Go for it man! How old are you, can you afford it, college on you and mrs.?
Your days afield are OVER!! Lol. Just keep this in mind, don't be good, be great! Great taxi's are far, between.
I am not a taxi, always wanted to. But my passion for bowhuntin out weighs.

 

I know several taxi’s.... the ones who do it as a full time career dont get to hunt much if at all...

 

This is true

 

43 now- plan to be working more a more desirable schedule/occupation by 50.

As for the quality; I’d aim to be the best which at this point is a totally unsubstantiated goal... but I wouldn’t let something leave I wasn’t proud of. There are a few really good taxidermists in this area and a bunch of average or less than average.

The idea of hunting less is a no go; I want to hunt more. At this point I’d think the taxi gig wouldn’t be full time but one of a few different avenues that played nice schedule wise.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I’ve been trying to pay us out of debt .... full well knowing it won’t be as lucrative as the current ..... In 5-6 yrs my kids will be off to college, my wife will hopefully still carry our health insurance...

43 now- plan to be working more a more desirable schedule/occupation by 50.

Trying to pay your way out of debt? Kids getting ready to go to college? Hoping your wife still has insurance? More desirable schedule? You may not like what you're doing now, but a solid and steady paycheck is hard to argue against in today's world. Are you ready to start over, on a "hope"? If I was starting over at 43, it would be into another solid field, not something that I knew absolutely nothing about.

As for the quality; I’d aim to be the best which at this point is a totally unsubstantiated goal...

Of course you would, we all would.

But, what if it turns out that your best isn't good enough, even after years of training and practice? Then what do you do? You'll be closing in on 50, and the job prospects will be even tougher.

There are a few really good taxidermists in this area and a bunch of average or less than average.

So you, as a rank amateur, are going to be trying to break into a market that already has a few "really good" taxidermists already? How do you, as the unproven new guy, plan to draw business away from them?

The idea of hunting less is a no go; I want to hunt more. At this point I’d think the taxi gig wouldn’t be full time but one of a few different avenues that played nice schedule wise.

Good luck with that. Do you think that guys are going to just wait until the season is over before they bring their stuff to you? Maybe they'll just leave it sit for a few weeks, letting the hair start to slip, so that you can keep hunting? They are going to want you to cape their heads at 10 o'clock at night, after they've shown it off to all of their buddies. Your opening weekend? Gone. Rut? Gone. Best days of any season? Gone. You'll be busy taking in jobs, skinning, caping, salting, cataloging, sending hides out for tanning, trying to keep everything straight and organized, while everybody is out killing and bringing those animals to you. And THAT is how it needs to be, if you expect to have and keep and business, and pay any bills.

I'm not saying any of that to be an azz, I'm just trying to get you to take a real hard look at reality before you make a leap that you might regret.

A lot of guys don't necessarily like their jobs, but they do like the security, they do like the paycheck, they do like being able to hunt, and they do like keeping their family together because they don't end up in poverty chasing a hopeless dream.

Take it for what it's worth.

 

Go for it!!

My taxi is a trapper and does not hunt at all. Perfect fit as he is slammed during hunting season.

 

start small as a hobby and go from there. Mount a few deer and turkey for friends and practice...I bet it takes off from there for you

 

Sounds like a crowded market.
"There are a few really good taxidermists in this area and a bunch of average or less than average."

 

I can retire at age 55 so 10 more years. After that I plan on retiring and learning the art

 

I heard it and saw it first hand, hobbies that turn into Jobs makes the hobby less fun. Cousin started guiding hunts as a side job. Once his name got out all the clients wanted him, hunt became less fun. Ask him now and he hates hunting.

 

I got into taxidermy about 25 years ago for extra income but to also become a competition quality taxidermist. I didn't have the resources that are available now (i.e. internet training, animal reference pics, etc.). I found that I had rather focus on competition. Each state has a taxidermy association and they'd each have a convention and competition (Taxidermy Associations). I'd go to as many as I could, sit through different seminars and soak in as much education as I could. I competed as often as possible just so my mounts could be judged and learn from my mistakes. I met some of the most talented artist in the world over 15 years.

I was lucky enough to have one very wealthy client that would pay me competition rates, which I took to the shows. I'd do 5-10 pieces for him each year, as he hunted all over the world. As far as extra income for the average Joe, yes you can make some. One of the things I'd advise you against, is trying to under price your work in order to get the business. An average whitetail shoulder mount around my area is $400. Of that, a form is gonna run close to $100, eyes another $20 for good quality, ear liners, artificial noses, tanning chemicals, etc. At the end of the day, profit isn't that much unless you can turn them out from beginning to end under 6-8 hours total (my competition pieces would have 40-65 hours). You'll also need tools. Most important is a fleshing machine. You can find used ones on Taxidermy.net as well as some great links to education on different animals.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed taxidermy but my career takes most of my time now and I got out of it about 10-years ago. I can't express the satisfaction that I got out of a finished piece and you will as well. Spend some time on Taxidermy.net, and go to the shows, especially the World Taxidermy Association Convention, you won't regret it. Good luck and keep us posted on your work.

 

So I think I’m slipping down the slope of midlife crisis and loss of love for what I have done the last 20+ yrs. I’ve been trying to pay us out of debt and sock all I can into my retirement. Aside from tags and some gear splurges I’m frugalish with the thoughts of moving onto a career I enjoy full well knowing it won’t be as lucrative as the current being the cost of that transition. In 5-6 yrs my kids will be off to college, my wife will hopefully still carry our health insurance and I’ll be able to pull away from how I feel every weekday am.

The crazy Azz consideration of late is to do some consulting for my current line of work and a couple deer related endeavors. One of the considerations was becoming a taxidermist as I’m a detail orientated person who has been placed with some left brained artist nature. Before the hate brew begins- I know this all takes time and it won’t be a $100k hobby filled with nothing but good times.

So ; who is a taxidermist and how did you get there? There is a school here in wNY but not having seen the guys work... I’m not sure what a good school to look into is or if a school is even necessary. Are there known schools? Where does one start? How long does it take? How long is it for most to develop from learning to producing good, then excellent pieces? Is it a dumb idea not to pursue learning fish and fowl? What is needed room? External relationships? Tools? Any other thoughts? Am I an idiot for thinking this could be something beyond a labor of love?

Good luck brother with whatever you decide.
kind Of in the same boat. I have enjoyed 25 years of one thing and want something different in the worst way.

 

Become a RN.

 

I hear that man, I dont want to do what I do for the rest of my life either and I have an EXCELLENT career. My goal by 55 at the latest is mowing grass, day trading, hunting and fishing. You have your priorities straight by getting out of debt first. I should have that done here in the next five years including our house.

The real wealth in life isnt stuff, its time. Time is the most expensive thing you will ever have and you cant ever get it back.

 

A few points for greater explanation.

This is not now- it’s 5-10yrs out. At that point I will still need and desire and income but won’t have all sorts of debt over my head or really anything beyond day-to-day and the kids finishing college IF we decide to pay their way (as in theyre earning it with effort).

It is not my only gig planned and would not be the largest for compensation. To one line this thread “my current occupation has beat the chit out of me and I’m wondering how to become a great taxidermist as part of my latter years occupations”.

I live in Western NY now. I don’t think we’ll be living here in 10yrs due to the political and costly nature of this state so the market comments do but don’t apply. While there are some superb taxidermists here, some are even friends.... I’m not aiming to steal clientele. The reason there are a bunch is because the pool of people getting mounts is that large. The ones that aren’t good; suck and don’t think that the average $5-600 spender would continually gravitate that way. Those that are here also are of the age that it’s unlikely they’ll be doing this craft in 10yrs.

Pyme- my feet are grounded and this won’t be how I feed my newborns. You have many stark but realistic points and I suspected some unforeseen realities and At forum shank replies.

On the above- I was ignorant to think of the timeframe being so contradictory and invasive on my hunting and that’s a total turnoff. Love all things whitetail, wanted that to be part of second phase jobs but wanted to deal with the hunters of this area (assuming we didn’t leave) as little as possible. There were no tea leaves or ray of light from the clouds divinely leading me into the craft.

Anyway.... back to the core of this.... how does one learn the trade nowadays?

 

Pyme- my feet are grounded and this won’t be how I feed my newborns. You have many stark but realistic points and I suspected some unforeseen realities and At forum shank replies.

Like I said, I wasn't trying to be an azz, but so many guys will just say "Go for it man!"

It's easy to say that when you have no skin in the game, and you're gambling with somebody else's life.

I was just trying to bring a balance of reality to it for you.

 

I’ve done taxidermy part/full time now for 29 years with a full time job. Now I’m retired but there is to much to explain about the the profession. I’m not sure if I should say go for it or run away!!!!
If you proceed there will be sacrifices in your life.

 

My buddy did Just that. He became a taxidermist in his 50s. It took him about five years to build up enough clientele to really make a good living.... he loves it. He gets to talk hunting all year long.

Edit- What area are you in? Assuming you are not going to be his direct competitor, p.m. me and I’m sure he would be happy to talk to you, super guy.
—-

 

I was talking with my taxidermist when I went to pick up my mount a couple weeks ago. I was just talking about what would make a cool mount and different poses and stuff. He told me I should get into taxidermy because I have an artistic mind. I talked a little more in depth with him. He said he hardly gets to hunt because thats when everyone is dropping off their animals....hunting season. He also said he doesn't make much money at all off a deer mount and before the Trump tax cuts he was just barely above breaking even. He said if Biden gets rid of those tax cuts he will probably give it up altogether as its just not worth it for that amount of money. BTW...he charges $500 for a shoulder mount.

 

I'm not a taxidermist, but have used several over the years and have an artistic eye for detail. The guys who really shine in taxidermy are the ones who have been involved in competitions to be judged and learn from their present level of skill. One fellow I currently have a deer shoulder mount being done has been at it over 25 years and stopped advertising completely about 5 years ago. His reputation has spread through repeat business and their referrals to friends and family. That is how I heard of him.....through a hunting buddy with whom I firearm hunt.

When I took my head in to him mid-November, he was getting close to his cutoff point for getting them finished in about a year. While he has done small game, fish and birds, the majority of his work comes from whitetail hunters to the exclusion of pretty much everything else. I don't think he hunts much, but could if he ran his hours midday and evenings. If it is a dream OP, make it happen.....everything you do will be work at some points.....but doing things you like is much better than doing stuff you have to for a paycheck.

 

The most important training/education you'll need is not in how to do taxidermy. It is in how to run a business. Lots of talented taxidermists go under every year because they just don't understand how to run a business.

 

Have you ever tried taxidermy? I thought i wanted to until i mounted a squirrel. That turned my whole outlook around. Haha

 

Have you thought about looking for a new career that you're passionate about? I know it can be scary to make a change, especially if it means taking a pay cut, but sometimes it's worth it in the long run. It sounds like in 5-6 years, you'll have more flexibility to pursue something new. When I was in a similar situation, I started looking at truck driver employment listings. I know it might sound random, but I always loved the idea of being out on the open road and seeing new parts of the country. Plus, there are a lot of opportunities for truck drivers right now, and some companies even offer training programs. It might be worth checking out if it's something that interests you.

 

Start slow. Do your own and take the time to be as close to perfect as possible. Learn as you go from your mistakes. Lots of guys out there that think they are good or good enough. It’s too much money for someone to spend and it not be right. Do it right and start slow. It’s one of those endeavors that can be boom or bust. Folks that know good work will know how to pick the work apart and then the reputation isn’t what you want it to be. Once there, and have a handful of beautiful mounts, set up at sportsman shows, game dinners, gun shows, etc. wherever there is a market and potential clientele, be there. Good work, good attitude, good smile, and a passion for what you do will go a long way. Best of luck.

 

So I think I’m slipping down the slope of midlife crisis and loss of love for what I have done the last 20+ yrs. I’ve been trying to pay us out of debt and sock all I can into my retirement. Aside from tags and some gear splurges I’m frugalish with the thoughts of moving onto a career I enjoy full well knowing it won’t be as lucrative as the current being the cost of that transition. In 5-6 yrs my kids will be off to college, my wife will hopefully still carry our health insurance and I’ll be able to pull away from how I feel every weekday am.

The crazy Azz consideration of late is to do some consulting for my current line of work and a couple deer related endeavors. One of the considerations was becoming a taxidermist as I’m a detail orientated person who has been placed with some left brained artist nature. Before the hate brew begins- I know this all takes time and it won’t be a $100k hobby filled with nothing but good times.

So ; who is a taxidermist and how did you get there? There is a school here in wNY but not having seen the guys work... I’m not sure what a good school to look into is or if a school is even necessary. Are there known schools? Where does one start? How long does it take? How long is it for most to develop from learning to producing good, then excellent pieces? Is it a dumb idea not to pursue learning fish and fowl? What is needed room? External relationships? Tools? Any other thoughts? Am I an idiot for thinking this could be something beyond a labor of love?

been 2 yrs....any updates about how it's going or any steps you are taking?

 

It’s funny as I forgot about this thread and approach. A lot has changed since 2021 hasn’t it?

It’s off the table. Between buying some Midwest dirt and having hearty debt for the upcoming years and coming to some reality with I don’t like most hunters (especially in the north east) or giving up time during season- which this would be a total contradiction of.

The point is- I’m 46 and sick of the corporate grind but I’ve put myself into the “golden handcuffs” role. Going to grind for another 7-10 and then go second chapter if I can suffer/muddle through this. Also realizing life is short and while money matters… it’s not everything and hating most days at work isn’t a way to live (or teach my
Kids is normal).

 

Taxidermy does take patience and skill, and it’s definitely a craft where you get better over years, not weeks. I know someone who shifted careers midlife into private investigation — started with zero experience but found a great guide at https://legalcareerpath.com/private-investigator-career-guide/ which laid out clear steps, schooling, and skills needed. Maybe look for something like that for taxidermy? Schools help, but lots learn through apprenticeships or clubs first.

 

I see it’s been a while since this thread was active, but I’m curious if anyone found a straightforward solution or work-around since then? I’ve run into something similar and wonder if comparing notes could help. Also, did anyone try approaching this from a different angle—like tweaking settings instead of relying on a fix? Would love to hear what worked or didn’t work for you.

is the flora form guy under an alias?

 

I say do it. I’m in a similar midlife crisis stage and if it weren’t for the surprise baby 19 years younger than my next youngest I would be doing something very similar. But mine was becoming a circumnavigator

 

Anyone else notice that the OP came back a couple years later (2023) to report that things changed and he was not headed down that potential second career path??? An interesting topic, but a 'dead horse' in this case.

 

Gotta love AT. this am i saw this thread and was like "chit- thats mine from forever ago".

Yessir- not headed down this road. My taxi and i chatted about this and i realized dealing with hunters during hunting was a big no no. Ive also made friends with some others out of area...one dude is the best in his region and barely making enough to keep the lights on with most aspects paid for. More importantly- and the biggun- I realized that buying hunting ground with money from my good paying job i cant stand makes more sense right now. I get the experience and some living equity, as well as leaving a conservation finger print (but still hunt public as well so dont get snarky AT)