How to Find a Good Taxidermist
Many hunters like to bring their kills home and have them mounted. Other people will simply lose a pet and want to keep them around for years to come. Either way, it's important that you find a good taxidermist. You don't want to put the animal in the hands of someone inexperienced because if it isn't done properly the first time, it will never be done properly.
You shouldn't just choose the first taxidermist that you come across. It can take a little while in order to find the best one for you. Therefore, you shouldn't wait until you come back from a hunting trip to start looking for one. Find one before you go hunting because you won't have much time when you get back to do so.
If you're a hunter who is fortunate enough to have friends who hunt in the same area, then it should be pretty easy for you to find a good taxidermist. Some of your friends will likely know one who can do the job for you. Fishermen typically use their services as well, so they can be worth a try. Professionals such as game wardens and park ranges may also be able to offer you a few recommendations.
After you've secured a list of potential taxidermists to try, you need to find out if they're licensed. Most states require taxidermy businesses to hold a license. If you're looking to have a waterfowl done, then they may need a federal license as well.
Experience is one of the most important assets for a good taxidermist to have. It can take years to learn everything a good taxidermist needs to know. Therefore, make sure that you ask how long they've been in business or practicing the hobby.
Even a taxidermist who is considered to be one of the best by your peers may not be the right one for you. There is a lot of artistic skill involved in taxidermy. As you know, all artists aren't the same, and everyone has different tastes. That's why you should take a look at some of their pasts works by visiting their showroom.
It's also important to note that every taxidermist won't have the same set of skills. Some may be comfortable working with smaller mammals, but not larger species like deer and bears. There are various areas within the field of taxidermy, so make sure that the taxidermist you choose is skilled in the area that you need.
Another thing to consider when trying to find a good taxidermist is their turnaround time. As you know, this can be a very lengthy process. You may quickly choose a taxidermist who tells you that you'll have your mount back within six months. However, some are known to give highly inflated turnaround times to say the least just to get your business. You may end up not getting your mount back for at least a year if you trust someone who turns out not to be trustworthy.
Of course, you will also be interested in how much it's going to cost you. Call around and ask for prices from different taxidermists. Although you'll want to look for a deal, you may want to avoid a taxidermist that is charging considerably less than his competitors because his quality may not be as good.
Learn taxidermy here! Offering gamehead, lifesize and habitat instruction. www.taxidermyworkshops.com
You shouldn't just choose the first taxidermist that you come across. It can take a little while in order to find the best one for you. Therefore, you shouldn't wait until you come back from a hunting trip to start looking for one. Find one before you go hunting because you won't have much time when you get back to do so.
If you're a hunter who is fortunate enough to have friends who hunt in the same area, then it should be pretty easy for you to find a good taxidermist. Some of your friends will likely know one who can do the job for you. Fishermen typically use their services as well, so they can be worth a try. Professionals such as game wardens and park ranges may also be able to offer you a few recommendations.
After you've secured a list of potential taxidermists to try, you need to find out if they're licensed. Most states require taxidermy businesses to hold a license. If you're looking to have a waterfowl done, then they may need a federal license as well.
Experience is one of the most important assets for a good taxidermist to have. It can take years to learn everything a good taxidermist needs to know. Therefore, make sure that you ask how long they've been in business or practicing the hobby.
Even a taxidermist who is considered to be one of the best by your peers may not be the right one for you. There is a lot of artistic skill involved in taxidermy. As you know, all artists aren't the same, and everyone has different tastes. That's why you should take a look at some of their pasts works by visiting their showroom.
It's also important to note that every taxidermist won't have the same set of skills. Some may be comfortable working with smaller mammals, but not larger species like deer and bears. There are various areas within the field of taxidermy, so make sure that the taxidermist you choose is skilled in the area that you need.
Another thing to consider when trying to find a good taxidermist is their turnaround time. As you know, this can be a very lengthy process. You may quickly choose a taxidermist who tells you that you'll have your mount back within six months. However, some are known to give highly inflated turnaround times to say the least just to get your business. You may end up not getting your mount back for at least a year if you trust someone who turns out not to be trustworthy.
Of course, you will also be interested in how much it's going to cost you. Call around and ask for prices from different taxidermists. Although you'll want to look for a deal, you may want to avoid a taxidermist that is charging considerably less than his competitors because his quality may not be as good.
Learn taxidermy here! Offering gamehead, lifesize and habitat instruction. www.taxidermyworkshops.com
