Submitted by Blake Allen on 2/16/1999. ( )
I am thinking of starting taxidermy but I am not sure whether to enroll in a class or use training videos. I am sure each has its advantages. I would like to know what they are.
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This response submitted by Frank on 2/16/1999. ( basswtrout@aol.com )
Ok to start with, I for one have done both. I learned alot from the videos, but it took alot longer to perceive what they were talking about at times. My work was good at the time or atleast this is what I was told by others. But here in PA we have to pass a state exam. I had a taxidermist check some of my work and said to take the exam. I didn't because I wanted to pass the general license and needed some birds. I then was able to get some funding and loans and decided to go to school. The things I then learned in school was far more superior than what any video showed me. Without this schooling I know that I would not of passed the state exam!!!!! I missed out on alot of detail that no video could show you and I spent hundrends on them. So my advice to you is if you can afford it go to school and make sure that it is state certified. Good luck in your quest.
This response submitted by Dean on 2/17/1999. ( MrWhytail@aol.com )
Blake,I'm sure just about every taxidermist out there started out either by mail order corispondence courses, videos or just plain goin for it and hopin for the best,myself included.I bought videos,books read anything I could get my blood stained mitts on....that got me started things off but if your in it and love it as much as most of us do you'll realize theres more to it than just putting a hide over a mannikin.It's an art.Like Frank already said you miss so much detail and the "technical stuff" that your not sure about and you want to ask questions.I havent seen a video yet that'll answer you back.Especially when you get hung up on a little somethin that you just can't get.There are some good schools out there but if you really want a great start and can afford it one on one is the way to go...Look for Bill Yox if ya want to learn about Deer.Also go to any state shows you can go to the seminars talk to the other taxidermists but most important ASK QUESTIONS!!! Don't be affraid to ask questions every body started out just like you.Believe me I've learned tons of stuff from the guys at shows I wish I could thank them all for the things they taught me....Matter of fact THANKS BILL.....
This response submitted by Rich Hamilton on 2/20/1999. ( brow-tine@mosquitonet.com )
Blake--my advice (personal opinion) is go to school. I've only been doing skin mounts for three years so I don't consider myself the voice of experience. However, before I got into it, I comitted to spending the money to learn from a natl champion. Loking back, it's the smartest thing I did. When you see how many things are involved in producing a finished mount (even discriminating customers can't fully appreciate or comprehend all the task steps) you'll realize it's money well spent. So often we tell ourselves we can just dive into something new and learn as we go. While this works with a few things, I think taxidermy is too complex for such an approach; you'll spend years unlearning bad habits if you do it any other way besides a solid course. The training I received was a one week one-on-one gamehead course whereby my instuctor mounted a Mountain Goat and I mounted another. Starting with prepping the already tanned hide, he demonstrated every detail of the mounting process (as I watched, I took extensive notes [so you don't forget what you're learning] and asked lots of questions) which was followed by my performance and his critical evaluation of each phase. He wasn't satisfied until I'd done it just right. This included form prep, putting hide on form, aligning hair patterns, working detail areas, drying instructions, finish work, and everything in between. Most importantly, he helped me interpret reference material which he stressed throughout the week. The strength of this kind of training if you choose a good instructor, is that you'll be provided a very solid foundation that stresses principles and techniques that would apply to any mount. When the week was over, I left not only with a beautiful goat I'd taken the previous fall, but also the confidence to do take on most any other gamehead. Since then, I've mounted many animals including large bull moose, caribou, dall sheep, more goats, many bear rugs, as well as predators. This week I finsihed mounting my first lifesize critter, a cinnamon blk bear. My point is, there's no way I could have done these critters were it not for an excellent foundation in the form of a one week gamehead course. I've since used a video or two here and there along with trade magazines and this forum to help me through some of the specifics of the new critters. But a solid foundation that stresses the basics is the ticket; when it was over, I felt I got much more than I paid for. Hope this wasn't too wordy--I get on a soap box every now and then--Good luck--Rich
This response submitted by Blake on 2/22/1999. ( )
I appreciate the responses. It looks like classes are the best choice. It will be a couple of months before I make a final decision on diving into taxidermy. I will probably continue to soak up info between now and then. Once again thanks for the answers.
This response submitted by Bill on 2/23/1999. ( yoxtax@aol.com )
These guys all give you good advice (especially Mr Whytail! ha ha ha)but let me say this. I find that I like to teach what I call intermediate students...those who have at least a working knowledge of taxidermy, which hopefully includes some hands on experience. So, to me the video route is a valuable foundation to build on. I can teach beginners from square one, but I feel it's expensive for them and usually offer the vids first and would be glad to work with them again down the road. That's just my make on this, and if someone out there doesn't really agree, keep in mind that this IS only MY preference. I would say that a beginner may benefit further from schools as opposed to workshops such as mine. That may clear things up as well...Dean, thanks for the reference.
This response submitted by Blake on 3/4/1999. ( )
Thanks to all you for the help. I have ordered a video and book to get started. I also found some classes I can attend later if I decide I like it. I am going to give it a try and see how it turns out with the video and book before I move to classes or workshops.
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