I am in a situation where I want to begin taxidermy practice for myself.I'm intrested in all facets of taxidermy.I've studied books & videos put out by WASCO (the 7 part beginners course),& I have a good understanding of it.I am currently in a seasonal material shortage (no deer,waterfowl,etc.)to start practicing with.What i do have is a cock pheasant,11"bluegill,6lb.saugeye,13"black crappie,in my freezer right now.I guess what my question is, should i start out on fish taxidermy , since i have a supply of practice material,or should i wait until i get a couple deer & start with novelty & deer rump mounts? your advise would be appreciated.I want to start out right.
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Weeeeeeeeeeeell now, welcome to the taxi world and good luck with it.If you want to be an all around taxi and not specialize in any parcticular venue, then mount what ever you have on hand! Fish are a great starter, and I am sure you can find some roadkill squirrels and such to atrt your mammals. If just starting, the squirrrel is a great begginer piece. Dont jump right into deer. You will learn a lot about anatomy and get a feel for handling delicate skin with squirels. As for fish, keeep the crapie till last so you do not get discouraged, and give em a try. You will go through quite a lot of fish during this experimentation time, I KNOw I did. All fish present there own i dividual problems, and doing a good assortment will give you musch experience. The beginner video selection was a great idea, and you seem to be on the right track. Get yourself somegod reference photos, and study them. Start yourself a good reference library, from pictures in magazines, and there aresome great reference photos in Taxidermy reference section.The people on this forum will give you a wealth of information that is invaluable!If you ever want to start doing reptiles let me know and I will send you some good reference photos and try to help you as best i can. Also i have a great video out showing snake mounting from stsrt to finish! Just have fun with your practice, and most important! BE OBSERVANT! P.S. As for the roadkill, make sure it is legal in your state!