Need advice on getting started out!

I am hoping that some of you fine folks out there could give me some advice as to how to get started with the gathering of tools and equipment for a beginning taxidermist. I am trying to get the basic necessities to get started with, without putting in a lot of money all at once. I have some videos and books on how to do taxidermy on different animals. Need guidance from the all knowing folks out there. Your comments and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks James

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Well

First I would make a list of what I want and then a list of what is needed!
Walmart is a great place to pick up some of the things like pins,scissors,knifes. Then check your local flea markets for things like dental tools. And your own tool box will have some of the things you will need.
Like I said write up a list and go shopping! Ebay maybe a good place also.

Good Luck,
Kim Collins
Bubba's Taxidermy
http://www.freewebs.com/bubbas_taxidermy

plan your mount first

watch your videos
think through every step and what you might need
wal mart will have some stuff
but the suppliers will be the only option for the right stuff
so here is a example
you get the animal(deer for ex.)
you need log information and tags
i take a picture with the cust.showing the size of the neck
next i suggest the stop rot procedure
this will be especially good for a beginner because you will probably not have a fleshing machine yet
the stop rot will give you the valuable time you need to scalple and knife the critter to go to the next step
now tann as you choose
think of all the chemicals and supplies you need for this
when it comes to mounting think of all the stuff you need for this
needles ,tread,good glue,ear base,eye base
now
finishing the mount will take more
get the point
do the mount and your business in your head
plan every step and the rest will fall into place
the archives are full of information also
email me for specifics
hope i helped a little
good planning
paul e

Thanks for the usfull tips

for those who have responded so far thank you for the help. All comments are appreciated. James

Just do it!

Hey James, Go to your local deer butcher shop, your camp site, or your buddies and ask for the scrape capes with the heads on it still and just practice on fleshing, turning lips and ears. I did this before i even did my first mount and it helped me a lot. Good luck