Preserving the Hunt

Partners in Precision

Northern Game Taxidermy and Northern Game Tannery | La Crete, AB

Entrepreneurs, like hunters, thrive on spotting hidden details. When Gregory, 34, and Emily, 31, Doerksen of La Crete, noticed a gap in the local taxidermy market, the couple took their shot and started building their dual enterprise—Northern Game Taxidermy and Northern Game Tannery.

Starting out in business as a seasonal hunting guide, Gregory quickly noted many of his US clients wanted to hire a taxidermist locally.

“A lot of guys want to leave the animal here and get the finished product shipped to them, so I was always looking for taxidermists who had the time and interest to take on projects,” said Gregory Doerksen.

Doerksen has always found himself in awe of the craftsmanship found in taxidermy.

“I didn’t think there was space for another taxidermist in the area until I was actually looking for one,” said Doerksen.

The Doerksens dipped their toes into the trade expecting it to become a hobby, but Gregory and Emily soon found themselves working full time, launching Northern Game Taxidermy together in 2021.

To reach their goals, they had to put everything on the line. They sold what they could and cleared every debt possible to fund their education and invest in their company’s foundation.

“There were no holidays and no spending on yourself for three and a half years,” said Doerksen. “Just hard work and endless hours.”

Earning their taxidermy certificates, they wasted to time growing their business.

“Today, we provide our taxidermy services for five-to-six different outfitters in the region, and 80- to 90-percent of our customers are US clients. The remaining work we do is for local hunters,” said Doerksen.

With more than one pair of eyes on each project, the dynamic duo works together, each with their own opinion and ways of seeing things.

“Sometimes you don’t see a flaw, but someone else will,” said Doerksen. “Working together gives us a big advantage, and it has a big impact on the quality of work we deliver.”

Working year-round, each season brings a new list of things to do.

“In the beginning of August, we work with outfitters in Nunavut for their caribou, muskox and wolf seasons,” said Doerksen. “Moose and black bear seasons also begin in the fall, which runs into wolf season in Alberta.”

In March, Nunavut orders start to come in, and the whole cycle begins again.

Between Alberta’s hunting seasons and the Arctic seasons, the Doerksens are kept busy. In the small breaks between seasons, they are busy prepping everything. Last year, they expanded their taxidermy shop.

Recognizing more potential in the market, in 2025 they officially launched Northern Game Tannery, which offers custom skinning, salt and fleshing, and tanning services. For customers, it cuts out a trip to Edmonton, filling a large gap in the northern market.

“We now preserve animal hides on-site at the tannery we built last year. Customers can simply drop off their hide, and pick it up when it’s ready,” said Doerksen.

They hired a tannery manager and two employees to do the tanning prep work. They hired Gregory’s sister Shelia to manage the office, which includes exporting and paperwork.

“Establishing prices that are profitable has been the biggest hurdle for us,” said Doerksen.

“A lot of our supplies come from the US, so the prices we pay are everchanging and very inconsistent at times.”

Like any good business owners, the Doerksens actively look for ways to improve their operation. They are working toward building an even bigger shop with a large showroom.

“We would love to expand both the taxidermy shop and the tannery. It would be so nice to have a team of taxidermists,” said Doerksen. “Our community has been very supportive, and we wouldn’t be here without them.”

To learn more connect via social media, email northerngametaxidermy@gmail.com or call

780-841-6335.

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Words by Siobhan Kennedy | Photography submitted