Taxidermy is the art of creating mounts of animals as trophies for sportsmen. The necessary skills are taught by practicing taxidermists and at some public educational institutions. Many of the tools and supplies used for taxidermy are standard and would likely be in the possession of any sportsman wishing to learn to be a taxidermist. Other tools are common household items found in most toolboxes. There are some specialized items that, according to Surry Community College, will cost about $200.
Household Items
A number of household items like hair combs and brushes, hair dryer, dish soap, rubber bands, clothes pens and plastic bowls and tubs are all useful for the beginning taxidermist. Most budding taxidermists will gather these items into a tool box or supply case to keep everything organized and to prevent the inadvertent use of a comb that had been used to clean the hair of an animal mount from ending up in the hands of a spouse or other family member.
Home Shop Items
Some hand tools that most people have in their shop or garage are used in taxidermy. They include a tape measure, hammer, glue gun, utility knife, screwdrivers, paintbrushes and sandpaper. If the new taxidermist will be doing his work in his shop or garage, these tools are already in place. In other cases the taxidermist may wish to gather the equipment into his toolbox.
Specialized Tools
Some of the items needed to learn and practice taxidermy are specialized and will likely only be acquired for this task. They include needles and pens for fastening hides and skins to the form, needle and thread for closing the hide, skive knife for removing flesh from the inside of the hide, scalpel, scissor and a mounting stand. The mounting stand is a specialized holder to keep the mount steady while it is being worked on.
Specialized Supplies
Forms, premade plastic or foam shape that the hide of the animal will be fitted over are required for most mounts. Along with the forms, clay or other materials are used to enlarge the form as needed to fit the hide being mounted. Glass eyes, paint and other supplies may be needed, depending on the species and style of the mount.
Tags: mounting stand, shop garage, They include, used taxidermy
