Taxidermy Apprentice Questions..

[Shake N' Bake]

I've gotten really interested in taxidermy lately, doing some skull mounts and I'm fixing to try some hide tanning.
I'm wondering do taxidermists do apprenticeships?
If so how does it generally work?
Does the apprentice work for free in return for the knowledge being gained?

Just curious if this is an option for me. I have a full time job and I'm only interested in doing this as a hobby or possibly part time.
Thanks in advance!

[JMAG]

pretty sure they do apprenticeships, thats how u get started. im not sure if u get paid or not

[PondPopper]

pretty sure they do apprenticeships, thats how u get started. im not sure if u get paid or not

Most don't. No one wants to train competition and most full time shops do not have time anyway.

This day and age there is a ton of info on the internet. YouTube. When I started 28 years ago there was none. I'm totally self taught. You can buy DVD's to cover most any aspect of this business nowadays.

Do not go to a school... It's a waste of money. I can't believe how little these folks know after coming out of one of these"schools". Ridiculous..

[Texastaxi]

^^^^^ That pretty much sums it up.

[oneforthewall]

I have hired people with some experience and I have let a couple hang out and help, never tried an apprentice. Most don't have any skills that are helpful and want to make $15/ hr while I teach them.......Lately I just do one on one training tailored to the individuals needs and skill level.

[yanta61]

Im in the same boat right now.... There is a bunch of info online but hands on would be a lot better for me (I think).... Check out youtube and Taxidermy.net

[PondPopper]

I have hired people with some experience and I have let a couple hang out and help, never tried an apprentice. Most don't have any skills that are helpful and want to make $15/ hr while I teach them.......Lately I just do one on one training tailored to the individuals needs and skill level.

Brian is close to you!! I'm not.

[Shake N' Bake]

Most don't. No one wants to train competition and most full time shops do not have time anyway.

This day and age there is a ton of info on the internet. YouTube. When I started 28 years ago there was none. I'm totally self taught. You can buy DVD's to cover most any aspect of this business nowadays.

Do not go to a school... It's a waste of money. I can't believe how little these folks know after coming out of one of these"schools". Ridiculous..

I figured that most would be concerned with the competition aspect. I'm thinking the next decent animal I shoot will be my first experiment with doing a mount.

[oneforthewall]

I figured that most would be concerned with the competition aspect. I'm thinking the next decent animal I shoot will be my first experiment with doing a mount.

On the contrary, "schools" teach the very basic mechanical fundamentals of completing one mount..........way overpriced!

[Texastaxi]

I'm just a lousy ole part time garage taxidermist with a backlog.

If there's anyone in the Houston/Katy area, that wants to learn, I'll gladly teach you from the ground up.

In exchange you will start like I did, and prep skins, prep manakins and sew.

At the end of your training, you will mount a deer of your own, start to finish.

The only downside is the schedule. I only do this after hours and on weekends.
We'll have to work out some mutually acceptable hours.

Sorry if I hijacked.

[buckjunkie25]

Texastaxi only if you were a bit closer....this is a great offer to someone in your area!...

[Shake N' Bake]

I'm just a lousy ole part time garage taxidermist with a backlog.

If there's anyone in the Houston/Katy area, that wants to learn, I'll gladly teach you from the ground up.

In exchange you will start like I did, and prep skins, prep manakins and sew.

At the end of your training, you will mount a deer of your own, start to finish.

The only downside is the schedule. I only do this after hours and on weekends.
We'll have to work out some mutually acceptable hours.

Sorry if I hijacked.

Not a problem hijacking!!

This is EXACTLY what I'm looking for!!
I just wish you were 4-5 hours closer..

[Shake N' Bake]

Ttt

[Shake N' Bake]

Up

[wlfhound27]

There was nothing wrong with going to school for it. I met some outstanding people and got a job right after my training. I guess its all about the good ol boy system on finding a job. I went to work for a very busy taxi and mounted 73 deer in 5 months. Im on my own now, doing mostly my own critters, but I am satisfied with were I am at. I don't advertise yet and I still do good with having a bunch of friends who hunt and come see my work. Its what you take from school, just realize that there is a lot to learn when you get home.