Looking for someone to teach me how to do deer/elk Either one on one or a course but need to be in Calif. Ive looked under what Taxidermy.net has listed but cant find anyone in Calif. Anyone know of someone? I have a family and care for hubbys Grandma. Cant really take off for 8 weeks to some other state. Hubby would starve LOL..
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I don't want to discourage you but I think you need to slow down, you have several post on a lot of different type of animals and have not mounted your first one yet. Lots of people get involved in taxidermy and burn out in a year or two.
I don't know if Tony Finazzo is teaching any more, you can find him in the taxidermist section in California. I took a bird class he taught and it was the best hands on I have ever attended. You would not believe the effort Tony puts in to his classes and seminars.
This would give you a start from their you could start to collect and make the tools you need. Remember there are a lot of taxidermists selling tools and supplies to other taxidermist, do you NEED everything they are selling?
Once you have learned how to mount birds Tony could help you find someone teaching small mammals, or deer heads, or fish, etc. their may be something you relay like or dislike and do or do not want to mount, you do not have to do everything
I have been involved in taxidermy for 30 years now. I do not have every tool on the market; I have made a lot of my own tools and mounting tables and stands. And I take classes and attend seminars whenever I can. I do not enjoy mounting fish; I have enough friends I recommend them. At the same time I am sent birds or pets to mount because other taxidermist do not feel comfortable with them.
The whole point is slow down, Take your time, we see to many people come in to this trade like a ball of fire, that end up crashing and burning.
When you have time check out my web, feels free to call me if you need any help, and get in touch with Tony. Don
taxidermyandfreezedrying.com
I am looking at taking a deer/elk and bird combo course next summer. they are cramming everything into a 2 week-10 to 12 hour a day course, and a 5 day - 10 to 12 hour a day course with Stevan around May or June. I have to practice now so Ill have a better idea when I am there so I dont waste school time having to learn basics. I spoke with several schools and all have said practice before I come will help me alot. Alot of the taxidermists I spoke with said Start on small mammals to work up to the deer, and the birds I have avail so I can do those to get the correct "feel". Stevan spent quite some time on the phone with me telling me what I should do before I go to him. SO that is what Im doing. I have all winter and part of spring to prepare and so the more practice I can get in the better.
I know that not every tool on the market needs to be in my work shop. Which is why I am asking around what people find is their "couldnt live without" tools vs things that are nice to own but dont really need. So far I find myself using the same knife over and over with no need of all those 10 million other knives with all the fancy names. But if someone finds that say XX knife works much better for the lips or maybe this aprticular tool works best for the ears, then Id like to hear about it.
I didnt just start thinking about doing this last week, its not some ohh lets play with this idea thing. Its just recently that I know am able to actually start.
I have wanted to do taxidermy for years. I have planned and waited for this chance to get started. No I dont expect to spend a couple of weeks at a couple of schools and come out knowing everything that others have spent the last 30 years learning. However I do expect to take full advantage of every scrap of knowledge I can absorb and use it to do what I am wanting to do. Im not doing this for a job, I dont need it as an income to support my family, though of course Income is always nice LOL... I am doing it because I am an artist and an animal person. I know animals. I draw life like animals and have an eye for whats natural, (I cant stand mounts that arent natural looking) and what makes marks on piece of paper jump to life. I want to do that with a mount. I want to take animals we have hunted and turn them into works of art for our wall.
I also have the sense to know that it takes lots of practice, hard work, correct tools, sucking up information and advice like a sponge around people who already are doing what I wish to do.
Thank you for the advice, I definetly appreciate it :)
I just realized I didnt spell Stefan's name right LOL. Meant And F not a V.