Do you need a license to just get started?

Ok so I called my local DNR today to try and find out the legalities of me buying an out of state bobcat so I could attempt at mounting it. I'm from Illinois where it is illegal to take bobcats so I figured I'd see what he had to say on what I should do. He basically told me that I shouldn't even attempt to buy one out of state and that its all just to sticky of a situation to get caught up in if it was found out that it was not legally taken or something along those line. I'm fine with that but I've seen bobcats in other taxidermists shops so I figure he wasn't right on something.

Now here's what I don't get. He basically made it sound like that you have to have a license to practice taxidermy...as in learning.. . Even if its just practicing on your own legal specimens that you have taken. He was talking deer, coyotes, squirrels, etc...things that are perfectly legal to have in my possession with the proper tags, licenses, etc...I was under the assumption that you can legally practice taxidermy to learn as long as you are not selling it as a business or practicing as a business. So my questions are Does anyone know the exact requirements here in Illinois and do you have to have a license for taxidermy just to practice in order to get started? If its something I need then I will buy it but this guy has completely confused me on everything I thought I know so I don't know what route to go. Just looking for some help and I may just call back and talk to someone else next time.

Here is an exact copy from the taxidermy rules and regulations from the IDNR website regarding the laws for taxidermy:

1. State Taxidermy License
Before any person shall engage in the business of taxidermy within the state of
Illinois, they must first procure a license from the Department of Natural
Resources. The annual fee for a state taxidermy license is $25.00. Illinois taxidermy licenses expire on January 31st of each year.
All licenses issued to the taxidermist are only valid at the location designated on
the license application. Persons performing taxidermy while working for
(whether paid or unpaid for their services) and at the business of the license
holder shall not be required to possess a separate taxidermy license, provided the
licensed taxidermist has submitted such person‟s name to the Department. Only
those individuals whose names are on file with the Department shall be authorized
to work under the scope of the taxidermist‟s license

To me it sounds like you don't need one unless your are working as a business and selling or charging for what you are working on.

 

The main reason I called was to just see if there was a legal way for me to buy a bobcat from a state where it is legal to trap them but he didn't even want to go into it he just stated its to sticky of a situation to get caught up in. I understand where he is coming from as its a safer bet to just steer clear of that type of situation but I bought a Bobcat DVD on how to mount one and I hate to see it go to waste.

 

You are actually 100% right. I did talk to Law Enforcement becuase I thought they would know something haha...Thanks for the help I will send an email to see if I can figure this out. Thanks Again