I was wondering who here taught themselves taxidermy through books and videos? What were your first couple projects?

I started out before the vids, I did my first "customer piece" when I was fifteen. The I used to mount stuff up and try selling it to stores. I learned a lot from simple books and lots of trial and error. I enjoyed learning more when I joined my states taxidermy organization. My very first bird I ever skinned was a downy woodpecker, which now is illegal to have in ones possession. My first paid for mount was a raccon head.

I did the same,befor videos,started with a book from Touchstone taxidermy supply co.got there books and learned from there.first mt. was a bobcat shoulder mt. sold it a few years later.(still looks great after 18 years).

there are a lot of videos and books out now that helps a lot.I had to give it up(health wise).[&o]

Northwestern School of Taxidermy, correspondence course. 1972ish????

They advertised in back of all the outdoors mags at the time. Worked with an old timer my first summer out of Jr. high and for several years afterwards.

First mount, Red ruffed grouse. Licensed at the tender age of 17...

Many conventions followed, PTA, NTA...That's where I really started learning the art of the science....

Become a member of your State Taxidermist Association, and attend their convention. Even if you don't compete you will learn so much, and also have a great time. It's well worth the time and money you spend to attend one.