Realistic Taxidermy, 1216 US Highway 90 W, Castroville, TX 78009, US

It all began as a dream of two men, during an off-the-cuff conversation in 1983. Eddie Eckols ( long-time game processor ) and Bob Layton ( long-time taxidermist ) got to talking. What kind of a business could you create by joining the two into one entity? After 50 years in the business, and failing health, Bob Layton wanted to retire to enjoy his family and LBJ Lake house. But, he always had work that needed to be completed, and no one to complete it other than himself. Eddie Eckols could see the possibilities, and his wheels began spinning. He knew the time was coming to close the doors on the last of his 3 his meat markets and barbeque restaurant, but he had valued employees that he wanted to be able to keep on year round so he would still have them available for game processing during the deer season. Along with several others, his nephew, Terry Jahns, had been with him for years. He wanted to provide an opportunity for him and his wife, yet always the businessman, an opportunity that would work well for him as well.And so it began. March 29, 1985 saw the doors of Eddie's meat market close and the renovations into taxidermy studio begin. Meanwhile, Terry and his wife, Ann began their apprenticeship at Layton's Taxidermy. Under the ever-watchful eyes and guiding hands and words of Bob Layton, Terry took on the heart of the business, mounting Whitetails and life-size, while Ann took on the birds, fish, rugs, life-size and reptiles. June of 1985 saw the closing of Layton's Taxidermy on Recoletta Drive behind Nagel's Gun Shop, and the opening of Eddie's Taxidermy on Nacogdoches Rd. Bob Layton spent the better part of the next year not only training Terry and Ann in the art of taxidermy, but also in the ins-and-outs of the business. Although in significantly decreased amounts, Bob Layton continued to visit and offer his expertise until his death in September of 1987.After several years in separate buildings, it was decided that it would be more advantageous for the game processing plant and taxidermy to be in the same facility. This setup would allow Terry to be hands-on for both the taxidermy and game processing plant during the actual hunting season. In 1992, Terry and Ann purchased the taxidermy business from Eddie, and maintain full ownership. Although they changed the official name to Trophy Buck, Inc, they continue to do business as ( dba ) Eddie's Taxidermy. Although the years have seen many changes, Terry remains actively involved in the mounting and day-to-day running of the business, while Ann continues to keep the books, as well as complete all rug and leatherwork. She still jumps in on some of the other areas when demand requires. During the season, they both remain fixtures of both the processing plant and taxidermy studio.Personal Note: Reflecting on the last 25 years in the business, we have weathered, literally and figuratively, the good and bad of both the business of taxidermy and deer hunting as a whole. Many changes have taken place over the years, but our love for the art and the business has not been diminished. The heart of our business is our customers. Each customer that entrusts us with their trophy deserves our individual attention. We strive to maintain a standard of excellence in both taxidermy and business practices as a whole. We are grateful to many for their friendship, loyalty and trust, but none more than Eddie and Esther Eckols. They opened up the opportunity for this business and stood by both of us during our transitions from employee to business partner to business owner. The loss of Eddie ( 1998 ) and Esther ( 2003 ) will continue to leave an empty spot in both the business and our hearts, but we will attempt to honor their memory in both practice and person.Terry Jahns was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in1978, and attended the University of Texas at San Antonio from 1978 until 1982 with a focus in Business Adminis