Episode #102
EP102: Finding Artistry in the Hunting Industry ↣ Doug Cockroft From Splitting Image
In this Episode Robin visits Doug Cockroft –founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy– in his incredible factory and studio space. The conversation delves into the journey of taxidermy, It's origins, the unknown passion involved, and the future of the industry. It explores the impact of importation rules and its evolving solutions to new challenges. Amongst Doug's own fascinating stories we also cover the evolution of 3D printing technology, the art of taxidermy and anatomy, tanning techniques, ethics and principles in taxidermy, and the discussion of hunting, conservation, and responsibility. We also couldn't tip our hat to the future of taxidermy without giving a comical nod to taxidermy 100 years ago. A huge thank you to Doug for the thought provoking chat, and to the Splitting Image team for their help setting up the space. Check out the Splitting Image website Follow them on Instagram , YouTube , and Facebook too Give Robin and The Wild Dispatch a follow on Instagram + Facebook ... Listen on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , and watch on YouTube too. This episode dives into the fascinating world of taxidermy, guided by Doug Cocroft, founder of Splitting Image Taxidermy. We explore the history, technological advancements, ethical considerations, and the profound connection between hunting and conservation. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and the importance of respecting wildlife in taxidermy 00:44 - Doug Cockroft’s entrance into taxidermy 01:30 - The origin of taxidermy practices 02:16 - The transformative role of hunting and conservation in Africa 04:10 - The relationship between taxidermy and wildlife storytelling 05:16 - Personal reflections on connecting with nature 06:40 - The importance of patience, observation, and respect 08:07 - Hunting versus non-hunting – A spectrum of attitudes 09:13 - Memorable experiences and mishaps 10:52 - The story of a vehicle mishap 14:50 - The role of hunting 18:49 - Transition from guiding to taxidermy 20:00 - How 9/11 reshaped Doug’s career path into taxidermy 21:40 - Early training and challenges in taxidermy 25:12 - Doug's true passion for the craft and conservation’s role 28:49 - The history and cultural roots of taxidermy in Africa and beyond 38:31 - 3D printing, scanners, and chemical advancements 42:17 - Evolution of techniques and technologies 48:44 - Handling ethical considerations 53:01 - Taxidermy and creative, respectful expressions 56:46 - The influence of legislation and poaching 60:39 - The connection between hunting, storytelling, and societal perception 64:18 - The importance of authentic outdoor experiences a 65:33 - Resources and inspirations for those interested in taxidermy