sell to him,” Fredrickson said.

 With the purchase Whitmore will gain clients from Bonners Ferry, Coeur d’ Alene , Clark Fork, Sandpoint and outfitters in Pennsylvania, Colorado and Minnesota, and taxidermists from in Utah and Mont.

“Customer service is very important to this business as with any business,” Whitmore said. “The turn around time is pretty quick for full mounts, about six to nine months, and for the beetle work it is about two months.”

The Dermestide Beetles survive off eating the flesh of dead animals.  The skulls of elk, moose, deer and other animals traditionally hunted, are placed in the “beetle room,” and within four to five days are cleaned of the flesh.  They are then treated with chemicals to degrease and whiten the skull.

According to Fredrickson, Hull and Whitmore, using the beetles to clean skulls is more efficient and prevents the damage boiling can cause to teeth and bones.

“It depends on the temperature and size of the animal how fast they are stripped clean,” said Fredrickson.

According to Whitmore both businesses are going fantastic and Fredrickson agrees.  

“It was a great opportunity to get into an existing flourishing business that goes hand in hand with the taxidermy business,” said Whitmore.

Whitmore said it will be determined at a later date whether he will hire employees.  Fredrickson and Hull will help him out during the first year.

For information, call Whitmore at 597-2806.