Evansville couple turns taxidermy talent into statewide success – Valley News Live

EVANSVILLE, Minn. (Valley News Live) – A local couple has turned their shared hobby into a full-time taxidermy business — and their small-town shop is now stacked with blue ribbons.
From hunters’ memories frozen in time to birds that look like they could fly away, Zach and Autumn Johnson’s award-winning work at Northern Pursuit Taxidermy is putting Evansville, Minnesota, on the map.
The husband-and-wife duo not only share a last name — they share a workbench. What started as Zach experimenting with mounts years ago has now grown into two full-time jobs.
“We had been dating for a few years and then she’s like, maybe you should find out how to do this yourself!” Zach said.
Their shop is located right at home, where they mount hunted game and salvaged animals, often working shoulder to shoulder on the same piece.
They say in this business, “we” is their most important tool.
“I might know something is wrong but can’t quite pick it out,” Zach said. “She can come over and tell me what she thinks, so it really works good.”
The Johnsons recently took top honors at a state competition, where their entries “ruled the roost” in multiple bird categories. Northern Pursuit Taxidermy won three state titles this year in Small Waterfowl, Large Waterfowl and Upland Bird.
Autumn won her first blue ribbon in the professional division and picked up the arts and crafts category title for the fourth year in a row.
“It really started as nothing, and I mean, now it’s this,” Autumn said. “It’s crazy and so amazing to have the support we’ve had.”
For the Johnsons, it’s proof that success hits a little different when you’re standing next to your spouse — and that small-town talent can reach far beyond city limits.
Information on ordering mounts from Northern Pursuit Taxidermy can be found on the business’s Facebook page.
The couple says they do not take on pet projects, but are always interested in new game orders.
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