I've been all over the internet recently, searching for taxidermy related blogs, forums, and such, and I can't help but notice the amount of pages that come up that are loosely related to the subject.

I Google "taxidermy" and come up with blog after blog of "Joe Someone" with a very opinionated rant about taxidermists and taxidermy being "wrong"... "unethical"... "disgusting"... "inappropriate"... "redneck" and so on, with only a few genuine taxidermy sites. I really didn't know taxidermy was such a popular subject.

I have to say that I'm upset with the ignorance of these seemingly "educated" people. People who have nice, clean websites, with a picture showing a man or woman dressed in a business suit, complete with a bright polished smile. Very professional looking people.

I suppose this is where the saying, "You can't judge a book by it's cover" comes from...

I've never in my life passed judgment on a career that I didn't understand or wasn't educated about, but it seems to me that more and more people are finding ways to belittle people in my profession, with no valid information related to the subject.

I've read entire websites that are written by people trying to be clever, and all they've managed to do is get other "educated" and "professional" looking people to cheer them on. These people are completely ignorant on the subject. I'm not even talking about PETA. I'm talking about accountants, dog breeders, scientists, and other various people (who have nothing to do with taxidermy or taxidermists) going on and on about how terrible I am for what I do.

There is nothing wrong with having an opinion, and there's nothing wrong with speaking out for what you believe in, but when you have a group of people belittling another group of people for what they've chosen to do, you have a very dangerous situation.

There are people out there who are so completely uneducated on the subject, or feel so passionately about "animal rights" that they're willing to do anything to get their point across... I'm not kidding! There are articles telling people, who follow these animal rights groups and individuals, to do whatever is necessary to "MAKE" people listen and follow their cause.

That scares me...

I've read page after page of hate mail to various taxidermy & hunting organizations, telling the "offender" that he or she needs psychological help, or that they better watch their backs. It's ridiculous. These people value the life of a wild animal more so than the life of a human being.

Don't get me wrong, I love animals. I always have. I think most dogs are better than some humans, but the people that are being attacked are not bad individuals. They've not committed any heinous crimes, or done anything horrible to these folks, they simply decided that they wanted to hunt or have a taxidermy business/hobby. They are not sick, or twisted, or anything of that nature. They're just trying to make a living, and live their lives the way they want to live them. Since they're NOT breaking any laws, I don't see the harm in that.

I don't think that Veterinarians are bad for euthanizing animals, or that Paleontologists are morbid for digging up dead dinosaurs. So why am I sick for making a dead animal look alive again? What is wrong with it? Any answer I get will be just someone’s moral opinion.

Contrary to popular belief, not all taxidermists are uneducated, sick, or twisted. Here are some questions, statements & my responses to some of the things I hear all the time...

Q) "Well, Taxidermists don't need to go to school, so how much money could you possibly make?"

A) This one cracks me up...
Some taxidermists pay big bucks to be taught by the best in the field. I did... I call that school.

My former boss was an "accountant" who took "at home" college courses for accounting... The man couldn't figure out a simple math problem without a calculator! Why should I work for anyone who’s less intelligent than I am?

I'm not in this business to get rich... Just to enjoy my job.

And since when does attending college guarantee a successful career and life, anyway?
That's right... It doesn't guarantee ANYTHING.

Q) "Honestly... How hard is it to fill a skin up with cotton and sew up the little seam?"
A) First of all... There have been some wonderful advancements in the taxidermy industry.

They now cast manikins from carcasses, and some people sculpt forms. Some taxidermists never use cotton to make a body, some do.

The original taxidermists did "stuff" their critters, some look awful, some were amazing. I know of many modern taxidermists who cast their own bodies. I know I have.

Besides that, there are many other things involved in making a quality mount. It's not an overnight project. It's time consuming, and stressful.

Ken Walker, a World Champion Taxidermist, has mounted some amazing recreations. Including the now extinct Irish Elk. This was a recreation... not the actual animals skin.

A great taxidermist is all of the things other greats are... They have a desire to learn, and a desire to succeed. There are no shortcuts.

Q) "What are the eyes? Marbles?"
A) No, they're usually either acrylic or glass. And they're not cheap.

Q) “I think that the fur looks better on the animal”
A) As I’ve stated before… I love animals, I think they’re wonderful. If I could, I’d have million different kinds of ‘em, but since that’s not possible, I just mount them and enjoy them in my home.

There are so many reasons for hunting and trapping. That’s why we‘re still able to do it. I’m not poaching anything, and nothing that comes to my shop is illegal.

Everything is regulated, and I’ve paid my dues towards both state and federal conservation with every bullet and permit I purchase.

And my personal favorite...

Q) "Ewww... What's wrong with you?!"
A) I could write out my entire biography so you could try to find the reason behind my career choice, but you wouldn't find anything, except, of course, someone would point out that I was home schooled. Yes I was... But that has nothing to do with it.

Just a few years ago, I'd never have been able to do this. I didn't think it was wrong, I just didn't think I could stomach it. Since then I've grown up a bit more, thanks to my very open minded, intelligent parents.

I do it because it's fun... That's right, fun. Everyday is different, and it doesn't get boring in my shop. I've always liked doing crafts and hobbies... Now I've found a way to do it for a living.

Besides, I've always wanted a bunch of critters hanging on my wall. Now I can do it for myself.

In closing, I suggest anyone who wants to write a report, blog, web page, etc... either for, or against taxidermy, do a little research before you press that publish button. Perhaps talk to one of us... I know I'm more than happy to share facts with anyone willing to listen.

I guarantee you I'm not the only taxidermist who can read, and instead of posting a bunch of ignorant misinformation on your site for me to laugh at (which I quite enjoy), why not make intelligent statements pertaining to your page content. I know I appreciate and respect intelligence, and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.

Cheers!

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