How to Learn Taxidermy for Free
Taxidermy can be a lucrative and rewarding hobby or profession. Learning taxidermy can take years of professional training through attendance at a local taxidermy school or a subscription to a magazine or video collection teaching you the craft. You can get your taxidermy license and circumvent these issues with just a few steps.
Instructions
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Read up on taxidermy online. Many taxidermy sites will offer step-by-step resources which will get you started in understanding the steps. See the Resources below for some sites which offer a basic outline and description of how to mount an animal.
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Go to your local library and check out their taxidermy books. Many licensed taxidermists have published books on how to best mount animals. These books will often offer pictures and great tips on understanding the craft. Check out taxidermy articles in magazines at your local library. Niche publications, such as Taxidermy Today and Breakthrough Magazine, may be available for free, depending on your library's selection. These publications can help you fine tune and better understand the intricacies of taxidermy.
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Consider attending a taxidermy school on scholarship. Contact a school near you to see if scholarships are an option. See the Resources below for a list of taxidermy schools. Some may be able to help you with tuition, and while not free, may be more affordable.
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Join your state's taxidermy association. There, with fellow taxidermists, you can learn to mount animals or ask others to help you learn the basics of taxidermy. See the Resources below for a link to different taxidermy organizations by state.
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Call local taxidermists and see if they need apprentices. Long before most technical schools, taxidermy was learned through apprenticeship. You may also want to see if any local museums need taxidermy apprentices. An unpaid apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to learn the craft without paying tuition at a taxidermy school.
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Tips & Warnings
Working with dead animals can expose you to a high risk of disease. Chronic Wasting Disease is a neurological disease found in elk and deer, animals commonly mounted. As it is still unclear whether this fatal disease can be transmitted to humans, it is important to take precautions. Make sure to wear heavy rubber gloves whenever working with any dead animals. Also, make sure to frequently wash your hands whenever dealing with any animals.
