Home taxidermy studio for hunters

Hunters and anglers, often after hunting season, plus people who want to keep a family pet or a special trophy.

A fixed price per mount based on species and size, with extras for custom bases, habitat work and rush jobs. Work is busiest after hunting seasons.

• Patient, detailed hand work
• Knowledge of animal anatomy
• Sculpting and painting skills
• Customer service and clear record keeping

• Provincial wildlife rules: many provinces require a taxidermy licence or permit and record keeping, check with your provincial wildlife agency
• Federal and provincial rules on migratory birds and protected species, you may not be allowed to mount some without a permit
• Home business licensing and zoning, plus smell, chemicals and waste disposal rules, check with your municipality
• Chemical safety: ventilation and protective gear for solvents and preservatives
• Commercial general liability insurance and a plan for storing client animals safely
• Seasonal income, with a rush after hunting seasons and quiet spells

Estimated startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on your workshop setup, tools, freezer space and supplies. Use it as a guide only and build your own costed plan.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many mounts you complete and the season. Income can be seasonal, with a rush after hunting seasons and quieter spells, so plan cash flow.

Check whether your province requires a taxidermy licence or permit and record keeping, and the federal and provincial rules on migratory birds and protected species. Also check home business zoning, chemical and waste rules with your municipality.