My son and I have fished together since he was 3 years old, and I have always meant to mount some if his momentous catches. I wish I had mounted the first smallmouth he caught while wading in a stream when he was 4. I didn’t pursue it then, and regret having missed the opportunity. A few years ago, my son and I were fishing on the Arkansas River near Salida, Colorado. When he caught his personal best brown trout that day on the Arkansas river, I decided to find someone who could preserve the moment for him. That’s when I discovered James Salazar, owner of New Creations Taxidermy. Being a novice at preserving a catch, I didn’t know to not clean the fish before bringing it in. James gently told me it’s best to bring the fish in whole, then he took the time to find out exactly what we wanted and assured us he would do his best. His best was, and still is beautiful. We couldn’t be happier with the result. Last year, we went fishing in New Mexico and my son caught his first pike. I didn’t think twice about driving 5 hours to Salida to trust James again. That mount is a work of art. Even if you have to go out of your way to get to New Creations Taxidermy, it is worth the trip. You’re preserving a memory, so trust your memory to an artist.

I shot my bull in 2020 near Gunnison, CO. I used my satellite messenger to coordinate with my brother about locating a taxidermist near Gunnison. He located James New Creation Taxidermy and I’m so thankful he did. James accommodated me by allowing me to drop off my bull pretty late at night and mailed me the ivory about a week later. I only packed out the skull and horns because I had originally planned to do a European mount. A couple days later, while still in the back country, I decided to do a shoulder mount. James was quick to locate a replacement cape that matched the bull a shot as close as he could. This was all through Covid and his tannery was backed up so he informed me it would take a while to get back. James finally received the cape back and was up front with me that he would still be a while as he would not rush to get this done and sacrifice quality. I was ok with that because we all know taxidermy isn’t cheap. I recently received my bull and the quality was unreal. James obviously pours his heart and soul into his work and honors the animal during the process. He has kept in touch and updated me throughout the whole process and I’ve ended up making a new friend. I highly recommend James, because he really takes his time and makes sure things are done right.

James just finished 2 animals for me.  First, was my first Colorado black bear taken with archery. I had James do the skull and a rug since this was a memory I hope never to forget. The second was a Corsican ram. On this I had James do a shoulder mount. James listened to my adventures on both and brought them back to life with his work. The bear was done first and when I saw the detail, professionalism, and care James did, I got all the feelings and emotions back when I harvested him. The hair standing,goosebumps, shaky hands, and adrenaline fill me. When I look at the rug or skull, the emotions all come back. All the mistakes I made, James was able to make them invisible. On the ram, james took what I gave him and surpassed my expectations. His work is superior because each project is a story. James has become my go to for any work. I will continue to use him in the future. I enjoy going to his shop, seeing his latest pros, and of course talking with him. Thank you James for the wonderful work you provide.

Huge Lake Trout!  I caught a true lunker measuring 37.5 inches, weighing 30.5 lbs with a 25.5 inch girth and immediately knew who to take it to... James Salazar at New Creations Taxidermy has done a few European Elk mounts for me in the past and everytime I'm in his shop, I admire his displays of fish that he has done. He is an award winning fish taxidermist with many mounts and awards for the public to view. I knew right away that he was the one I wanted to do my fish... James' and I determined that this mount was gonna be different. He went above and beyond to work with me in seeing my vision for the mount and put his full creative mind to work to make my vision a reality. His professionalism and upfront ambitions came out in a big way. I am so happy with James and the job he has done. In my mind Taxidermy is an art and James at New Creations Taxidermy is a true artist and one hell of a guy. Very proud of him and the job he's done. 5 star guy. Thanks James!