Texas Hunting Forum

Taxidermy for hobby

Posted By: Riverjunky1993

Taxidermy for hobby - 09/14/16 07:22 PM

I have always been fascinated with taxidermy since I was a little kid and I've been throwing the idea around on trying it for myself for a long time now seeing people on here the work that they can do blows me away so I'm finally going to bite the bullet and try for myself not trying to get super crazy I know I'm going to suck for a long time if I can get a critter to look somewhat like its supposed to then I'll be happy so my question to all of y'all is what would be the best way to get started. I have looked on line and seen some kits that almost everything you need comes in the kit but I'm shooting blind at this so I figured I'd ask and any kind of info would be greatly appreciated
Posted By: stxranchman

Re: Taxidermy for hobby - 09/14/16 07:49 PM

welcome I was out of breath after getting to the first punctuation mark in the first sentence. There are schools that teach taxidermy here in Texas. Get a part-time job working for a taxidermist also to get hands on training while you get paid.
Posted By: waterfowlwonders

Re: Taxidermy for hobby - 09/14/16 08:02 PM

Doubt if any taxi is going to pay you without experience. I started by calling all the local taxi's and saying I would work for free in exchange for training. Many dont want to help because the minute your trained you become competition to them. I did finally find someone willing to take me on, and it took 9 months of doing it on my dime before they even thought of offering me pay.
There are a number of schools as well. Keep in mind even with a school, you only do one or two specimens of any type (deer, bird, fish, etc). That is a good foundation, however it takes a long time to actually learn the detailed anatomy of each animal. Going to a school might get your foot in the doors somewhere, but you will still have a lot to learn.

It's fun work and I enjoy doing it, but there is a ton of competition, not much pay, and if your sick, your income stops until you get back to the shop. My suggestion is to get a real job and do taxi work as a hobby. You will make more money and have health insurance, etc.

Good luck to you!

Dan
Posted By: kdkane1971

Re: Taxidermy for hobby - 09/14/16 08:26 PM

Where are you located? I know a taxidermist in southwest Houston that would probably bring you in to help him out.
Posted By: Riverjunky1993

Re: Taxidermy for hobby - 09/14/16 09:01 PM

Waterfowlwonders I have a job I work for a machine shop doing special cutting tools for Lockheed Martin all conventional mills and lathe work. I'm lookin to do it my my spare time not lookin for a get rich quick thing. I've never thought of school but there is a starting point. Thanks for yalls input much appreciated


Also I'm located in burleson,tx little far from Houston ton haha
Posted By: Tru2lifetaxidermy

Re: Taxidermy for hobby - 09/21/16 02:05 AM

Waterfowler advise is spot on.....
© 2024 Texas Hunting Forum