In his early 40s, Michael Boyce found himself in a “mid-life crisis” and decided to change careers. With the help of his wife, he opted to express his appreciation for the animal kingdom by creating lifelike shoulder mounts and dioramas of wildlife as they look and behave.

“I’ve always had a love for the outdoors,” Boyce said Wednesday at his booth at the Safari Club International (SCI) convention.

That passion helped him turn a hobby into Animal Artistry, a full-time business Boyce built located at 1190 Terminal Way in Reno. Each of Animal Artistry’s taxidermied creatures, typically African cats or bears, are faithful to their real-life counterpart.

The move paid off for Boyce. His many works now line the Reno-Sparks Convention Center during SCI’s 36th annual convention, which began Wednesday and runs through Saturday.

The SCI works to promote freedom of hunting and educate members about wildlife conservation. It also provides members access to hunting resources and services. The organization exists in more than 100 countries and serves 45 million families worldwide.

The convention, which is scheduled to come to Reno annually until January 2010, attracts thousands of participants and hundreds of vendors who come to share information and camaraderie among those who have a passion for wildlife.

It provides opportunities for people like Boyce to exhibit their work. Boyce’s mounts are the result of meticulous research. To fully capture the in-life authenticity of the species he reproduces, Boyce said he studies anatomy, behaviors and habitats. His taxidermy specialists train apprentices as they produce their figures, which range from $750 for a shoulder mount to $110,000 for a lifesize statue.

Among other booths and vendors, SCI goers strolled down the aisles in the convention center perusing various hunting gear, books and videos.

Naturally, the SCI offers safaris around the world for avid and prospective hunters.

Ian Rutledge is a licensed professional hunter who operates two concessions in the Zambezi Valley and Midlands region in his native central Zimbabwe. His business, Dindingwe Safaris, challenges hunters to some of the country’s more dangerous gaming, including kudu, bushbuck, impala and warthog.

“It’s the most impressive community of people,” Rutledge said of the Safari Club. “They’re a great bunch of people. The exhibitors are mindblowing.”

Men and women alike tried out rifles while vendors informed interested onlookers about upcoming safaris to Africa, New Zealand and Alaska. Other vendors showed various knick-knacks and jewelry, and displayed various works of paintings and sculptures.

Jerry McKellar, one such sculpture artist, said the convention is a “very good show.”

McKellar’s sculptures depict the Native American heritage and “mountain man” way of life. The former dentist from Colville, Wash., now fashions bronze figures instead of casting gold fillings.

Though he often has slow periods, he said coming to these conventions is a chance to meet others who also have interesting exhibits and knowledge to share.

“There’s so much to see here,” McKellar said. “It’s still a good show even if you’re not into hunting and fishing.”