For both conservation reasons and changes in fashion; the days, when people could go on safari to (say) Africa and kill game animals on a massive scale simply to have them stuffed and mounted for display in their homes, have long gone. You might have expected that this would also have put an end to the business of taxidermy but, taxidermists can still be found even here in Pennsylvania and, as a result, it is still possible to purchase taxidermy supplies in PA area.
What Sort Of Animals Are Still Being Stuffed In Pennsylvania?
Apart from the occasional requirement for natural history museums, schools, colleges and the like; today’s taxidermists have two main areas to work on. One is the relatively small demand from pet owners who wish to preserve a long lasting and lifelike replica of a favorite pet. However, a larger order can be found amongst the hunting and fishing fraternity. Not only are game animals like black bear, squirrel, whitetail deer, cottontail rabbit, turkey and grouse still to be found in the park preserves; but hunting them is still permissible (subject to meeting strictly enforced licensing and seasonal requirements). There are some one million licensed hunters in Pennsylvania.
Some hunt purely for the excitement of the chase and the kill; others for the enjoyment of cooking and eating the flesh of something that they have killed or caught. However, whatever the reason(s) for going hunting or fishing, there will be times when an unusual catch or kill is made. It may be the largest you have ever achieved or, it could be something unusual, and it is human nature to want to “brag” about it. Some people may be satisfied with taking a few photographs of their “prize” but, many will go for the option of having a taxidermist stuff and preserve all or a portion of it. For fish, birds and small animals it is usual to preserve the whole thing while, for larger animals (such as deer) the hunter may choose to have only the head kept for mounting on his wall.
Whether whole or partial; the way in which the result is mounted can add to, or subtract from, the finished appearance. Taxidermy Supplies In PA will include taxidermy panels, plaques, and habitat platforms. These will usually be shaped or carved from wood and can be customized to meet the requirements of the ultimate owner of the taxidermist’s work.
