New Jersey

no

I enjoyed your website very much and there is nothing wrong with Taxidermy! The Museum of Natural History is FULL of cool displays in NY, if you ever get the chance you should go.

There was a time we all had to skin things in order to eat. I think its great your parents support you and don't listen to any criticism. I have two cats and have considered skinning them to remember them when there gone. They have beautiful fur and I think it would be cool to always have them around. Too bad you live so far away or I'd pay you to do it!

Good luck with your hobby!

ED

Home/Family/Pets/Paintings/Local Archeology

Your advert on Carnivorous Plant e-group

Aberdeen Scotland

Yup..And I have a collection of skulls from Harvest mouse to horse, going back at least forty years.

Really good site.. Loved the interview.

taxidermy net

havelock n.c. east coast 10 miles from ocean

yes

you go girl good luck...

kozzmic kitchen

small pixel drawings/adoptions

i came acros the word taxidermy and wanted to know what it was

The Netherlands

almost skinned my sister once ;) they can be so annoying little sisters

Hi Amy,

the site looks great and I must say I loved the pictures of the rat you skinned, very informative. haha, a few minutes ago I didn't even knew what the word taxidermy meant, but it sounded interesting so I ended up at your site.
anyway keep up the good work. and uhm, Grrrrlpower!! ;)

greetz Charlotte

Yahoo Taxidermy Club

Illinois

I am a full time taxidermist

AWESOME website Amy! I have been doing taxidermy part time for 25 years with my husband, and started my own business just 6 years ago. I still get people that don't understand why a female wants to do this kind of work, but my love of wildlife doesn't stop when the animal is dead. I was an art major in college, but banking was my career. Now I have a way of expressing my artistic talent. I would love to help you with anything you might need in the way of advise or encouragement. I mount about 100 things a year; deer, bear, fish, ducks, geese, turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, etc. You appear to have the guts and the talent to do very well, as have most of the women who choose this as a profession. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Marsha is a friend of mine; she's the one who just skinned the mink, thanks to your excellent instructions; so I had to come and have a look.

San Francisco, California, USA

Nope. I have a complete snakeskin that Marsha sent me, though. And quail eggs and ... that sort of thing.

Your site is neat; there is certainly a need for taxidermy, and the "finished product" is beautiful. Absolutely nothing offensive about your site, nor do I see anything at all strange about your interest in creating "A R T".

Google search keywords: skinning small mamal

Canada

Not until today! A mink

Great site Amy! I had a mink that was killing my chickens. Very nasty critter with bloodlust. We trapped it with a Havahart, but had to kill it because anywhere we took it would endanger other folks' chickens. I wanted to skin it but did not know how. Trapper/skinning sites prepared me to avoid the anal sacs, but your site was the best to understand hands-on-skinning. I think I did a good job (with an Exacto knife!) The mink skin will hang in the barn near the chickens as a reminder for me to be vigilant about predators. Thank you Amy and good luck in life.

braintan.com

Albany, NY

skinned, I do braintanning

Amy, this is an excellant site. very informative. The skinning sequence is great. When I get to that part of tanning, I will email you if that is ok. Keep up the good work.

Tim

Friend

Lake Forest, IL

Just what we did in science class (Frog, Pig, Fish.....)

Just thought it was cool that you found something that you love to do. Hope I can find something, taxidermy is not it... but that is ok.

Keep it up, best of luck,
Stumpy

www.taxidermy.net/forums

Columbia Falls, Montana

Many! Have been doing taxidermy for 22 years.

Congratulations on your website and hobby! I have enjoyed taxidermy for 22 years. I went through 2 major cancer surgeries 7 years ago and could not do my former profession (hardwood flooring). I turned to taxidermy and have had a lot of fun. You seem to be a very ambitious young lady with parents that don't take away your artistic talent. We have also homeschooled our 2 kids (20 and 18 yr old). I wish you the best in the future and if you eveer need any advise, feel free to contact me. Keep up the GREAT Work!

Under construction until I get out of law school

Under construction until I get out of law school

Linked to someone in the bay area...genderjacked's blog

Texas, New Mexico, law school in Calif.

Yes. 2 rattlesnakes. One is on my hat band. The other is in a bag hanging on my bedroom doorknob. It is over 6 ft. long

You go, Girl! I love to see people living their dreams! Yours is a noble profession...giving those beings that were once living another chance to 'live' on for posterity's sake. What you do does make them come alive again, if you are good at your craft, and I've no doubt that you are very good and make yourself get better with each animal. I think it is very cool that you already know what you want to do in life. Who knows where this will lead you? Best wishes for excellent experiences in your future.
Erile Sue CAsey

www.portalofevil.com

NY

I just wanted to say that I found your website very interesting. It is listed in the top ten on portal of Evil! :o I hope you do well at the championship. Chris

www.portalofevil.com

United States

No

Well, interesting hobby I must say. I do not agree with the cat skinning, but I do not have the right to judge you. I listened to your radio interview, and you sounded like you have wonderful manners, and I read your entire website, and your grammar is excellent.
You are also a good webdesigner, and I feel from what I have seen and read about you, is that is your future. But it's your life so enjoy it.
Basically I wanted you to know that I own 2 cats, and they are like children to me, but I understand your viewpoint, and as long as you use roadkill/other reason/ dead cats, I see nothing wrong with it. I just hope you never get a cat and kill it on purpose to do your hobby. That would be pretty crummy. 8(
Oh well, I said my mind!

Thanks for your time!

Ned told me about it

Greensboro, NC

I skinned a few rabbits when I was a child but didn't know the proper way to tan the hide so they were very stiff. I could stand them up in the corner!

Amy. This is a wonderful site! I am very proud of you for being so determined to be the best at whatever you do. Looks like you have been very busy. I like the little shop that Ned fixed up for you. Being a taxidermist could be good preparation to becoming a veterinarian. You know, there is a segment of the pet owner population that would like to preserve their own pets after they die. I've heard of companies freeze drying pets but haven't seen them promoting their services lately. Could be another niche business opportunity for you. Keep up the great work. Your best Uncle (GC)

Taxidermy.net forum

MT

Since I was 9 yrs. old

You seem to be well on your way, very encouraging to see young people with a sense of direction and goals. Kudos to your parents, and best of luck to you.

a friend

ithaca, ny

no!

oh man, i dont know what to say. it just seems foreign to me, but if you love it...go with it. peace.

taxidermy.net

Panama ,New York

Skinned yes ,Taxidermied not yet but soon!

Great site! You gave me alot info.I can use when I start out..My hat is off to you and your family.Keep up the great work..:-O

Taxidermy.net

Gold Hill,NC

Plenty

You go girl!!!With your eye for detail and your dedication to learning it won't be long before I'll be sitting in a siminar at the NCTA show to see what AMY can teach us.GOOD LUCK!!
If I can ever be of any help to you Please fill free to call or email.
Warren O'Toole
" Spitin Image " Taxidermy
PO Box 363
Gold Hill,NC 28071
704-279-8676

at www.braintan.com

Mogadore, Ohio

deer,bear,caribou,boar,coyote,fox, mice,and every kind of small animal ,plus ducks,geese,turkey, and pheasant

Keep up the good work Amy,and drop send me an e-mail if you get a chance.

taxidermy.net

Roanoke Rapids,NC

yes, I have my own taxidermy business TROPHY BUCK TAXIDERMY

I like your website very much.I wish I had one.You are doing a fine job, don't let PETA bother you they are just a bunch of jerks with no education or anything else to do.Keep up the good work and e-mail me sometime. Thanks,Tony Wood TROPHY BUCK TAXIDERMY

GRITS (Girls Raised In The South)

Sassy Southern Ladies Speakin' Their Minds

Search Engine

Tennessee

Yep

You go youngin'! Those that say mean things, ain't worth listenin' too, and those that are, will only compliment ya style. We've skinned many things, comin' from a family full of hunters and trappers. We sell the hides, etc. Anyway, you take care of yaself, and good luck to ya. We wish you.....enough! The Grits

www.Google.com

Decatur,IL

In the process

Hi My name is Jared Morse and I'm form Decatur,Il and on vacation in Missouri. My Grandpa and I have had problems with raccoons, so we bought a trap and have caught 2 raccoons. one of them we disposed of and the other ones we skinned. We wouldn't of had any idea of waht to do with out your tanning part of your website!!! I thank you very much for sharing your expertiese to us!! I also wanted to know 3 things: 1) how much a mounted mouse would cost, 2) what can you subsitute for EZ-Tan, and 3) would you likiek to buy the raccons or raccoon skins?? thanak you very much. Jared Morse

Beautifully Naive

personal page / blog

Probably from someone elses blog, I dont rememeber. It was on my faves list, but I dont know how it got there.

California

I've disected everything in the book, but never mounted anything

Hey, intresting hobbie. I can understand everything, but the cats. that bothers me a little *shivers* hehe You've got a cool site here though. I hope your competition goes well for you! I'm 15 and homeschooled too! Drop me a line if you wanna talk. I know what it's like to have an unusual hobbie. I raise and show sheep. It's not as unusual as yours, but plently of people think i'm wierd enough for doing it. I also know what it's like to get flames from the animal rights groups (i get that every time i go to a sheep show) Ok, i've taken up enough room in your GB. Later!

Welcome To My World

It's just about what anybody wants it to about and about gothic

gothic.net

Battle Creek Michigan

no

This page is pretty cool. well, gotta go

TAXIDERMY.NET

WEST VIRGINIA

YES,I HAVE OPERATED A FULLTIME STUDIO FOR 15 YEARS

AMY, Super website along with an outstanding attitude.Set your goals high because you definitly have the drive to accomplish what you set out to do. best wishes, Terry

Taxidermy.net forums

Flag Pond, TN

yes, I am a full-time taxidermist

Amy, I loved your website. I think you should be commended for your work in the art of taxidermy and what you are doing for the taxidermy industry. Just wanted to tell you to keep up the good work and you will go far in life, not many girls your age have the talent and wisdom that you have, they could take lessons from you in class. Just remember if things look impossible, there is usually a way to make them possible. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

A friend emailed me about it.

Apex, North Carolina

No, but I've created stuffed animal toys.

Amy:
Congratulations on your ambitious hobbies, both taxidermy and web site creation. I'm always happy to see young people pursuing goals with such passion. Good luck with all of it. And don't forget to be thankful to your parents, who obviously support you in many ways. - Jim

a friend emailed me a link

Virginia, now living in Nevada

Nope.

Cool. Ya' know, I don't know that many people who are into this profession. I think it's because of the big "death taboo" in our country. Many people are raised to view death as sad, scary, and to be avoided at all costs, which leads to those same feelings about things that are dead. It's neat to see people break the mold, be brave, be different. You go girl! :)

http://buzz.bazooka.se

Sweden

no

I guess there has been a lot of ash**es here leaving nasty things in your geustbook. But those vegans and animal rights people are just stupid and ignorant.

I think that you are doing a wonderful work with animals and really show the beuty of nature. Although I don't think I could kill or skin a animal I do enjoy stuffed animals, especially when they are nicelly preserved.

Well, best wishes from Sweden!

e-mail

california

no

I think its cool that your not afraid to tell people about your hobby. most people think it's gross, but i think the end product it nice. (I could never do it, but at one time i have owned some taxidermied animals)

A hot head gav it tome when I asked a question. But he failed!

MN

Yes, and I love it.

All I can say is your like me Amy. We have the love for a hobbie most think is wierd! And for all of the people that try to make us feel like we are wrong for doing something thats right, go find somthing else to complaine about! We have a LIFE unlike the people that are trying to put down kids, and taxidermists! A life we enjoy. We preserve, and you try to take it away. I am with Amy 100%, And you cant make everyone scared and mad. You can try, but when you look at it in the real world your wrong! We're right! TAXIDERMY FOR EVER!!! And Amy dont give up, and dont let people try to discourage you! You and I, plus half the world thinks the same as you ad me. Dont listen to people tha try tomake use look bad. Thye have no life! Stay in the hobbie!
Curtis

Florida

No

Amy,
I was enjoying your site greatly when I came to your personal information page. When I found out that you are 15, I was FLOORED! You are an awesome young lady! I have 3 boys that my wife and I homeschool and I can only pray that they will become as gifted as you in their adolescent years. I wanted to ask you if you've ever researched primitive tanning methods used by Native Americans. I once read that they used the animal's brains and fat as a tanning medium. Have you ever considered using such methods? Keep up the good work and love of nature. You are an asset to the world!
R.Z.

www.taxidermy.net

North Florida

Nope!

Amy, I found your site as I was doing some reserch for my mama. She also owns her own Taxidermy Business and does quite well. Most people are surprised that ahe does this type of work too, but she loves it! Keep up the great work!

Taxidermynet post in forums

East Tn

yes, I am a full time taxidermist

Amy,
Your web site is wonderful, you keep up the good work.
I wish all kids your age had one/half of the wisdom that you have. Your parents have did a very fine job with you.
You keep up the good work and you will go far in life and don't let anyone say or do anything that will keep you from making your lifes dream come true.
You are a remarkable young lady. Enjoy life to the fullest.
May God always keep and Bless You and Your Family.
Lisa

taxidermy.net

utah

yes, and proud of it. (both)

you are an outstanding young lady and you have a great web site.

Taxidermy Forums

Florida

yes i have a taxidermy business

Great web site Keep up the good work you are an upstanding young lady you will go far in life

mainly just something to do when you get REAL bored... been posting some cool stuff lately though

surfing

indiana

yes/no

cool site... very impressive work.... keep it up....

www.google.com i was looking for taxidermy lesons on how to skin small mammals

columbus,ga

yes i skinned a deer but my uncle helpd alot

i like your site and the step by step skining of a rat realy helpd me
i was wondering if you had to be a certain age to get a taxidermist license if you know can u please email me at sawscaledviper14@yahoo.com

from the forum

michigan

oh yes i have

im very impressed and i hope you continue on, wish you all the luck in the world!!!!

a link

Canada

nope

what you're doing is really cool. weird hobbies rule. I'm always learning new ones, ha ha(ie. balloon twisting, napkin foliding...)

Ludington, Michigan

Amy, I wanted to let you know I thought your site was a pretty neat idea. I see you must have a lot of time into it. Your home schooling must be well taught, Hats off to your parents. It looks as though even with little experience you are progressing very rapidly. Keep up the good work and always remember study as much reference as possible. Take Care Jamie

ebay

San Francisco, California

rarely, although very interested for a future hobby. I admire the work.

Hello Amy!!!! Im a Vector Borne disease specialists here in California. Im so fasinated with the work you have done at such a young age. Your work in incredible, and I wish you all the best in following your dreams. Im really interested in purchasing some items from you to use for my public affairs division. Ill be contacting you through email more or less. Keep up the excellent work!!! Takecare.

taxidermy.net

Buffalo NY

yes

keep up the great work amy dont let people bring u down
and for all the people that have a problem with what amy does why are you on this site i had a web site but i got too many e mails telling me i was sick and twisted so i had to shut it down well keep up the great work

Surfing for taxidermy info

Kalamazoo, Michigan

I have skinned deer

I was looking for opinions on the best way to tan deer hide when I came upon your website. I AM SO IMPRESSED!!! Your work is fantastic!!! I commend you on your positive self image and your obvious belief in yourself. You display great talent for your hobby, although in your case hobby may not be as appropriate as "craft". You possess great skill and exhibit an appreciation for nature and art that is absolutely incredible. I am showing all of my friends your site. I also want to thank you for sharing your techniques and the names of the supplies you use. I tried brain tanning last year and this year I am going to try chemical methods. Your input has been invaluable as to what I am going to use. Okay, I guess I shouldn't keep typing over and over how wonderful you are and just say THANKS!

I was searching for instruction on skinning squirrels. (for my 1st time squirrel hunting)

Litchfield, NH

No....but as I said, I am learning.

You have a great website, and I must say you have quite a telent for your hobby. I have two daughters about your age (14 and 16) and they love animals too.

I just wanted to tell you that your work looks great! Keep up the good work, and beleive it or not, posting information on a website like this is really fantastic....because it allows people like me, far away from you, to get a glimse of your work, and your area of the country.

Everyone should consider publishing information on their interests online......you have done a good thing. Keep it up.

Thanks,
-Quentin Lewis

was looking up taxidermy

Ontario, Canada

no.....but i'm going to

I think you do a wonderful job!!! I'm 13 and I hope to skin an animal too! (I just have to get my parents to agree) I also want to be a taxidermist, but a veterinarian too. (taxidermy is going to be more of a hobbie than job) Anyway, you do such neat work and I hope that you do become a full time taxidermist!!!!!

Taxidermy.net

Wray,GA It is in the mid south of Geogia.

Yes.I have skinned several deer,snakes,and a few fish.

I think you are great!You seem to be extremely talented,and are a very beautiful young lady.Your website is set up very nicely also.I just want to say that I am a full time firefighter and am starting my own taxidermy shop part time.It is two things that I love to do,and I feel blessed to be able to do them both.You have a lot of skill and desire and I think you would be great at whatever you do whether it is taxidermy or anything else.It is great to be able to do what you want to do.So you go gettum!And also,be very proud of your parents,I know I would be.You all seem like great people.God Bless.