Getting started in taxidermy: tools, patience, practice

November 6, 2026 · Getting Started

Almost everyone in this club started with a small project, a lot of reference photos, and a first attempt they would do differently today. That is the right way in.

Start small. A small mammal or bird class teaches skinning, fleshing, form work, and finishing in one project, without the cost of a big game mount.

Use reference constantly. Live photos of the animal beat memory every time — ear position, eye shape, and nose detail are what make a mount look alive.

Ask the group. Post your work in progress in the AZ Taxidermy Club group. You will get honest feedback, supplier tips, and encouragement from people across Arizona who have made the same mistakes.