How to Become a Taxidermist — Salary, Training & Licensing
Taxidermy is the ultimate blend of art and science — preserving wildlife specimens with such skill that they look alive. From trophy mounts for hunters to museum displays that educate millions, taxidermists create lasting works of art that no machine can replicate.
96% High Demand
$35K–$75K
Salary Range
Moderate
Demand
+2%
Job Growth
℞ Prescribed by data · BLS · WEF · McKinsey
Taxidermist Apprenticeship & Training in Oregon
Licensing & Requirements
Oregon requires a taxidermy license through ODFW (Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife). Must maintain records and submit annual reports. Federal permits for migratory birds. Oregon has diverse game animals and a strong hunting culture.
Training Programs
Taxidermy schools (travel required for most), NTA workshops, apprenticeships with Oregon taxidermists, Oregon Taxidermists Association, manufacturer training, fish and bird specialty courses (strong demand in OR), online courses.
Independent taxidermy studios, hunting and fishing outfitters, High Desert Museum (Bend), Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's, wildlife education centers, salmon/steelhead fish mount specialists.
Career Overview
Is this career right for you?
✓You're artistic and enjoy sculpting, painting, or working with your hands
✓You have a deep interest in wildlife, anatomy, and the natural world
✓You're patient enough to spend weeks perfecting a single piece
✓You're comfortable working with animal specimens and biological materials
✓You have strong attention to detail — lifelike results require precision
✓You enjoy working independently and building something from start to finish
Your Roadmap
1
Learn the BasicsAge 16–18
Study animal anatomy, biology, and wildlife behavior in school
Take art classes — drawing, sculpting, and painting are core taxidermy skills
Learn basic tanning and skin preparation from online resources and books
Practice with small specimens (birds, fish) under guidance if possible
Join the National Taxidermists Association (NTA) as a student member
Study reference photos of animals in natural poses — observation is everything
2
Get Formal TrainingAge 18–20
Attend a taxidermy school (several 2–12 week intensive programs exist nationwide)
Learn from established taxidermists through apprenticeships — the traditional path
Master skinning, fleshing, tanning, and form building
Learn to sculpt custom forms and alter commercial mannequins
Study airbrush painting techniques for realistic finishing
Practice on a variety of species: mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles
3
Build Skills and PortfolioAge 20–23
Work for an established taxidermy studio to gain experience and speed
Enter NTA and state taxidermy competitions — judges' feedback accelerates learning
Develop expertise in your preferred specialty (big game, birds, fish, or reptiles)
Build a portfolio of your best work with professional photographs
Learn the business side: pricing, customer management, turnaround times
Study habitat creation — rocks, branches, water features for scene mounts
4
Go ProfessionalAge 23–26
Open your own taxidermy studio or take a lead position at an established shop
Get licensed in states that require it (varies by state)
Build relationships with hunting outfitters, guides, and sporting goods stores for referrals
Offer museum-quality work for natural history displays and educational institutions
Compete at state and national levels — awards build reputation and command premium pricing
Specialize in high-value work: life-size big game, competition pieces, or museum dioramas
Win state and national taxidermy awards — competition wins are the ultimate credential
Teach workshops and clinics at taxidermy conventions
Offer reproduction and restoration services for antique and damaged mounts
Build a waiting list of clients who specifically seek your artistry
Create educational content (YouTube, social media) to attract clients nationwide
6
Master LevelAge 30+
Achieve Master Taxidermist status through NTA or World Taxidermy Championships
Contract with natural history museums for permanent exhibit installations
Judge competitions and mentor apprentice taxidermists
Command premium pricing ($5K–$20K+ for life-size big game and competition pieces)
Write for industry publications and teach at national seminars
Build a legacy studio with a reputation for world-class artistry
Taxidermy Industry Pathways & Training
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
The world's premier natural history museum employs taxidermists for specimen preparation, exhibit creation, and wildlife conservation displays. Prestigious government positions with full benefits.
Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's
Major outdoor retailers with massive in-store wildlife displays — hire taxidermists for display creation, maintenance, and in-store taxidermy studios in select locations.
McKenzie Taxidermy Supply
Largest taxidermy supply company in the world — offers training courses, workshops, and seminars while also hiring experienced taxidermists for product development and education.
State Fish & Wildlife Agencies
State wildlife departments hire taxidermists for educational displays, confiscated specimen processing, and visitor center exhibits. Government jobs with benefits and stability.
Taxidermy Schools (Piedmont, Penn, NWTF)
Intensive 2–12 week programs teach all aspects of taxidermy from skinning to finishing. Many successful studio owners started at these schools before apprenticing.
Most taxidermists are self-employed small business owners. The path typically runs: school or apprenticeship → working for an established studio → opening your own shop. Competition success is the fastest way to build a reputation.
Master Taxidermist / Museum Specialist$70K–$100K+Years 10+
vs. College
Taxidermy school costs $2K–$8K for intensive programs lasting 2–12 weeks. Within a few years of opening your own studio, skilled taxidermists earn $50K–$75K, and competition-winning masters with waiting lists clear $75K–$100K+. Compare that to a fine arts degree at $80K–$200K+ with no clear career path.
The Real Talk
The Good
Truly unique artistry — your work preserves wildlife memories that last generations
Extreme AI-era demand: AI is expanding museum, education, and wildlife markets, and every specimen requires pure handcraft
Self-employment is the norm — you control your schedule, pricing, and creative direction
Low startup costs compared to most businesses (basic studio can start at $10K–$20K)
Seasonal demand from hunting seasons creates reliable annual income cycles
A growing market in museum work, education, and artistic/decorative taxidermy
The Hard Parts
Working with biological specimens means dealing with blood, chemicals, and strong odors
Starting salary is low until you build your reputation and client base
Long turnaround times (3–12 months per piece) require patience from you and clients
Chemical exposure (formaldehyde, tanning chemicals) requires safety precautions
Is It Worth It?
Taxidermy is one of the most in-demand artisan careers on the planet — no machine can skin a deer, sculpt a custom form, airbrush realistic coloring, and set glass eyes to capture a lifelike expression. It's a rare career where you get to be an artist, a biologist, a sculptor, and a small business owner all at once. The path is affordable (a few thousand dollars for school vs. six figures for college), the demand is steady (hunters will always want mounts, museums will always need displays), and the ceiling is surprisingly high for master-level artists. Yes, the work involves biological materials and chemicals, and yes, the first few years are lean as you build your name. But once you're known for quality work, the clients find you — and there's nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating a mount so lifelike that people have to look twice.
A Career Is Just One Part of Your Story
The best careers don't just pay well — they give you freedom, purpose, and time for the people and things you love. Choose a path that makes your whole life better, not just your resume.
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