G'day. Am completely new to the art of Taxidermy but interested in the possibility of using road-kill. We get lots of possums, wallabies and similar small mammals killed around our house. Am I dreaming? and where is the best place to start to learn taxidermy in Australia (Tasmania)?
Matt
Return to Beginners Category Menu
you are not aloud to have or use any native wildlife in tassie
Matt.
I tried emailing you but mail got returned.
I am an amature taxidermist in NSW, Australia and thought i would try to help.
I'm not to sure on the legalities of using native animals in Tasmania but here in NSW, i applied for a recieved a license to use natives found dead for taxidermy practice up here.
(not allowed to practice on raptors or sell mounts done though)
I applied thru the National parks and wildlife. You might be able to phone the mob down your way for advice.
As for learning taxidermy in australia - there isn't any *schooling* that i'm aware of , if there is let me know too ;-).
I even advertised in a paper to 'pay per hour or work for free' for taxidermy tuition with no luck.
I have taught myself up to know.
I highly reccomend buying the breaktrough manuals from the US, although expensive to us with the changeover, they are worth every cent . Try to get as many as you are interested in and can afford, even if one at a time, like me.
(habitat, mammals and Sally Dahmes whitetail deer are 3 i started with)
(try the links page at taxidermy net).
I also sugest getting a subscription to Breakthrough Magazine or Taxidermy Today Magazine.
I have learnt much of my skills thru practice and the above books and mags and thru advice given here on the taxidermy net forums.
One tip is to search the archives here for a topic - say tanning or pickleing , and copy and paste responses into a word program and make yourself a book for refrence.
There is so much ' free ' and valueable advice in there. I do that still, and its great to be able to flick thru a few pages when your stuck on something.
Hope this helps.
Regards, Samantha.
Now...you're a young Lady with a head on your shoulders. I's encouraging letters like yours that we enjoy helping with. You've got the right attitude, spirit, gumptian and perseverence...that's WHY you'll make it big in this business Down Under. Congratulations for the good advice you gave this young fellow.
~ ETCC
Thanks ETCC, I know first hand how hard it is to get help over here AND non-decomposed dead animals. lol.
just doing my bit .....(it felt nice too)
Can afford to and have no children to worry about - go to the states for some training.
Something i looked briefly at 7 yrs ago, and regret not doing.