My husband and I do mainly deer heads and other mammals. I help him by skinning out some of the deer for him and the detail work. I personally would like to learn how to start doing birds. I have read alot about different types of license and such. Was wandering who to talk to about the state of AL. Thank you.
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Lisa,
A federal permit is needed for migratory birds. Follow this link, http://www.fws.gov/permits/, for migratory birds (waterfowl, etc.). Once to this site, there are a number of easy to follow links that should give you the information you are looking for. Upland and other non-migratory birds need no federal license.
You may search your state web site found on the 'Links' link at the top of this page, contact your state taxidermy association, or contact a taxidermist from your state (can locate them at the 'Taxidermists' link, also at the top of this page) to guide you in searching for state regs.
Michael
Thanks I will look into it. Also, would you happen to know any good video or books for reference? It would be appreciated. Not real familiar with birds. But, I love everything else so far. Would like to have some great refernce to venture further.
Lisa,
I did produce a number of reference videos for whitetails, waterfowl and one on song and perching birds. Both WASCO and McKenzie's carry Pelc Wildlife Arts whitetail and waterfowl videos.
WASCO also has a reference link at the top of this page. I am not familiar enough with other reference materials available to endorse them. Also, search for ‘reference' on this sites search link may prove helpful.
To get an idea of accurate, artistic waterfowl and other bird taxidermy, see the web sites of Paul Czarneki, (http://www.tristatetaxidermy.com); David Luke (http://davidluketaxidermy.com); Patrick Rummans (http://www.birdtaxidermy.com); Stefan Savides (http://www.aviandesign.com); Shane Smith (http://www.waterfowler.net); and Frank Newmyer's work in the Artistic Gallery link on this sites home page. Though there are other excellent bird taxidermists out there, I am most familiar with the work of these.
I was not complete enough in my earlier response. Mallards and a good number of non-native waterfowl (though not all) such as Mandarins, Ring Teal, Chiloe Wigeon etc., do not need a federal permit. Nor is a federal permit needed if the birds are for your personal use. States vary as to permit regulations regarding waterfowl. The www.fws.gov site does provide a link to a list of all birds that are protected by federal law. It may be of value to also scan through the federal reg's for waterfowl propagation. You are able to purchase captive bred waterfowl for taxidermy purposes and then resell. The breeder must provide the required 3-186 form that is to accompany the bird at all times.
Hopefully, this will give you enough info to give you a good start in your bird taxidermy . . . good luck.
Michael
Wow! Thank You So Much! I will look into it after the first of the year. I hope that you have a safe and happy New Year. Thank You for responding to my questions.
Last year I wanted to update my reference photo library. I was actually looking for some better sea duck photoes. I got thirty years in back issues of ducks unlimited magazines for $42.00. Yea, you have to go through them and cut out the pictures, but they have some great ones. waterfowlers magazine is a good one. It may take a month or two to collect them all, but you will. Bruce Burks waterfowl studies, $6.00, and lots more, you just have to shop it. Another hint on where to look is in the decoy carving field, as there is a lot of good reference books there. Good Luck