Thinking of getting a wildlife taxidermy job done? You better think it through first because there’s a right and a wrong way of doing it.

Some might think preparing taxidermy models of wildlife is as simple as preparing models of common animals. But even though they’re both considered taxidermy, there are still different processes.

If you’re planning on getting a taxidermied animal done soon, keep reading. We’re sharing how to prepare for the taxidermy of wildlife in this article.

Different Methods and Techniques

Taxidermy is the process of preserving and mounting specimens of animals, birds, fish, and other wildlife for scientific study, educational use, and artistic display.

Depending on the species, the professional taxidermist may employ different methods and techniques.

Traditional

The process of traditional taxidermizing wildlife consists of several specific steps, starting with the preservation of the animal. Before any taxidermic work can begin, the remains of the animal must be properly preserved.

This means it must be properly stored in a cool, dry, and dark space, and any tanned hide or feathers must be sewn up in a special solution. Once preserved, the animal must then be skinned, and the hides and feathers must be dried.

The dried hide must then be reassembled and stretched onto a form that is designed to match the actual animal’s proportions. This is achieved by using special taxidermy tools to mold and shape the hide and add stuffing to restore the proportions of the animal.

Finally, the final touches, such as eyes, nose, and mouth, must be added to the mount, and it is ready to show off in a display. This process has been used traditionally for centuries, and modern taxidermists today still use the same basic steps to create lifelike animal mounts.

Modern

Modern is an ongoing improvement on traditional methods of preserving wildlife. This is to create a stunning and lifelike representation of the animal. The taxidermist applies a combination of anatomy, sculpting, artistry, and tanning.

For example, modern peacock taxidermy involves the careful preservation of a peacock’s feathers in order to create a realistic and lifelike representation of the bird. This can be a difficult process that takes time and patience.

The first step is to carefully preserve the feathers to keep the natural colors and shape intact. After each feather is carefully taken care of, the peacock must be carefully posed and mounted to make the piece look realistic.

They then use a combination of man-made and natural substances to craft a delicate framework around which to build their sculpture, such as:

• Clay
• Wire
• Plaster of Paris

Lastly, the fur or feathers are applied and textured to replicate the natural looks of the animals, often using advanced painting techniques and glaze to add realism to the final product.

Ensuring Safety and Maintaining Quality

Taxidermy is a process of preserving and mounting a dead animal into a lifelike position. Ensuring safety and maintaining quality during a taxidermizing process is of utmost importance.

Safety should be taken into consideration. All taxidermists must use protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to reduce the risk of exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Furthermore, all chemicals used should be handled carefully to avoid hazards. Secondly, quality should be a priority when taxidermizing.

Quality work depends largely on proper skinning, stuffing, and mounting of the specimen. Careful measures should be taken in order to maintain realistic posturing, and all materials should be of the highest quality, such as:

• Stuffing
• Tanning chemicals
• Stabilizers

Also, taxidermy projects should be tested and evaluated to ensure safety and quality. Taxidermists should not cut corners and take the time to carefully assess the project before it is shipped.

Assembling Tools, Materials, and Supplies

The process of properly taxidermizing wildlife is made much simpler when assembling the proper taxidermy tools, materials, and supplies. Those interested in taxidermizing wildlife should begin by gathering supplies such as items:

• Boiling pot
• Sharp knife
• Fleshing Beam
• Rasp
• Degreaser
• Tanning solution
• Glue gun

These items give the taxidermist the necessary tools, materials, and supplies needed to properly preserve the animal. The taxidermist must also acquire the necessary form for the animal they are preserving, as well as ample stuffing material for the animal.

It is also critical to acquire proper labeling and protective equipment to ensure the safety of the taxidermist. Also, having familiarity and practice with the process of skinning, mounting, and preserving animals before attempting to taxidermize a wild animal can be beneficial.

With the right tools, materials, and supplies, taxidermizing wildlife can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Skinning and Cleaning the Animal

The process of properly taxidermizing wildlife skinning, and cleaning the animal entails a number of steps. The animal must first be skinned and the hide removed.

This requires a sharp, clean pair of scissors and a skinning knife, and appropriate gloves for the job. Depending on the species, it can also require the use of a saw or a hoof trimmer.

This process must be done in a sanitary manner to prevent any potential contamination or disease transfer. After the skin has been removed, the remains are then thoroughly inspected in order to determine any damage or disease to the animal.

This inspection helps determine the most appropriate steps to be taken during the cleaning process. These typically include a heated bath or a flesh-eating enzyme treatment.

Once the animal is clean, the hides and skulls are stored in a place away from moisture in order to ensure they remain in good condition for taxidermy.

Making Natural & Lifelike Representations

Taxidermy involves the art of preserving an animal’s body to give it a lifelike representation. This is done by first preparing the animal’s body, which includes skinning, tanning, and cleaning.

Next, the piece is dried, and preservatives are applied if needed. The skin is then sewn onto a modeling material like clay or foam. Then layers of clay or foam are added to create a support structure to shape the animal’s body. It helps to create muscle and fat structures.

The process then focuses on adding finer details by painting, inserting glass eyes, and creating individual feathers and hairs. Finally, the piece is sealed with a clear coat before being placed in the desired position for display.

By carefully following the steps in the taxidermy process, one will be able to successfully create natural, lifelike representations of wildlife.

Preserving and Mounting the Trophy

The process of preserving and mounting the trophy begins with selecting the quality hide and features of the animal. The hide should not have scratches or cuts and should be completely furred.

The torso and limbs of the animal must be cleaned thoroughly to remove dirt and hair. Also, formaldehyde must be used to preserve the tissues and prevent decay.

After this, the form is filled with mounting material such as sawdust, straw, or foam, and thorns can be used to hold it in place. When ready, sandpaper is used to shape and prepare the hide for the mounting process.

The tanned hide is then sewn to the existing trophy and adorned with accessories. Finally, taxidermy glue and thread are used to make sure the trophy is secured and won’t move or tear over time.

Ethical Considerations

It is important when engaging in the practice of taxidermy to do so ethically, being respectful of the wildlife being used. This includes considerations like taking only legal hunts. It’s necessary in avoiding potential injury or harm to the animals.

When the animal has been harvested, the taxidermist must take proper precautions in animals, especially during the following:

• Skinning
• Preserving
• Stuffing

Humane treatment of the animal should be kept in mind throughout the process as the animal was a living creature. The taxidermist should have the animal’s well-being in mind throughout the process. It treats the animal equally to how it would treat a living animal.

Furthermore, using quality materials, no toxic chemicals or products that would degrade the animal in any way should be utilized. The taxidermist should be knowledgeable of animal anatomy and body proportions when properly creating the mounts.

Afterward, the mounts should be displayed in a respectful manner. In short, ethical considerations in taxidermy is essential to providing a respectful representation of wildlife, avoiding impact on the environment, and ensuring the humane treatment of animals.

Taxidermy Alternatives

Taxidermy alternatives, such as soft sculpture, skim-sculpture, or wall-mounted replicas, are gaining in popularity and provide an ethical option since they do not involve any real animal remains.

Even beyond this, there are other more sentimental alternatives, such as turning the animal’s ashes into jewelry or having a carver make a sculpture of the animal.

But, regardless of the method chosen, taxidermy alternatives still provide an opportunity for people to appreciate and learn about the animals that once lived.

Learn More About Wildlife Taxidermy Today

Wildlife taxidermy involves a lot of precise steps to make sure the process and the finished product are done correctly. When done correctly, the result is a museum-quality piece of artwork that captures the character and beauty of the animal.

If you’re interested in learning more, why not visit taxidermists and see the artistry for yourself?

Did you find this article helpful? Visit more of our blogs!