I am interested in beginning to learn the art of taxidermy. I have spoken to a local taxidermist about a school and have since determined that I cannot afford it at this time. I am an avid sportsman who enjoys hunting and fishing.
I have learned that I can get a taxidermy license relatively easy and would like to practice for a few years on my own specimens or those of friends.
I am looking for some good instructional videos to get me started and would like some advice. I have already done some pretty extensive research on techniques so I have a pretty good idea of the general process involved in the various forms of taxidermy.
What are your feelings about using videos to start with?
I should mention that I plan on getting schooling once I can afford it.
Thank you for your time.
Chris
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Chris,
If all you can afford now is to learn from videos, that's great
for now. Trust me if your enjoying it you will definately search
out other ways to learn more in the future. Besides, even after
"proper" schooling, you will still find that there is something new
to learn every day! Have fun and Good Luck!
I started by getting WASCO's beginners books. Plan on getting some videos soon. Can't wait to go to the West Virginia state show to meet and learn from everyone there and maybe one Ohio show this year. I read from this forum and take notes everyday. Have got just about every suppliers catalog out there. Getting friends and family who hunt to donate to me what they get(unless it's a record breaker lol). I also look forward to hunting season to try with what I get. Also looking to build and find cheap ways to do other things. Most of all, read this site everyday and learn from everyone.
Chris,
I bought a few video's too make sure you check the dates they were made. The Chase video's i bought are so outdated. There are updated video's so my advise is to buy them. I got a great goose video from Van Dykes. Research seems to have updated video's too.
Good luck
Mike
Chris, Good videos are a great way to watch a certain process but don't overlook the wealth of knowlege found in the magazines, Taxidermy Today and Breakthrough. Unlike videos that my show outdated methods these magazines carry the very latest techniques,easily worth every penny of their cost. Also avalible to newcomers are the state taxidermist associations. Contact your state's group to find out where and when seminars will be presented. Added bonus for joining the group will be contact with many professionals willing to help you learn, again worth every cent of the cost. There are so many ways to gain knowlege about taxidermy these days but don't settle for one. Good luck with this and enjoy, Aaron H.
I would recommend getting your feet wet via books and videos over paying a lot of money for schooling at this point. So many people think they can do taxidermy simply because they hunt and fish. The reality is that it does take some artistic talent and business savvy if you wish to succeed. Along with a lot of hard work getting that business going! I'd be curious as to the number of people out there that paid big money to learn this art and never ended up pursuing it. I'll bet it's pretty high. Save your money, get the books and videos and practice. Take the time to ensure that you want to do this BEFORE forking out the major cabbage...
the first thing that I would do is make a copy of them. The one's I've used in the past only played several times and quit playing. I like to go back to them as reference. But the quality of tapes was not very good. Just keep that in mind if you do order videos.
You can,t go wrong, attend all the shows you can and every seminar offered, I promise you that your work will improve to the greater good.