Ladies and Gents. I've been reading these forums for awhile and picking up some great info. Sounds like a good family of taxi's. I'm perplexed over what would be a better option for me. I'm really interested in taxidermy. I'm talented with my hands, a wildlife artist and very industrious. I've read up on some archives about partner ships and think this wouldn't be the best for me. But what I'm wondering is would I be better off getting in with a local dermist or going to a school here in Texas and learning in a more systematic and organized manner> I want to find out what I'm really good at doing and specialize in the group. Although I would hate to turn down a deer mount if I was really good at fish. I don't like seeing money walk out the door. I know my best training will come from my own mistakes...it always has. Thanks in advance for all advice.
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WERE ARE YOU AT IN TEXAS?/
I own and operate a smoothie and fruit cup shoppe. I should have a sales contract on it by month's end . Then I will practice the tax trade. Thinking about going to Central Texas School of Taxidermy in Llano by Lake Buchanon.
Kevin,
I think your questions are very valid. Probably much depends on the
opportunities you have with local taxidermists. If you are freinds with a local taxidermist that wouldn't mind teaching you the trade, this would be a great option. Most strangers are not going to be wiling to teach someone that will go into competition with them. If you can find a good taxidermist that is willing and able to teach, this is a great situation.
Many others seem to do well learning from video or books. I have seen some of the videos. The ones I have seen are quite good. The only drawback to video is sometimes things don't work out as well in the real world as they do on video. I recently watched one, that one of my students brought to class for me to see. Everything on the video was correct and the taxidermist did a great job teaching. But this particualar deer cape didn't even have a bullet hole in it. Fixing bullet holes and damage is a big part of this business. I'm sure there is another video that shows this. I think you see my point though. Having an experienced taxidermist there to ask questons of, is pretty handy too.
As far as taxidermy schools, I have heard good things about Central Texas School of Taxidermy.
These are my thoughs, someone else may have other opinions that are equally valid. You will find that there are many qualified taxidermists on this forum that are willing to help. Some may not agree with what I have told you. Keep in mind, there truely is "more than one way to skin a cat." (My favorite is dorsal cut)
Chip Stamper
Missouri Taxidermy Institute
We are not Taxis and don't do Tax returns for a living ,We are Taxidermists, Wish you luck. Jonathan.
I would reccomend you go to school first, then look for a place to work to complete your education. You can also opt to start out on your own (many people do), but be prepared to have it rough the first 3-4 yrs while you learn how to run the business and improve your skills. Many taxidermists would like to see a prospective employee have at least a good knoweledge of the basics before they hire someone on. They may also want to take a look at some of your work so they know what they are getting themselves into as far as time away from production to train a new taxidermist. Be prepared to sign a contract stating you will not open your own taxidermy business within a certain distance of the shop you work for. This is common and understandable from the employers perspective. He/she will be putting a lot of time and effort into making you a good taxidermist and wouldn't want you to quit after 6 mo so you could become the new competition.
Yep... Shcool first~ see how it pays off
LOL - Actually that would be spelling. think I grammar is where you to learn put sentences together.GOTCHA!