I am just a city girl who has only seen the insides of animals on t.v., but I've always wanted to learn taxidermy so about a week ago I got a book from the library, a scalpel and a dead squirrel off the road. I skinned it, but I really don't understand the various ways of preserving it. What do Borax and salt DO? Do I need to have it tanned and what does that mean? What about the feet and tail- I've read something about injecting preservative but I don't know what I'm injecting or where (do I use a needle and syringe?) Also, what is the timeline on this skin, is it going to rot? Is it supposed to be wet before I mount it or dry? Can I wash it (with what) and how should I then dry it.
I'd also like to make my own forms, is paper machie' alright for that? How do I get the form to be the right size, especially considering that I'm working with roadkill so the skulls are occasionally nonsalvageable.
When I find something on the road I'd like to skin and mount but I don't have time to skin it for a few days, do I freeze it? Where do I leave the skin whenever I'm not working on it- in the fridge or freezer or at room temperature, and also should it be soaking in something or hung to dry?
If anyone can help answer any of these questions it would be very much appreciated. I don't have the benefit of having ever known a taxidermist or even a hunter, so I'm honestly in the dark as to where I should be going with this.
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Hi Rachael. It sounds as you want to get started but not sure were to start. The questions you are asking would require a great deal of time and space and could not be answered in a few lines. I would suggest that you click on the suppliers button on the top of the page and scroll down to WASCO and order a tape or two on getting started. These tapes have a world of information and will get you well on you way. Then you could come here and ask the questions about what you don't understand. Also you may freeze you specimens before or after you skin them. TR
What TR didn't tell you is that this site already has millions of answers to your questions. Click that orange SEARCH icon in the left margin there, and ask away. We even have a special category here FOR "beginners" such as yourself. Click on that as well and see what concerns they have that might mirror yours. When your desires outmatch your questions, then go to the suppliers links and get that information.
For absolute newcommers to this site I would suggest readng a bit in the ARCHIVES. Just click on a category to the left, then scroll down to the bottom of the page that comes up. You will be amazed at what you will find there.
...you are in Ohio. There are lots of taxidermist that would probably be more than willing to help or let you help.
There is a guy near Sebring who raises deer and does taxidermy I will see if I can get his name for you.
John
I sent you an email with all the answers to your questions.
Wow, you guys are really very helpful! I have hung around a lot of forums and never gotten so many e-mails from just one post. I feel like I have an idea of what is going on now, so I will be sure to post pictures once I've got something completed.
Rachael, please be sure to check with your state DNR about road kill laws. Some species may require a road kill permit. Good luck in all you do. Remember, every mount you do will look better than the one before. Have fun!
Bill