How do I learn taxidermy?
Considering a new career? Need a new hobby away from the screens?
There are many paths one can take to learn taxidermy, and so many ways to start! My initial entry in the field was with non traditional work, which over the years expanded to include more scientific and traditional work. With a wide range of experience, here are some helpful taxidermy resources to help make taxidermy fun and inclusive!
Intro to Taxidermy
Taxidermy is a scientific art whose etymology basically translates to “moving skin” or arranging skin” Essentially, taxidermy is simply the act of mounting a preserved skin onto an anatomically accurate form, to recreate or portray an animal. If you’d like an introduction to specimen preservation and conservation, especially as it relates to birds, check out the talk I did with Feminist Bird Club here!
Below are more points to consider. Scroll to the bottom for free tutorials, books, and more.
Also join my “Learn Taxidermy” Discord Server , my Reddit group, or my Facebook group for mentorship, education, and networking artists and taxidermists.
Laws
No matter what type of taxidermy you’d like to create, the first step would be to familiarize yourself with the laws around the practice. In the US, you can check fws.org, as well as your state and local natural resources offices. Major laws such as the Lacey Act, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), ESA (the Endangered Species Act), and the MBTA (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) are searchable online. My colleague Lupa Greenwolf has compiled an incredible resource on state and federal animal parts laws here. I’ve compiled more laws on this list. Please keep in mind these are only guides and they are NOT a substitute for legal advice from a lawyer, and any communication you have with your local wildlife officers should be in writing. I hold no liability for your actions.
History
Next, read books about the history and process of taxidermy to familiarize yourself with the ideas and terminology. My Bookshop and Reading List have some of my favorite books, (including one I coauthored as a basic beginners guide!) and books that I want to read. I also recommend a few antique books such as Leon Pray’s taxidermy manuals, Oliver Davie’s “Methods in the Art of Taxidermy”. These books have methods that have withstood to the test of time. I love history, and despite not always seeing myself reflected in it, understanding it shapes how we influence the present and build the future! You can find these on resale, auction, or used book websites, or on the Hathi Trust, where many rare books that fall into the public domain are free! I've linked many directly on my Reading List.
Practice
Once you are comfortable with the terms and processes, a great next step is taking a class! If you would like to take a class with me, please check the Events tab for upcoming live and virtual events. If I am not coming to a city near you, please email me and I will gladly work with you and a venue if there is enough interest, or refer you to a reputable local instructor. If you would prefer to practice on your own, I’ve made some free tutorials here, and have a reading list of my favorite texts. This is constantly being updated, as I’m constantly learning! I also recommend taxidermy.net as a great place to search for tutorials and purchase specimens. I also have a “Learn Taxidermy” Discord Server , a Reddit group, and a Facebook group for educating and networking taxidermists.
Supplies
Supplies can be specific to the type of taxidermy you’d like to specialize in. To avoid getting overwhelmed, I suggest picking a common animal that you're fascinated by, whether thats squirrels, starlings, chickens, or something else entirely, and building a kit based on that. Reading multiple tutorials before buying supplies is very helpful, and if you are an artist or craftsperson, you may already have some of these supplies on hand! Work in a clean, well lit space using a tray or other surface you can disinfect. Other supplies are readily found at art supply and hardware stores. For specialized taxidermy supplies, there are suppliers like Van Dykes or McKenzie, or ones I have listed here. Many taxidermy tools are the result of improvisation - see what works for you (but be safe!)
Nature Studies
An ongoing part of a successful taxidermy practice, whether it is a hobby or career, is field observation. Whether it is birdwatching, herping, sitting in a park, or sketching at a zoo, understanding the habits, behaviors, and complexity of living creatures will translate into recreating them. Being open to awe and wonder is incredibly healing! If you are unsure of where to start, get in touch with your local chapter of Feminist Bird Club, Outdoor Afro, Audubon Society, or Natural History Museum. Many are working towards inclusivity, and can be very helpful. If you are interested in learning outdoor skills, check out Hunters of Color and Queer Nature. Also consider volunteering at a local nature center, park, or natural history museum to get closer to the subject.
Networking
I have a “Learn Taxidermy” Discord Server , a Reddit group, and a Facebook group for mentorship, education, and networking artists and taxidermists. In addition, most states have a taxidermy association with yearly shows and competitions that typically last an entire weekend. Even if you don’t compete, it’s worth going to meet other taxidermists, learn different specialties, and take in the workshops and seminars. I recommend going with a friend if you’re intimidated, and using social media or Meetup groups to find like minded taxidermy enthusiasts. If you are in or near NYC, Wunderkammer is a yearly showcase and competition where all styles and experience levels of taxidermy are welcome! I’m also happy to connect you with anyone I know.