Learning taxidermy can be a rewarding experience. Not only will it save you money mounting your own hunting and fishing trophies, but it offers an outlet for artistic creativity. With enough dedication and practice, taxidermy can become a profitable business venture. But learning taxidermy can be expensive. Taxidermy schools charge as much as $5,000. Learning at home is cheaper, but still entail the cost of educational materials such as books and DVDs. However, if you are willing to spend a little time looking for opportunities, you can learn taxidermy for free.

Public Options

One of the best resources for learning taxidermy for free is the public library. One of the advantages of using the public library is that you can easily reference other related topics. If you are interested in learning taxidermy for free solely as a hobby, there may be books related to tanning, hunting, fishing or other similar topics that will relate to taxidermy. If you are planning on starting a business venture into taxidermy, there will be references available to help you get started. In addition to books on learning taxidermy, your local library might carry magazines related to taxidermy. Look for titles such as "Taxidermy Today," "Breakthrough," "The Artisan" and "Outlook Magazine." Check with your local sporting goods stores. Even if they don't offer free taxidermy lessons, it can be a resource for finding like-minded taxidermy enthusiasts.

Learn Online

Resources are available online to learn taxidermy for free. At websites such as taxidermy.biblioflip.com you will find dozens of free lessons on many aspects of taxidermy, ranging from how-to articles for all types of game to tips on running a taxidermy business.

Consider Volunteering

Another way to learn taxidermy for free is to find a mentor who will teach you. Ask around. Some taxidermists are willing to teach you taxidermy for free, in return for help around the shop. Such apprenticing is perhaps the best way to learn taxidermy, as you will be getting hands-on experience alongside a professional, creating a win-win situation. You get to watch a professional firsthand, and the professional taxidermist gets free labor. Taxidermists often specialize in different types of taxidermy (such as fish, large game, small game, exotic game, pet taxidermy). Consider volunteering to help several taxidermists. This will give you more time to learn taxidermy for free and give you the benefit of learning a variety of techniques and styles.

Warning

To practice taxidermy professionally, you need to be licensed with your home state's fish and wildlife service. You will also need to ensure that all game you are mounting has been legally taken. Further information on licensing is available at your nearest Department of Natural Resources.

Source:

taxidermy.net

"How to do Taxidermy"

Whitetails Unlimited Taxidermy