I have not taken the plunge yet but very badly want to try taxidermy as a hobby I'm an avid hunter and have had some birds this year that I would have loved to have mounted but it's very expensive I got to thinking I would enjoy the mounts even more if I could do them myself ! were is the best place to start . I'm thinking about ordering a squirrle kit and starting there .Can anyone give me some advise on were to start.
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Hey Tim Get a many books and viedos yuo can on the subject and read and watch. You cant have too many reference pictures of your subject.
After you have done that, then get started. If yu have questions after that you can go to the search button in here and look for the same questions. If it is not there then ask on the forum. These guys are a big help. Give as much information as possible and you will get a good answer. Good Luck. Skeeter
a squirrel kit is an inexpensive way to get your feet wet and see what it's all about. (Don't get to discouraged about those little toes) Also, freeze up some of your next birds for the future. Experiment with different critters (personally squirrels drive me nuts lol) birds are fun and fairly easy for a beginner; the basic supplies for mounting are not too bad either. If you enjoy your first experiences, head for the tapes and some manuals and dive in! Also, check out the home page and get as many free catalogs from suppliers as you can, there's loads of info in there. Have fun and let us know how it goes!
Knowledge, and skills. Some are gifted and learn quickly and some can never do a half way good job, Thats what you pay for.
I would start by ordering a taxidermy Catalog. I use Van Dykes, 800-843-3320. They have videos and books to get you started. Their kits are OK but don't expect great results with them. You are better off ordering the piece parts yourself.
I started with a pheasant and tanning deer hides. A deer head mount is actually not too hard. Skin everything you can as if you were going to mount it. Expect a few mounts that look like road kill but don't give up.
Here is my web site. It has some more info on getting started.
http://www.goldengate.net/~bleibnit/hunting/taxi.htm