There are some good ones in north alabama. Not sure the drive from smith lake. But I believe Shane Smith is the one whose work I've seen online. Heck of taxidermist.
he’s good but not good enough for a 3.5 year wait
Shane's done 12 for me and currently have 11 there with him now and I've never had more than a 14 month wait. Last year he was even offering discounts because he got slow.