I am contemplating a career change. Taxidermy has intrested me for sometime and I ve checked out a few schools on line.
Im thinking of taking a coarse and starting up a part time thing. Build up reputation then go at it full tilt.

Any suggestions on schools or how to go at this in the right way?

My advice is hold on to your full time job as long as possible.....because the learning curve is going to be more than you probably expect. I would recommend starting with videos & books before going to school. Those will tell you early if taxidermy is for you before spending a lot of money on school. It will also give you a foundation so you aren't learning just basics at school.

I've been learning/doing (more learining) for a little over a year now. My understanding is...if you want to make a good living at taxidermy, be prepared to work hard at it (and a lot of hours) and you have to open your work up to more then just deer heads (fish, turkey, etc). I've also heard the money is in the exotic/african animals.....which makes sense. But you first have to learn how to do them good....and you can't go in you back yard and shoot one for practice.

What it boils down to is...if you do good work, your work will bring you the money. If you do crappy work, then you won't get rich fast. Also if you do crappy work, you will have to price your work around $200 per head just to get work in the door. Meanwhile, your competition is charging $500 and he is still getting in more heads then he wants......why is that? Because his work is good enough to charge $500. So he is making more money than you and doing less work.

So I'm not saying don't explore taxidermy....just don't put all your money/plans there until you dive in. I hear too many people who want to make a lot of money...or want a career change.....so they automatically look to taxidermy like it is a get rich fast career. Sorry, it isn't. Rewarding - yes. Get rich quick - Nope.

Thats about what Im thinkn...The GOOD tax guys around here are few and far between and are getting closer and closer to retirement. Im thinkn if I get started now practice practice and practice then I may be established enough in about 8 to 10 yrs to be GOOD at it. Not looking to get rich quick or get rich at all just a hobby and then see where it goes???? Maybe...a new profs.
Thanks for the feed back!
The BEST guy we had here just up and quit. His heads were gettn pretty $$$$ also but, he was(is) GOOOOD!!!

Just remember when you are attemping taxidermy that you have plenty of reference photos of the game that you are mounting. I would also advise you to join your state taxidermy association. Good luck in your adventures.

Start slow and practice, practice, and practice more. Good references are a must. When you get to a certain point, "you will know", then start taking in work. To be a good taxidermist you need customers, and the only way to get them is to produce good work and enjoy your job. I would start out reading and studying videos. You can take mini classes at some collages and not spend your left lung on a very costly School course. Good luck.

Thanks guys! Keep the addvice coming if you got any more