On September 4, 2006, Hagan Thompson passed away in Las Vegas at age 70. Hagan was a most knowledgeable and experienced hunter. He knew not only Nevada hunting but hunting just about anywhere else in the world as well. He traveled to Canada, Alaska and to five African countries with 25 safaris over a period of 30 years. He was an artist in taxidermy, turning trophies into lifetime memories for his clients. As a taxidermist for over 45 years, he mounted everything from chipmunks to African elephants. His sage advice on the best places to hunt enabled many novice hunters to achieve success in the field.

Hagan was always willing to support sportsmen’s organizations in their fundraising efforts to promote hunting and preserving our rights for the future. He sat on the board of the Desert Chapter of Safari Club International, was a charter member of SCI, an official master measurer for SCI, Texas Exotics, Rowland Ward of Africa, as well as Boone & Crockett Club. Hagan was an avid horseman devoted to trail riding, cow penning, rodeo and cutting horses. He was very proud of his cutting horses, Hickory Badger Peppy, High Playin Dunn, Cash’s Little Pistol and his newest colt, TR Badger Peppy.

Hagan’s taxidermy shop was the modern version of the old time general store where the guys gathered around the cracker barrel for some good stories and even better exaggerations on their conquests in the field and elsewhere! A legend has passed from our midst and can never be replaced. We will hold our special memories each in our own way of a great guy and a dear friend to many people, especially sportsmen from Africa to Nevada and lots of places in between.