The historical city of Springfield, Missouri, was again the location of the 2022 World Taxidermy and Fish Carving Championships®. Many of you reading this account were there, and for those who could not attend, I here offer you my thoughts and a recap. Two big WTC events had been held there, in 2015 and 2019, before the infamous Covid-19 outbreak that brought our world...

In this preparation protocol, we describe the practical approach to the preparation process of an Aldabra giant tortoise. The main focus is the particular difficulties of preparing specimens of this species. Firstly, the heavy weight of the animal requires a stable construction and handling considerations during the working process. Secondly, the requirements for tanning a...

Last issue we began this new article series on mounting an American alligator. That article introduced the two taxidermists who made this series of articles possible along with their procedures for skinning and fleshing with a pressure washer. It did not cover the procedure for properly cleaning the head because it is recommended to remove the head when skinning this...

Not that it’s worth anything, but from time to time I will be asked for my advice from some aspiring young person about the prospect of him taking up taxidermy as a hobby or, I shudder to say, as a career choice. Some skinny-jean clad pup will come up to me and ask, “Yo, Gramps, what does it take to become a ‘critter stuffer?’ It don’t look...