Date of birth: September 5, 1948
Place of birth: Dunedin, New Zealand
Current location: Mosgiel, New Zealand
Gary Pullar, born on September 5th, 1948, in Dunedin, New Zealand, is a renowned taxidermist who has made significant contributions to the art and craft of taxidermy. Based in the remote township of Mosgiel, Pullar’s passion for taxidermy began at the age of 13, ignited by his subscription to Field and Stream magazine. This early interest led him to the North West School of Taxidermy correspondence course, where he immersed himself in books and publications, preparing for his future endeavours.
Growing up on the Taieri Plains, Gary’s connection to the outdoors deepened. He would often venture into the hills with friends on weekends to hunt deer, and during this time, he started practicing taxidermy.
His first project was a shoulder mount of a feral goat, for which he crafted the form using the skull and a combination of woodwool, plaster, and clay. His early work also included mounting birds like chukar partridges and small mammals, such as rabbits, using the wrap method for creating forms.
After leaving school, Gary initially worked in a bank but soon followed his passion for the outdoors, becoming a commercial meat hunter. He hunted deer on foot, personally carrying them out to sell to buyers for the international market, and also worked as a shearer on local farms. Meanwhile, in his spare time, he diligently honed his taxidermy skills in his workshop.
In 1978, Gary entered the inaugural taxidermy competition held by the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association. His entry was a resounding success, winning a gold medal for a ferret, a silver for a chukar partridge, and a bronze for a life-size chamois, sculpted and cast in his own workshop. This achievement fueled his dedication to furthering his craft. To focus on taxidermy, he took on night shifts at a wool mill and freezing works, leaving his days free to refine his skills.
By 1979, Gary officially opened Mosgiel Taxidermy Studio, where he began accepting work from the public. Over time, his expertise expanded, and he mounted a wide variety of subjects, including birds, small mammals, game heads, and fish. Inspired by the sculpting techniques of Joe Kish, featured in Taxidermy Review magazine, Gary began carving necks and shoulders for game heads, attaching the original skulls, and finishing the sculptures with clay before making molds. He emphasized the importance of reference materials, creating numerous death masks, eye, nose, and study casts, and hundreds of anatomy templates.
Gary’s sculpting skills flourished, and over the years, he crafted more than 150 forms for New Zealand’s native game species. The high quality of his work attracted attention from other taxidermists across the country, who began requesting his forms. In the early 1990s, he started supplying forms to taxidermists throughout New Zealand. His forms are widely regarded as some of the finest available, and they have helped taxidermists worldwide win numerous prestigious trophies.
At the age of 74, Gary continues to produce up to a thousand hand-poured, trimmed, and packaged mannikins each year, alongside his wife Pat, who has been his steadfast partner throughout his career. Gary attributes much of his success to two things: his belief in God and the beauty of creation, and the unwavering support of his wife. Together, they celebrate their 53rd anniversary this year.
Gary has been an active promoter of the taxidermy industry in New Zealand. For over 30 years, he has given talks to public and hunting groups, sharing his knowledge and passion. He has tutored numerous aspiring taxidermists, many of whom have gone on to establish their own successful businesses. Gary’s contributions to the field include judging prestigious taxidermy competitions, such as the Safari Club International (SCI) taxidermy competition in the 1990s and twice judging the New Zealand Taxidermy Association competition.
Gary’s reputation within the industry is one of generosity and excellence. Known for his willingness to share knowledge and his humble approach, he has earned the respect of his peers, being described as a “well of knowledge.” His business motto, “In the pursuit of excellence,” reflects his commitment to perfection in his craft. Even now, Gary continues to refine his sculpting skills and is currently working on a new range of mannikins for fallow deer and wild boar, further expanding his already extensive collection.
Gary Pullar’s journey in the world of taxidermy is a testament to his dedication, craftsmanship, and passion for the natural world. With decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to his craft, he has earned his place as one of New Zealand’s foremost taxidermists and sculptors, leaving an enduring legacy in the industry.
