Just curiouse.......

[bucklucky]

So, how many people on here are actualy taxidermists or do there own taxidermy work?

[PolarBear]

I wouldnt call myself a taxidermist, but I've done a couple hundred european mounts, a few dozen life sized birds, a handful of small mammals and a couple of fish. 

[Hunting Cowboy]

I dabbled with it for a few years before breaking down and getting my license. I was licensed for about five years doing mostly Mule deer and blacktail deer. I also did several whitetail, a few elk, quite a few black bear rugs, caribou, cougar, coyote, raccoon, beaver, otter, etc.

It got to be too much with family and working full time and still having time for hunting. Now I just do the families stuff. It was great experience and I had several taxidermist help me out along the way. I also attended several taxidermy competitions taking in as many seminars as I could. I have to say that I stayed busier than I wanted to be. I still receive calls that I turn down. I've learned to just say no!

I'm hoping that I have at least a couple of bucks to do (for us) this year!

[bucklucky]

I havent done any competitions yet, but I plan on doing some soon. I just went full time after 8 years of being a part time taxidermist. I hope I'll get alot of stuff in so I can make the house payment. Plus I have my first kid on the way, that wasnt supposed to happen till next year. Its kind of scarry going from having a steady paycheck to waiting on customers to pay my house payment for me. I hope all the advertising and sportsman shows get me more customers!

 PolarBear, I think I've seen you on monster muleys before. Probably in the blacktail forum. Thats right because I beleive you said you were just over the hill from me then.

[PolarBear]

Yep, that's me.  I live on Vail Cut Off, just over Miller Hill from you.  I've logged a lot of miles on Miller Hill.

[bucklucky]

I'll be up in there this saturday. I got a little buck I'm going to try and get. I need to be around the phone to deal with customers hopefully so thats not gona leave a whole lot of time for trophy huntin.

[Michelle_Nelson]

I have been doing Taxidermy for 5 1/2 years, and licensed for 4 years.  Started doing Taxidermy when I was 20.  I have never done a competition, hope to find the time next year.  My buisness phone is my cell phone.  That way I am free to go places with out worrying about missing calls from my customers.  I am ready to be full time again. 

[bucklucky]

I wish I could use my cell phone number as my buisness number but where I live I dont get cell service. :bash:Oh well, at least I can look out my back window and watch the elk and deer. Its a good trade off!

[Michelle_Nelson]

I don't get the greatest service out at my place.  Their is one spot in my house and a few spots on the property where the phone works.  When I hear it ring it only takes a second to walk over to it.  When I am in the house the phone sits by the window where I get service.  Very rarely do I NOT hear my phone.  If I don't answer just leave a message and I will call the person right back.  When I get back to being full time again I will get a land line. 

[billythekidrock]

I will call the person right back.

Now about that phone etiquette..LOL

[Michelle_Nelson]

What about phone etiquette?

[billythekidrock]

LOL!

[Michelle_Nelson]

 

[boneaddict]

Michelle did you not return his phone call?


I have played with taxidermy for a number of years.  Training myself so that I could retire and do it full time.   

Actually its just a way to have fun, use some creativity, play with dead things, you know.  It also saves on those inflated taxidermy bills.   Just kidding....if any of you knew how much work goes into an average decent mount, you'd pay your taxidermist double what they ask.    I'm not licensed so only do it for myself or family.  PLUS....I can't handle the stress of what if I screwed up somebodies mount, with my mistake or theirs that I get blamed for.  That would crush me.  I'll stick to playing around at home.  Sure is fun though.

[billythekidrock]

Michelle did you not return his phone call?

  No, just bustin her chops.

[Michelle_Nelson]

   I always return his phone calls!

  He just likes picking on me!