I'm interested in pursueing a career in taxidermy..I work a seasonal job and I'm laid off from November to March...I'm looking for something to do during that time and then eventually full time..Taxidermy is appealing to me since I'm an avid outdoorsman and have always enjoyed art..I have many questions before pursueing this like: What is the job outlook like?I live in central Pa..Is there enough of a market out there for taxidermy?How to learn the trade?I've looked at these Taxidermy schools on the internet that cost 8 to 13 thousand dollars..Is going to school worth it?Or should i do an apprenticeship?How much would I have invested in the tools and equipment to get started?Do i need licenses or permits and do they cost anything?These are just some of the questions I have and any other information will be helpful...Thanks..
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Barry,
Taxidermy is an excellent part-time job and a rewarding one at that! Although certain months are much more hectic than others, I will not give up this work for anything. There are many factors to consider before starting shop. You must be experienced. If you are doing primarily deer heads, I recommend you practice at least 10 heads before opening shop. Turkeys - 15, exc.. This is probably not a necessity, but your customers will sure appreciate it! As long as there are hunting seasons, there will always be money to be made. As a full-time job...I am not sure if I would make that leap, yet. If you can continue your other job, you will have a guaranteed income, benefits, exc.. There are a lot of records involved in taxidermy and a proprietorship is a difficult task. If you are serious about making the jump to taxidermy, I would definitely buy The Breakthrough Business Management Manual-excellent resource. Advertising is a key. Eventually word of mouth will be your biggest asset, but for now; Yellow Pages, flyers, business cards, t-shirts, exc.. Every bit helps, but it adds up.
Yes, you will probably need to contact your DNR and get a license. In MN ours cost $44.00 for three years. Not too bad!
I once considered going to school, but many people on this forum changed my mind. Start off with the videos and books. You will save thousands of dollars and you can work at your own pace.
You can get by with a lot of household tools to begin with, but you will eventually need to expand. Right now, I probably have only $400.00 in tools/equipment, because I make a lot of my own and do things the slower and harder way. But like I said, it all adds up.
Good Luck in Your Future,
Brady
Heads & Tails Taxidermy
If you have any other questions, e-mail me.
First on your agenda...need to get the Jonas Brothers catalog and order the Jonas Techniques and Tips Manual...(around !$15.00 I thin...don't have it in front of me at the moment)...think it's Volume # 4 or 5...worth it's weight in gold...contains info on costs, breakdowns, pricing, profit and loss schedules, advertising, promotion, etc.
If you buy ONE BOOK...THIS is the one to get first to answer all your questions indepth.
It's what made Jonas Brothers Of Colorado World Famous asnd the biggest most-famous Taxidermy Studio in thje World in its era. Also get..."The Jonas Story"...$4.95...You'll BE GLAD YOU DID.
~ ETCC
Yes theirs money to be made doing taxidermy,but it depends on how dedicated you are to your work and your customers.Not an easy trade to learn by no means. You gotta really love this trade or your not gonna make it. I think Breakthrough mag. subscription would be a good start or any books, videos, or if you know any taxidermist that would take you on as an apprentice would be a good start. As far as a license goes, PA game comm. will make you pass a test that cost 50$and if you pass it cost you 100$ a year to stay licensed. I agree with having to take a test, but totally against paying them 100$ a year to stay licensed.
In response to your question, yes theirs always room for another taxidemist in PA, and you can make a nice buck doing it as long as your work is really good.The responses above where great advice on how to get started, but that 100$ a year the PA game commission wants is the biggest RIP OFF I ever seen. I dont see how they can even legally get away with that.
Just wanted to thank u guy's for your information and help..I think I'm going to get some books and videos and try to do it myself, instead of spending all that money on school..Maybe later down the road some speacilizing and detail schooling would come in handy, but i think i'm gonna find out for myself and see if I like it..Another question?When would be the busiest time of the year in Pennslyvania?Oct-Jan...during hunting seasons?I'm laid off of work during this time and would have the most time to do it..Do you have to send the hides away to get tanned or do u do it yourself?Again, any other information would be helpful..Thanks