Can You Make a Living Being a Taxidermist?
By Rodney Elmer
mtn-deer.com
Let me get right to the point: Yes, you can absolutely make a living being a taxidermist—and not just scraping by, either. With the right mindset, a solid work ethic, and a passion for wildlife and craftsmanship, taxidermy can be not only a full-time job but a fulfilling, creative career. I’ve lived it for 35 years and counting.
From Passion to Profession
When I started Mountain Deer Taxidermy over three decades ago, I was just a guy who loved the outdoors and wanted to preserve the memories of my hunts. Today, I’ve completed over 10,000 mounts, built a thriving business, and helped countless hunters relive their best days in the field. But beyond the numbers, what’s truly kept me going is the purpose behind the work.
Taxidermy is storytelling. Every mount carries a memory, a moment, a deep respect for nature—and we’re the craftsmen who bring those stories back to life.
The Realities of the Job
Here’s the truth: becoming a great taxidermist takes time. As well as skill, patience, and a willingness to learn constantly. But like any trade, once you commit and build a reputation, the doors start to open.
You don’t need to be a biologist or an artist to start. What you need is the willingness to get your hands dirty, the courage to fail and improve, and a love for wildlife. If you’ve got those three things, you’re already halfway there.
The Financial Side
Let’s talk dollars and cents—because let’s be honest, you’re probably wondering if this can really pay the bills.
The answer is yes! Taxidermy is a service that hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts are always going to need. In areas where hunting is a way of life—like here in the Northeast—there’s steady work if you do quality mounts and treat your clients right.
Over the years, I’ve watched talented folks build side businesses that grow into full-time operations. I’ve also mentored young people who now run their own shops and are booked out for months.
It’s not unusual for a solo taxidermist to pull in $50,000 to $100,000 a year in personal income, depending on the workload and pricing. And as you grow, so does your income. Like any business, it comes down to how you run the shop.
The Growing Demand for Taxidermy
Recent statistics underscore the robust demand for taxidermy services:
Hunting Participation: In 2022, 14.7 million Americans hunted at least once, marking a 1% increase from the previous year. This uptick indicates a sustained interest in hunting activities, which directly correlates with the need for taxidermy services.
Fishing Enthusiasm: The same year saw 54.5 million Americans engaging in recreational fishing, a 4% rise from 2021. Many anglers seek to commemorate their significant catches, further fueling the demand for skilled taxidermists.
Economic Impact: The taxidermy industry in the U.S. was valued at approximately $1.1 billion in 2023, reflecting a 0.9% growth from the previous year. This steady increase highlights the industry's resilience and potential for profitability.
These figures illustrate a thriving market for taxidermy, driven by consistent participation in hunting and fishing activities across the country. For anyone who has gone to a taxidermist for services knows that the majority of taxidermy businesses are booked out for years!
Here at Mountain Deer, we have been booked out for 18 months ahead of new work, for over a decade. If any industry has such high demand that nearly all of the businesses are full that should be a massive signal of opportunity, and need for more to enter the field.
Why the World Needs More Taxidermists
Right now, the world needs more skilled, passionate taxidermists. With such a high demand and with older generations retiring, there's a real massive opportunity for younger folks to step in and carry the torch. If you’ve got an eye for detail and love working with your hands, taxidermy offers a career that’s deeply rewarding—personally and financially.
You’ll work for yourself, choose your hours, and build something that’s truly your own. You’re not stuck in a cubicle. You’re building art, preserving memories, and honoring the animals that we all cherish.
So… Should You Become a Taxidermist?
If you’ve ever looked at a mount and thought, I’d love to learn how to do that—don’t ignore that voice. That curiosity is the start of something real.
I’ve spent my life perfecting this craft, and I can tell you firsthand: it’s worth it. Taxidermy gave me a livelihood, a purpose, and a life surrounded by the outdoors and the people who love it as much as I do.
And now, I want to help you start your own journey.
Want to Give Taxidermy A Try?
Whether you’re brand new or already have a few mounts under your belt, Mountain Deer Taxidermy is here to help you take the next step. I offer one-on-one training, mentorship, and real-world advice you can’t get from a YouTube video or a textbook.
Reach out today through the form below! —let’s talk shop, answer your questions, and help you start a career that’s as real and rugged as the mountains we live for.
Your future in taxidermy is out there. Let’s build it together.
