Hey guys I have been reading in here for a couple of weeks now, but have never posted. I have just one kind of simple question. I am a full time State Trooper and wanted to get into taxidermy for kind of like an extra job, 1 for extra money and 2 I really think I would enjoy it (being that its not police related). So my question to you all, professional and non-professional, Is it fun and do you enjoy it? Would it be worth it to me to jump into it? I don't think I would be a "hacksadermist". But I just would really like some of yalls opinion on the matter. Thanks in advance.
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Yes, it is fun and enjoyable. And sometimes not so fun and a pain in the you-know-what! LOL! The best thing you can do is join your state and national taxidermy associations. Then, attend shows and seminars at such as a human sponge, and soak up all the info you can. You'll learn a LOT at the seminars. Subscribe to Breakthrough Magazine and Taxidermy Today...must haves! Frequent this site, ask questions and use the orange 'search' button often. Videos and how-to books are also great. I especially like the Breakthrough series, myself. Take your time, be patient, ALWAYS be willing to learn and maybe someday we'll see you 'at the top.'
Good luck and enjoy. I've always felt if you don't enjoy what you're doing, find something you DO enjoy. Life is too short....
Keep us posted on your progress! =)
PS: My license number is....just kidding! LOL!
If you like to work with your hands, have extra time and extra space I'd say go for it. Do a few small animal heads first, These can be mounted for a minimum of time,tools and money involved. After you mount up a few you will find out real fast if you want to continue or not. Im not a pro, do mostly friends ,family etc. If your main motivation is just extra money buy a pressure washer and clean driveways on your days off. In my opinion taxidermy isn't something you just jump into. I enjoy it thats why I do it.
Hey partner, I have been a cop for 14 yrs. I have just over the past year got into taxidermy. I have to say what a stress reliever it has been for me. I never thought something could get into ones system the way taxidermy has to me. I have just completed building my own studio. I have worked along side a very well known taxidermist in my area who has decided to give it up. He is sending every one to me. I may end up retiring early just to keep up with the taxidermy work load. Taxidermy has its moments just like with any other job. I still am learning and this site has it all. I read on here every night at work (when its slow). Taxidermy is not for every one. The best way to see if its something you will like go to a taxidermy shop and see if you can set in. There are a few guys that would let you watch. Once you get past the fleshing the rest is the fun part. I enjoy every minute I spend doing taxidermy. Well if you would like to give me an email and maybe we could talk over the phone and I can give you more info. Good luck Jack
Jump on in and give it a try! Although, I must say once it's in your blood I don't think you'll ever be able to completely walk away from it. It's sort've addictive.
As far as "hackadermist" goes, there are hacks in every field. (It's not just taxidermy folks). If you take pride in your work and you pay attention to details and make the effort to listen and learn, you will be heads and shoulders above many others out there...
I got into taxidermy by accident. I have always been involved in hunting, fishing and the outdoors. I knew I wanted a career working with wildlife, so I went to college. I thought that working for the CA dept of Fish and Game would be just the ticket to get me where i wanted to be. Into my second year of college I was given a 14 foot python to take to by zoology class for a project. I only had 4 volunteers to help me work on it. After we skinned it out my professor said that he would be taking the skin to a taxidermist friend. I went with him. Just walking through those doors of the shop (studio) I felt at home. I took a chance and asked the taxidermist if I could come by once a week to watch him. To my surprise he said yes! Once a week became once a day. Eventually, I left college and started working full time for the taxidermist. that was almost 2 years ago. I love my job and I never expected to have fun at work. I have found what I will be doing for the rest of my life. Last month I heard that DFG cut hundreds of jobs. I imagine that had I not come into the shop that day, I might not have had such a great chance at a dream job. Who knows? If I had gone to work for DFG I would be looking for work! I wish you much luck and have fun with your newfound hobby!
-Jeanette
Just specialize In birds for example & help another
taxidermist out.Taxidermy Is a big field?
Thanks guys and gal's, I appreciate the honesty. I think I am going to do it. Thanks again for all the comments. And Jack, I was a police officer in Montgomery AL for 9 years before leaving to go work for the state. So you indeed know about the stress! I have only been a Trooper for 2 years and just want something to do in my spare time that has nothing to do with law enforcment. I have a friend who has also been a officer for the better part of 15 years and he is a taxidermist, thats where I got the idea from. Thanks again
Just my personal take on it, keep it as a hobby and a stress reliever. It is a tough way to make a living, and the folks on here that do have my highest reguards. I really enjoy mounting my own stuff and relaxing in the garage. I know if I was working on time constraints and dead lines alot of the enjoyment would be lost. This also gives me the time to hunt and fish, which alot of people doing this full time dont get to do as often as they wish.
my eyes hurt