History of Taxidermy

Any red-blooded southern male knows what a taxidermist is. He probably has one that he considers “his” taxidermist. Similar to how a woman might refer to “her” hair stylist. On occasion, when I mention the word taxidermy or mention to someone that my husband is a taxidermist, I get a strange look. This article will give a brief history of taxidermy and explain a little about what the profession has evolved into today.

Taxidermy, in one form or another has been around for thousands of years. When early hunters killed animals for food, they found uses for the inedible parts of the animals as well. These hunters used the fur and hides from their kill to make clothing, shelter, containers, and many other items. In the 1700’s the demand for leather grew and most tanneries could be found in most towns.

During the 18th century, killing animals for sport and decoration became popular. Wanting to preserve the animal for display necessitated the earliest form of taxidermy, referred to as stuffing. During this time, stuffing was an appropriate name for the process, as early taxidermist literally stuffed the skinned animal with nearly anything they could find. Rags, cotton, and paper are a few of the things that could be used to stuff an animal.

The taxidermy profession evolved in the 20th century when taxidermists began creating anatomically correct forms in which to stretch a hide over. With technology and the ability to mass produce forms, the taxidermy profession quickly grew from the crude look of a hide crammed with cotton and rags to a life-like replica of the animal.

Taxidermists of today have many options from which to choose when it comes to mounting an animal. Many companies and taxidermists have created their own forms, each in an attempt to make the animal look more real. Forms of today are generally made from urethane foam and can be produced in large quantities.
 One Must Now Be licensed in most states.
Training in Taxidermy is a must, a one should choose someone with knowlwdge and experience to be a mentor and educator.
One of the Best schools in the Country is All Trophys School of Taxidermy, located in Springtown Texas.
They Can be contacted at the website below.

http://www.alltrophysschooloftaxidermy.com/

http://www.dailymotion.com/country/us/video/x6m5xc_all-trophys-school-of-taxidermy_people

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=-fUcRKBAU-s
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1692120/taxidermy_schools/
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/3414001/9533025

freepage url http://free-page.net/web/oldredneck.htm