Date of Birth: January 6, 1961o
Place of Birth: NEED INFO.
Current Location: Littleton, Colorado
Jeff Mourning is a renowned taxidermist based in Littleton, Colorado, specializing in creating lifelike fiberglass fish reproductions. His passion for art and fishing led him to establish Fish Art Taxidermy in 1997, where he has since gained acclaim for his exceptional craftsmanship.
Mourning’s journey into taxidermy was driven by his passion for art, fishing, and a desire to improve on what was available. “I fished a lot,” Mourning recalls. “I was on the water about 265 days a year. Over the years, I had around 30 fish mounted, but I was never really satisfied with the results. Since I was also an artist, I figured I could do a much better job.” And that’s exactly what he did.
In 1997, Mourning turned his passion into a full-time career by launching Fish Art Taxidermy. Since then, he has risen to the top of his field, earning five world titles, five second-place world titles, and ten national titles, among other honors. In 2017, he was honored with the WASCO Award by the National Taxidermists Association.
While he still provides skin mounts for some clients, Mourning’s reputation comes largely from his remarkable skill in creating replica mounts—true pieces of three-dimensional wildlife art. With an airbrush and meticulous attention to detail, Mourning has earned a reputation as a “Piscatorial Picasso,” transforming fiberglass fish into stunning, lifelike showpieces. His work has been featured on the cover of Breakthrough Magazine three times.
Jeff has been a frequent judge and seminar instructor at the World Taxidermy Championshpis® as well as countless state, regional and national taxidermy conventions.
His contributions to the field were further recognized in 2024 when he was inducted into the Colorado Taxidermist Association’s Hall of Fame.
Mourning’s expertise lies in creating detailed and vibrant replicas of various fish species, with a particular fondness for brook trout and native cutthroats. His work not only showcases his artistic talent but also promotes conservation by offering anglers a way to commemorate their catches without harming fish populations.
Operating from his home studio, Mourning continues to serve clients worldwide, delivering high-quality fish mounts that blend artistry with a deep respect for wildlife.
