How to Learn Taxidermy
To learn taxidermy, you can start by familiarizing yourself with the process and understanding the skills needed.
The first step is to make sure you have the necessary supplies and equipment.
Once you have everything you need, the second step is to decide on the mount, either by making a plaster cast or buying a premade form.
After selecting the mount, you’ll need to skin the carcass, carefully cutting away the hide without opening the body cavity or seeing internal organs.
This step requires precision and caution.
Once the skin is removed, excess flesh and fat must be scraped away.
The next step is to tan the skin, using either chemical solutions or the animal’s cooked brain.
Following tanning, the mount is placed into the skin, ensuring it fits properly and any irregularities are smoothed out before sewing it up.
Final touches can include recreating the animal’s habitat and flora.
Taxidermy requires precise measurements and preserving the animal carcass in a freezer until ready to be prepared is important.
It is also advisable to read up on the field and observe a mentor to decide if this is a profession you want to commit to.
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Did You Know?
1. Did you know that the word “taxidermy” comes from the Greek words “taxis” meaning arrangement and “derma” meaning skin?
2. One peculiar form of taxidermy called “anthropomorphic taxidermy” involves mounting animals in human-like positions or clothing. This whimsical technique gained popularity during the Victorian era.
3. The world’s oldest known taxidermy specimen is of a mammoth from about 7,000 years ago. It was discovered in Siberia with soft tissue and fur still intact!
4. For proper preservation, taxidermists often use a variety of materials such as sawdust, wood wool, or cotton to stuff the bodies of animals. Surprisingly, newspaper was also commonly used in the past as a cheaper alternative.
5. Some taxidermists specialize in creating “rogue taxidermy” pieces, which involve fusing parts of different animals together to create fantastical creatures. These unique creations can be found in various museums and private collections around the world.
Mounting The Specimen
Learning the art of taxidermy begins with the crucial step of mounting the specimen. The mount serves as the new “body” for the skin, and it is essential that it is the right size and shape.
There are two main methods of creating the mount:
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Molding: This involves making a plaster cast of the animal’s body, allowing for complete customization to ensure a precise fit.
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Pre-made forms: Alternatively, you can purchase a premade form, which saves time and effort but may limit customization options.
Once you have your mount ready, it’s time to move on to the next step in the taxidermy process.
Skinning The Carcass
Now comes the potentially challenging part: skinning the carcass. It is important to approach this step with precision and care, ensuring that you preserve the integrity of the hide without opening the body cavity or coming into contact with the internal organs.
To begin, you will carefully make incisions along the legs, belly, and back of the animal. Take your time to avoid damaging the skin, as any tears or cuts can affect the final result. Once the incisions are made, you will gradually separate the skin from the body, using a combination of careful cutting and delicate maneuvering.
As you progress, you will need to scrape away any excess flesh and fat from the hide. This step is crucial to ensure a clean and well-preserved skin.
Tanning The Hide
After the skinning process is complete, the next step is to tan the hide. Tanning refers to the process of treating the skin to make it durable, flexible, and resistant to decay.
There are various methods for tanning, including the use of chemicals such as salt and alkaline solutions, as well as more traditional methods that involve using the animal’s cooked brain. Whichever method you choose, be aware that tanning can be labor-intensive and requires attention to detail.
Proper tanning not only ensures the long-term preservation of the hide but also enhances its appearance and texture, setting the stage for the next phases of the taxidermy process.
Stuffing The Form
With the tanned hide prepared, we can now move on to the mounting process. This step involves carefully stuffing the form into the skin using a combination of foam, wire, and cotton. These artificial materials help recreate the natural body shape of the specimen, while also providing a sturdy and lifelike structure. The ultimate goal is to achieve natural-looking proportions and pose, ensuring that the mount accurately represents the original animal.
During this step, it is essential to pay attention to detail and smooth out any irregularities in the hide. It is also crucial to adjust the position of the limbs and features to achieve a realistic representation of the animal. By focusing on these aspects, we can create a mount that accurately captures the essence of the animal.
Adding Final Touches
Once the mount has been properly stuffed and positioned, it is time to add the final touches to bring the taxidermy piece to life. This can include recreating the habitat in which the animal would naturally be found, using various materials such as foliage, rocks, or branches to create a realistic environment.
Additionally, final adjustments to the mount’s position and appearance are made during this stage. Attention is given to details such as the eyes, ears, and facial expressions to create a lifelike representation.
It is important to remember that taxidermy can be hard, dirty, and squeamish work. The process demands patience, skill, and attention to detail to recreate an accurate and realistic mount.
- Recreate the habitat with foliage, rocks, or branches
- Finalize the mount’s position and appearance
- Pay attention to details like eyes, ears, and facial expressions.
“Taxidermy demands patience, skill, and attention to detail.”
Considering A Career In Taxidermy
Learning taxidermy is not just a hobby; it can also be a viable career option for those with a passion for the art. Before fully committing to this profession, it is essential to gather knowledge and gain experience.
Reading up on the field of taxidermy, studying anatomy, and understanding different species can provide a solid foundation. However, there is no substitute for observing and learning from a seasoned taxidermist. Finding a mentor who can guide you through the process and offer valuable insights is highly recommended before pursuing a career in taxidermy.
Finally, it is crucial to evaluate if taxidermy aligns with your personal values and interests. This profession requires working with deceased animals and demands a deep respect for nature and wildlife. Take the time to reflect on your motivations and consider the ethical implications before deciding to pursue taxidermy as a career.
In conclusion, learning taxidermy is a step-by-step process that starts with mounting the specimen and progresses through skinning, tanning, stuffing, and adding final touches. It is a craft that demands precision, creativity, and attention to detail. Whether you approach taxidermy as a hobby or consider it as a potential career, the art offers a unique opportunity to preserve the beauty of animals and create remarkable works of art.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do taxidermy yourself?
Yes, it is indeed possible to do taxidermy yourself if you have the necessary patience and skill. While mounting your specimen requires an additional level of expertise, with the right guidance and practice, you can successfully display your trophy buck or bass in its natural form. However, it is important to note that do-it-yourself taxidermy may not yield professional results, as it requires knowledge of intricate techniques and tools. Therefore, it is advisable to start with simpler projects and gradually improve your skills before attempting more complex taxidermy endeavors.
Where is the best place to learn taxidermy?
One of the best places to learn taxidermy is the Northwood Institute of Taxidermy, Inc. This institution offers a 13-week program designed to provide intensive training in various aspects of taxidermy. Students not only learn the technical skills required to create lifelike animal mounts but also gain knowledge on how to effectively manage a taxidermy studio. With a strong emphasis on business development, students are equipped with the necessary tools to form the foundation of a successful taxidermy business.
What is the easiest animal to taxidermy?
When it comes to taxidermy, one animal that stands out as a viable option for beginners is the rabbit. Not only are rabbits readily available, but their small size and simple anatomy make the process more manageable. Additionally, rabbits have a relatively durable hide that is less prone to slipping, ensuring a smoother taxidermy experience. Their affordability and forgiving nature make rabbits an ideal choice for those venturing into the world of taxidermy.
Another animal that proves to be relatively easy to taxidermy is the domestic cat. With their widespread domestication and abundance, cat taxidermy is not overly challenging. Moreover, cat forms are readily accessible in the market, and their skins are compatible with the tanning process, resulting in a more successful preservation. While more intricate compared to smaller mammals, cats can still be tackled by aspiring taxidermists due to the availability of resources and support within the taxidermy community.
Is taxidermy a course?
Yes, taxidermy is indeed a recognized course offering practical experience in the fundamental techniques of preserving and mounting animals. These six-week basic level courses provide students with the opportunity to learn various techniques, including mounting small and large game like deer, raccoon, and squirrel. Moreover, students also gain knowledge in the identification and mounting of ducks, making taxidermy a comprehensive skill set that allows individuals to artistically preserve the beauty of the animal kingdom.