Orion has had a passion for conservation since he was five years old hunting with his family in Arizona. Each trip into the wilderness was a cherished moment that was forever engraved in his heart and taxidermy quickly became a way to preserve those memories. Orion was always inspired by the meticulous detail and beauty of each specimen he observed. In 2002, Orion joined the U.S. Air Force and although his focus changed, he never lost his passion for the outdoors. In 2006 Orion decided to take up taxidermy as a hobby and his step-father Grady Smith (owner/artist of Arizona Wings) mentored Orion through each meticulous step of mounting a duck. Orion’s first specimen was a Gadwall, and although it wasn’t perfect, the knowledge gained invigorated Orion to try again. For the next 22 years, while still serving his country, Orion practiced avian taxidermy and after his retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Orion decided to open his own taxidermy studio.
