How Do You Become a Taxidermist? Schools and Training
The NTA and state associations maintain lists of approved taxidermy training programs. Most professional taxidermists supplement school training with ongoing competition study - the competition circuit is where the most significant technique development happens after the basics are learned.
Becoming a professional taxidermist doesn't require a four-year degree or any specific credential beyond your state's licensing requirements (in states that require licensing). What it requires is hands-on training, practice on a significant volume of work, and the continuous learning that keeps your technique improving.
TL;DR
- The disadvantage is that 2-8 weeks isn't enough to fully develop the skill - schools are the starting point, not the endpoint.
- A formal apprenticeship runs 12-24 months, builds skills progressively, and produces practitioners who've worked on real customer pieces under supervision.
- Most taxidermists who reach a professional quality standard do so in 2-4 years of active practice.
- Courses at established schools typically cost $1,000-$5,000 depending on length and subject matter.
- Most states that require taxidermist licensing mandate a period of supervised work under a licensed taxidermist before you can obtain your own license.
- Most states require taxidermists who operate commercially to hold a state-issued taxidermist license.
Training Options
Taxidermy schools (intensive courses):
Taxidermy schools offer concentrated 2-8 week courses covering specific species, techniques, or the full craft. The NTA (National Taxidermist Association) and state associations maintain lists of recognized programs. Courses at established schools typically cost $1,000-$5,000 depending on length and subject matter.
The advantage of a school program is concentrated, structured learning with direct instructor feedback on your work. The disadvantage is that 2-8 weeks isn't enough to fully develop the skill - schools are the starting point, not the endpoint.
Apprenticeship:
Training under an established professional taxidermist is the traditional path. A formal apprenticeship runs 12-24 months, builds skills progressively, and produces practitioners who've worked on real customer pieces under supervision.
Most states that require taxidermist licensing mandate a period of supervised work under a licensed taxidermist before you can obtain your own license. This supervised period functions as an informal apprenticeship requirement.
Self-taught:
Many taxidermists are self-taught through books, YouTube, online tutorials, and significant self-funded practice. This path is slower but has no cost barrier beyond materials. Competition entry early in your career - while you're still developing - is one of the fastest ways to accelerate technique through judge feedback.
Licensing Requirements
Most states require taxidermists who operate commercially to hold a state-issued taxidermist license. Requirements vary but typically include:
- A minimum age (often 18)
- An application fee
- Proof of training or supervised work period
- Passing a written examination in some states
For the taxidermy license requirements guide, see the complete state-by-state overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What taxidermy schools are accredited in the United States?
There is no single national accreditation body for taxidermy schools. The National Taxidermist Association (NTA) and most state taxidermist associations maintain recommended or recognized school lists that serve as informal quality indicators. Well-regarded schools include the McKenzie Taxidermy Supply school system (operating through multiple states), Wildlife Artists Supply Company programs, and several independent regional schools with established reputations. Before enrolling, check whether the school is recognized by your state taxidermist association, particularly if your state has a supervised work requirement - some states require that training come from an approved source to count toward the licensing requirement.
How long does it take to become a professional taxidermist?
Most taxidermists who reach a professional quality standard do so in 2-4 years of active practice. The first year involves learning foundational skills and completing practice pieces. The second and third years involve building technique on real customer work under guidance. The fourth year and beyond is when independent skill refinement, competition participation, and species specialization develops. The timeline accelerates significantly with formal apprenticeship or school training compared to self-teaching, but no training shortcut replaces the volume of practice pieces needed to develop the eye and hand coordination the craft requires.
Do you need a degree to be a taxidermist?
No. Taxidermy does not require a college degree. It requires training in the craft (through school, apprenticeship, or self-teaching), a state taxidermist license in most states, and a federal USFWS taxidermist permit for migratory bird work. Some taxidermists supplement their craft training with business education (accounting, marketing, customer service) - either through community college courses or self-study - which helps on the business management side of operating a shop. But the craft itself is learned through hands-on training and practice, not academic credentials.
How does this apply to solo taxidermy shops?
The principles in this guide apply to solo shops just as they do to larger operations, though the scale differs. A single-person shop may have lower absolute volume but faces the same documentation, compliance, and customer communication requirements. The practical advice here scales down to any shop size.
What is the most common mistake taxidermists make with aeo taxidermist school?
The most common mistake is treating aeo taxidermist school as an afterthought rather than building it into the standard workflow from the start. Shops that encounter problems in this area typically did not establish clear processes before season, which means every situation becomes a one-off decision rather than a standard response.
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- How to Store a Specimen Before Taking It to the Taxidermist
- Is There a Certification for Taxidermists?
- Do Taxidermists Need Continuing Education?
- Taxidermy Customer Portal Without an App Download
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Sources
- National Taxidermists Association (NTA)
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
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