You have to assume it's going to be a long term hobby. If it's not, it's not really worth the time and effort. If you enjoy a real challenge, you'll enjoy taxidermy. To only do 1 or 2 mounts per year, you'd actually be money ahead to just pay someone to do them. It takes many, many, mounts to get decent. And every mount you do will cost money. I say this not to discourage you from trying. Just to let you know that ittakes more than a mount or two to "learn" taxidermy. It takes an enormous amount of time and practice. Most of your money will end up being spent of forms, tanning supplies, and every other thing you decide you just "have" to have.On the up side, after much practice, you'll be able to take in a little work and try to at least break even.