I’ve always felt it would be an interesting hobby. How exactly would one go about it? Is it something anyone can do? I mean, I’m sure it requires great practice to become skilled, but does it require years of study before you can get started, or can you start fairly early? Also, is it expensive? Where do you get your specimens? And where do most people perform Taxidermy? Their backyards? Any information would be welcome.

You could probably do it in a garage or shed, as long as you kept the place fairly clean. I’m not sure of the cost, but a lot of taxidermists I know actually use hunters’ game for their subjects…deer, fishing "trophies" and things like that.

My aunt’s husband took a course in taxidermy. His was a year long course, but I think that you can also take them online, or through distance learning programs like PCDI, which lets you finish as fast or slow as you choose.