Submitted by Curious Critter on 2/2/1999. ( )
I am doing a report on Taxidermy and whould really appreciate if anyone could anwser some of the following questions, if not all:
1.) What made you decide on taxidermy for a living or hobby?
2.) How long have you been doing this?
3.) Are you the first of your family to become a taxidermist, if not how man others?
4.) What is your favorite part of mounting the animals?
If I have worded a question that offened someone I am completely sorry. I would like to here from as many of you as possible. Thank You for your replies!!
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This response submitted by Jerry Howard on 2/2/1999. ( AKBIRDS@AOL.COM )
As to WHY I became a taxidermist, there is a two part answer. First is my love of animals. Secondly, it always bothers me to see wildlife that's been killed along the highways and left to rot or become food for other animals. I'm the first and only taxidermist in my family. I began doing taxidermy in 1968 while in college. My traditional response to what is best or what I enjoy the most is birds however in recent years reproduction fish have become my greatest challenge and greatest joy when success comes about. Good luck. I did a report on taxidermy as a high school student in '65. In the days before the internet and the time when taxidermists would share information with you.
This response submitted by Jerry Howard on 2/2/1999. ( AKBIRDS@AOL.COM )
As to WHY I became a taxidermist, there is a two part answer. First is my love of animals. Secondly, it always bothers me to see wildlife that's been killed along the highways and left to rot or become food for other animals. I'm the first and only taxidermist in my family. I began doing taxidermy in 1968 while in college. My traditional response to what is best or what I enjoy the most is birds however in recent years reproduction fish have become my greatest challenge and greatest joy when success comes about. Good luck. I did a report on taxidermy as a high school student in '65. In the days before the internet and the time when taxidermists would share information with you.
This response submitted by Jeff T. Becker on 2/2/1999. ( )
Well, I always loved wildlife and grew up hunting and trapping. The biggest event that happened, when I was about 12 years old, was when I took a trip with my grandma and grandpa to Michigan. We stopped in Grayling to go through the Fred Bear Musuem. After seeing the mounts of animals from around the world, I knew what I was going to be when I grew up. I started in a large studio when I was 16 years old, was there for about 5 years , then I started my own studio, and here I still am. I'm 37 year old now,,, that makes me doing this about, 21 years now,, WOW!! time flies when your having fun!!!And yes,, I am the first in my family to be involved in this business. My favorite part of mounting the animal is probably the studing part, when I learn new aspects of these wonderful animals we work with everyday!! Well,, O.K.!! playing with the CLAY and GLUE is fun too!!!!Good luck on your report!
This response submitted by perry on 2/2/1999. ( pgk@ncentral.com )
Curious Critter,
I have answered these questions before, I would be more that
happy to send you a copy of my responses if you could give me
an email or postal address.
This response submitted by Bill on 2/3/1999. ( yoxtax@aol.com )
...to meet Jeff Becker and listen to John Bellucci, the Ohio lion specialists, right guys?
This response submitted by Jeff T. Becker on 2/3/1999. ( )
Bill,, did John tell you that I know him??? He can't prove that!!! And did he tell you that he's got an OHIO LION ?? GEEE!!! First it's an african lion ,, then a barbary lion,, now he's an ''ohio lion specialist''!! Next he'll tell you they come in a ''black phase''Chill J.B. ,, just haven' a laugh at your expense!!! Oh yea,,, sorry CURIOUS CRITTER for getting off your subject!!!
This response submitted by John Bellucci on 2/4/1999. ( ArtistExpr@aol.com )
Ahhh yes... with greatness comes misunderstanding! Ha... you guys:) You're filling the heads of these inquiring young minds with so much silliness, they're never gonna finish their reports.
Now Jeffy... I never said my lion -- yes a Barbary African Lion -- was from Ohio. Oh contrare'... he's a New York lion! No - really - we got him from Northeastern Taxidermy, West Bridge St. in Catskill, NY... so there! Ha-ha Bill :)
Now, you guys know there are no "black-phase" African Lions out there. They only come in tawny and white! Tsk-tsk-tsk! I'm surprised at you Jeff :(
But seriously (uh-oh), allow me to get to the questions at hand...
1.) What made you decide on taxidermy for a living or hobby?
Answer: When I was a kid, my Pop used to take me to the American Museum Of Natural History in New York City, because he knew I loved to look at "pictures" of animals. Well, the mounted animals in their enclosed dioramas were, to us, just like 3-dimensional "pictures."
I remember wanting to be able to do the things that I saw in those huge and detailed cases one day. It was such a strong desire in me. Well, after a lot of training, and a lot of practice, learning all the skills needed, I am now capable of doing the kind of taxidermy that I loved seeing so much when I was a child.
2.) How long have you been doing this?
Answer: To be funny, I would say TOO LONG! But in reality, I've been pursuing my love of this art form for about 31 years now. See what I mean when I say... too long? :)
3.) Are you the first of your family to become a taxidermist, if not how man others?
Answer: Yes, and I am still the only. Thank goodness my brother and sisters are smarter than me! (Ha-ha)
4.) What is your favorite part of mounting the animals?
Answer: Mostly it would be the researching of the live animals... the study of the subject. This is neat because it can call for "field trips" to various zoos or private breeding facilities to photograph, sketch and draw, and watch and study various animals. And to think, it's part of the business.
Another favorite part for me is the actual work involved on a favorite subject, and watching how it comes to completion. It's really neat when you can step back from an animal you've been working on and be able to say: "Yeah that was worth all the research and study.. it looks just like the real thing." It is very satisfying for sure!
Well, that about wraps this up. Hope I've been able to be of help. I hope your reports get you a good grade. You sure have picked a pretty good subject.
Best to all of you... John B.
This response submitted by J.T. Becker on 2/4/1999. ( )
HA......... I knew my last posting would draw you out of those tall weeds.... baited you just like a starving leapord!!! or I'm sorry,,, a starving BARBARY AFRICAN LION '' tawny and white phase'' AH !! YES!! the hunt was a success!!!!!!!!Till we speak again my fellow taxidermy friend!!
This response submitted by Curious Critter on 2/9/1999. ( )
Thanks to all of you that responded. Some of the responses were let's say amusing. My report is due Thrusday and I will post my grade when I get it for anyone interested.
Thanks again to all,
Curious Critter
P.S. I used your names in the report. Don't worry my teacher and I are the only ones who will see the paper. I must say taxidermy and taxidermists are much more exciting than I thought. Thanks for inlighting me on this subject!!!!
This response submitted by Curious Critter on 2/16/1999. ( )
Hey everyone,
For those interested on what my report got let's just say my teacher was so impressed that he asked if he could keep it for a future example of the workmanship put into a paper. He too was surprised at how interesting taxidermy really is. I wanted to post my report, but I am not sue how to get it up here. And I sure wasn't going to type an 8 page report down, so sorry but you wont be able to see my paper. THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL YOUR POSTS, I COULDN'T OF DONE IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP!!!!!!
Curious Critter
This response submitted by Jeff T. Becker on 2/16/1999. ( )
Glad to hear it!!!! And glad we could be a part of your success!!! Good luck in the future!!
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