In 1971, at the age of 14, my father started a taxidermy business in Western Pennsylvania.  Since that time, I have made the profession of taxidermy and the study of anatomy my life's work.  In 2001, my wife, Denise, and I moved to Cody, Wyoming.  Here in the Rocky Mountains, one has the opportunity to observe, collect and study virtually all species of North American Big Game. 

Over the past 38 years, I have had the great privilege to meet and develop friendships with many of the profession's finest talents, as well as the opportunity to work with and for some of them. 

From 2004 until 2009, I worked for Dawayne Dewey and Dewey Wildlife Studio here in Cody. My desire to spend more time sculpting and Dawayne's need for more taxidermy production led to our mutually amicable decision that I would leave to pursue my dream and goal of sculpting full-time.

From 2007 until December 31, 2010 I sculpted mannikins exclusively for Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company. 

As of January 1, 2011, I established my new company, Aaron Connelly Sculptor, LLC. I am also pleased to announce my association with Head Quarters Taxidermy Supply Co. Together we negotiated an agreement whereby Head Quarters has purchased the rights to manufacture and market all of the mannikins that I have produced since 2007. The limited edition bronzes are sold exclusively through Aaron Connelly Sculptor, LLC. 

 My interest in sculpture and the study of anatomy came in 1980, after several years of competing in the Pennsylvania Taxidermy competitions and only receiving second and third place awards.

It was at this convention and competition that I met two men, Joe Kish and Forest Hart, who forever changed my approach to taxidermy.  Joe was the owner of the leading taxidermy trade journal at that time, Taxidermy Review, and was also an accomplished sculptor.  Forest was, and I believe still is to this day, one of taxidermy's most accomplished taxidermists as well as the profession's most established and foremost sculptors.  It was there that I attended a seminar of Forest's on sculpting a black bear head.  Friendships were formed and with the encouragement of these two men, I quickly began to see the importance of an anatomically correct mannikin and the impact it had on the final result of one's taxidermy efforts.

I very much enjoy and find great pleasure and satisfaction in the creative process that is involved in sculpting new mannikins and in creating custom designed taxidermy.  I also enjoy meeting taxidermists from all around the world and sharing knowledge gained with fellow colleagues.

 In This Photo:  Aaron with Joe Kish at the 2009 World Taxidermy Championships!

Our Business

Aaron Connelly is available for custom taxidermy design, and custom sculpting from mannikins to commissioned and limited edition bronze work.

Take a Class from Aaron!

If you are interested in personal one on one classes pertaining to sculpting or custom designed Big Game Taxidermy, please contact me  to discuss how I may be of help to you in regards to your desire and goal of becoming a more accomplished taxidermist and successful business owner.