Very Green Rookie seeking mentor in NW Arkansas|Gamehead and Lifesize Mammals|Forum|Taxidermy Talk

Been reading a lot of different threads on here and have learned a lot from all of you. I have been watching as many videos as I can on YouTube and eventually will be ordering instructional DVDs. I have always been interested in taxidermy, and with a recent career change I have decided that I need to start doing something that I enjoy. I have been tanning my own hides for the past few months and have started seeing some quality and have learned from all my mistakes. I have an opportunity to mount a friends first coyote. He knows I am just learning, but I don’t want to disappoint. I am willing to do practically anything to learn this trade. It would be greatly appreciated to work under a taxidermist in my area, even if it is unpaid. Also, I get on this site almost daily and take every person’s opinion into consideration. I know all of you were in this position when you started and would be very thankful for any advice. Thank You

this is my first raccoon to tan out, I decided to card the ears up… just like the look of it. Raccoons are probably my favorite animal. Hopefully, this will be a family heirloom for a long time. My grandpa was a coon hunter his entire life until he had a stroke so mounting a GOOD raccoon for him would me my ultimate goal.

this is a possum helmet (or opossum for you yankees, jk) A coworker heard I had some possum pelts lying around and challenged me to make him a motorcycle helmet to show off while he rides around town. I think it turned out ok for being my first one. Let me know what you think.

This was also a spur of the moment type of project. A friend had picked up a couple of roadkill racoons that were in not so good shape. I tanned em out, but they just weren’t something I would want to display… So, I took bits and pieces from each one and made a hat for my girlfriends baby sister. We later lined the inside of the hat with pink fleece and made tassels so she would be able to keep it snug on her head.

Please comment, constructive criticism is appreciated. I hope to make new friends and learn from all of you on this site.

Thanks Again, …
-The Dirt Dobber