I have just ordered the whitetail video for beginers from a-z.. I am woundering how in the world am I going to know what kind of tools I am going to need to start out with.....I am mostly interested in mounting Deer however I am sure I will expand to other animals once I get the hang of it...
Also, where does everyone get all the game heads to practice with.. I know people that harvest their deer dont necessary want a beginner working on there mounts..
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Here on the forum you can get hides to practice on. I would start with small capes off deer, most hunters do not want them mounted. You can get just about any size small set of antlers to put on them. Keep your eyes and ears open, and ask around. Some people will offer you free capes off their deer to practice on if you will skin it out for them. I got animals and birds from my dads friends all the time when I started. Just ask. As for the tools you need to mount with, Subscribe to Taxidermy Today or Breakthrough mags. and you will see what they use. Visit a Taxidermy studio, call them first and ask, and look around to get a good Idea. Ask questions. If you have a spacific
question, post here and someone will answer.
Robert,
I too JUST started the hobby of taxidermy about a week or so ago. The day that I got my 7 book course in the mail I called one of the local meat processors to try and get my hands dirty. Even though it's not deer season anymore, they just happen to have a couple of heads. It may seem like a bizarre questions to ask but I think they've probably gotten atleast a couple of calls like that. Just tell them that your starting a taxidermy course and you need some practice.
The sad part to this story is that I had just missed out on a Wild Boar head....if only I'd call a week before.
I started 2 years ago with the whitetail manual from WASCO. I mounted 2 by only reading the book. After you try it a couple times, sit down and look at every page in a supply catalog(WASCO) and then you will see what you jneed and what you don't. Visit this page every day too, you will also learn a tremendous amout of stuff. Don't be afraid to ask any question on here, but check the search button first. Since I started, I spent a day or 2 with a taxidermist and found out a few new tricks. You just have to WANT to learn and be the best you can be. Email me and I will help you as much as I can. I am still a beginner but I consider myself a long way from the beginning.
Jeff
Needles
Scissors
good sharp knife
hammer
hide tacks
needle nosed pliers
wire cutters
hot glue gun
assorted artist brushes ( some cheap ones and some good quality ones)
stainless steel modeling tools ( top of my list )
Dremel tool ( another must for me )
heat lamp with clamp for light
other assorted cheapies such as
q tips
paper towels
worn out bath towels
chunks of scrap wood or cardboard to mix bondo on
old tin can for paint thinner
bottom of old tin can for custom mixing paint
many things that you already have can probably be used for one thing or another.
I've still got my eye and heart set on a fleshing machine....maybe soon!
do i need a tanner
I'm a beginer. What else do I need?
what tools do i need to start off,and is there anything i can use around the house.