Swamphunter Posted September 12, 2009 Report Share Posted September 12, 2009 How did you guys all get your start in taxidermy. Since I was a kid, I have always thought about one day becoming a taxidermist, but have never attempted it. Since I can retire in 5 months, I would like to maybe pick up a bit of a hobby for myself and was wondering how is the best way to get started in taxidermy? I was thinking about college courses or something, but wanted to know and hear from all of you what to look for and what to avoid... thanks Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sluggunner Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Self taught. Well Ken I taught myself just by reading "How to" books on taxidermy and lots of trial and error. Just like your martial arts the key is practice practice practice. Trust me your first couple of mounts will probably stink, but you will get better and better with each one. You may even ruin a few critters; that is why I would recommend starting out with things like squirrels. I taught myself on road killed squirrels as I didn't hunt yet when I started learning. Another HUGE tip is get the right tools for the job. They really make some of the more difficult tasks much easier. Tools like an ear opener and tail skinning tool are a must. Also always use sharp sharp blades on your knives and scalpels. I go through exacto blades like water. Trust me you will make much fewer mistakes with sharp blades. Take a look at my posts in this section of the forum titled Sluggunner's hobby Part I, II, and III and also the one titled coyote I mounted. It will give you an idea as to what results you can achieve through just teaching yourself. By far it would be much better if you could have someone show you and walk you through the process step by step, but you can learn through just books, and now there are even videos out there that teach taxidermy. I have never seen them, so I don't know how good or useful they are. Maybe the others can chime in here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RTF Posted September 13, 2009 Report Share Posted September 13, 2009 Just buy books and videos. the best series out there is Breakthrough Taxidermy from Wasco. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikewink Posted September 15, 2009 Report Share Posted September 15, 2009 Talk with some of your local taxidermists. As you will be retiring, one of them may be in the need of a apprentice. I almost did that a couple of years ago. There are also some good schools for taxidermy also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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