Sam Cahoy

Neither of my parents hunted, but my Boy Scout leader sensed my interest in the outdoors and introduced me to hunting as a young teenager in 1998.  Waterfowl hunting soon became my passion, which led to an interest in taxidermy.  While in high school I watched videos, read books, and then tackled my first taxidermy project - a blue winged teal.  At the time I considered the project a masterpiece, and pictures serve as a humble reminder of my beginnings as a taxidermist.

After high school, I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from South Dakota State University.  As a college student, I continued to dabble in taxidermy and realized I had much to learn.  During the summer, I attended a two week class on birds and a one week class on fish in Iowa, as well as a two week class on mammals in Montana.

In 2007 I started my business, Showpiece Taxidermy, working part-time for eight years.  In July 2015 I began doing taxidermy full time.  I offer all types of taxidermy services:  birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, and novelty items.

I entered a Northern Shoveler in the South Dakota State Taxidermist Competition in 2009 and have been competing ever since.  I really enjoy the competition experience which provides the opportunity to learn, improve, and develop friendships with taxidermists from around the country. I have served as the Vice President of the South Dakota Taxidermy Association for the past several years.