*FULL TIME TAXIDERMY* The HONEST TRUTH about doing taxidermy FULL TIME! Can you make it happen?!

The truth about how I was able to quit my job and go into whitetail taxidermy full time!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

If this video was helpful please be sure to subscribe, it’s free!! Thanks y’all!

[@mattjohnson4455]

Great video! I don't know how you made a living before taxidermy, but you are very well spoken and your intelligence is very obvious. Taxidermy is also my second career. Fortunately I have been self employed my entire life. One thing that people think is that being self employed means you can take off from work whenever you want to. But in fact it usually means you have to work especially when you don't want to. When you're lucky you find a balance. Most people these days spend so much time making a living that they forget to actually live. I don't normally subscribe to channels but I like what you're about. I'll be spending a little of my free time catching up on your past videos. Keep up the great work and keep enjoying your time!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you!

[@JordanJanssen-ot2cd]

I'm trying to dip my toes into the taxidermy world. I'm already self employed and had some very successful years I've made 60k in a year and I've made 30k in a year but it's just not where my heart is anymore. My family lives pretty minimal garden,hunt, have our own cows ect. We don't do cable or internet because it's a cost we don't need. And I'm fortunate my wife has a high paying career so it's allowed us to homeschool our kids I work when she's home. And in doing that it really opens your eyes to how much more time you have available with your family if your willing to live without the fancy stuff. We definitely still have fun and take vacation but we definitely don't just throw our money around. I really appreciate this video God bless man I look forward to more videos

[@michaelbieda1969]

Lol, I wanted to leave a comment to you brother , but inadvertently left it under a reply I was reading by mistake. Thats my lol. I wish to compliment you on your video . I've been doing full-time taxidermy on and off for 46 years. Took an early out with the post office after 23 years to go back to full time taxidermy. I agree with All that you've said. You NAILED IT ! Your doing a great service for folks and the Lord. May God continue to bless and keep you, I'm glad your out there. Michael Bieda Art of the Outdoorsman Taxidermy. Buckeye , AZ

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Awesome and thank you!

[@truthmatters4ever247]

I know guys who were charging 500 bucks 20 years ago. Those same guys are now charging 1000 bucks. They were the ones who would roll into my shop driving 60,000 dollar pickups. There could not believe my cheap prices. If anyone wants to make good money doing taxidermy your price has too be 800 to 1000 bucks a head unless you want to take home after taxes and expenses 12000 a year like I did. Now at age 48 I still can't afford my own house. I shoulda listened to those guys in my 20's.

[@michealmonroe1122]

I'm a full time taxidermy and processor it's my 3rd year and everything you said 100% true I'm still not pass the hump to get where I can start spending money on myself. Thank you for sharing this cuz a lot of people go in head-on and then start getting into trouble. I was one of them. I'm just glad I had family and friends supporting me

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Absolutely! Thank you so much and good luck to you!

[@michaelbieda1969]

Brother, I myself am a full time taxidermist. Been on and off full time taxidermy for 46 years. YOU NAILED IT. I'm still watching this video and had to comment. It's my experience that EVERYTHING, your saying is on the money. Your doing a wonderful service. May the Lord continue to bless and keep you. Michael Bieda Art of the Outdoorsman Taxidermy. Buckeye, AZ

[@bearfarmer]

Thank you for your witness! Thanks for your truthful sharing. This was much needed 🙌!

[@bfree836]

Thankyou for your wisdom! Great video!

[@thetributary8089]

I own a service-based business and knew I needed to raise my rates. I felt a false sense of nobility in keeping things super cheap, not knowing my own worth and was honestly afraid of customer blowback. I prayed about it and discovered a solution. We grew by double in a year. I realized I needed to offer packages, like a menu combo. I would still offer my current rate but that would be for a super slow return time, simple, bare bottom offering. Then, offer a middle option, which is the target package for most customers. It’s a raised rate by a hundred or two, and is really similiar to what you already offer. Maybe a slight upgrade or delivery time. Then, offer a package that’s 3 or 4 times the other packages. We’re talking $2,500 or more. It’s the rolls Royce. Expedited delivery. A name plate, removable back plaque, etc. You’d be shocked at how many people will go with it.l because money isn’t a man issue and they figure they might only kill one or two giants in their lifetime anyways. Not only that, but it makes your higher priced middle package more attractive. It’s called price anchoring. People used to pay a nickel for a burger, and those same people now pay $10. Folks understand price increase. And if they don’t, they can spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours learning the craft and art of taxidermy. Meanwhile, you will earn more by doing less or doing the same. Taxidermy is too rare a skill to charge tiny amounts for. Increasing costs communicates to your customers that you believe in your work and you are not trying to race to zero as the cheapest show in town.

[@thetributary8089]

Also I would build in a policy for a 10 to 15% increase every year, no questions asked. Good clients respect and understand policy. Bad clients won’t get it and that’s why they don’t need to be clients anymore :)

[@user-jv9vp4bu2p]

Just wanted to let you know I've been watching your channel for about a year now and by watching your channel you've inspired me to take the step to becoming a taxidermist it's been a dream of mine for 20years ever since i graduated from high school and with my supporting family and friends i went to school and just got finished and back home yesterday and on my way to becoming a taxidermist! I committed on this video because everything you said on it was awesome from your faith, family, friends and job! Keep up the great work and maybe one day i can come meet you in person and shake your hand and tell you thank you for inspiring me to take my first step to making my dream come true! I pray God keeps blessing you in what you're doing!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thanks so much and good luck!!

[@deakse7052]

Thank you so very much for making videos like these. These really help me as I hope to become a professional taxidermist some day and having the math laid out is extremely helpful, thank you!!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you and good luck!

[@snowman7701]

Thank you for being transparent. Great video. I’m new to taxidermy in the tri state area around Chattanooga.

[@lowcountrysfinest8927]

Money isn't everything, if you can do something you love and enjoy what you do and make ends meet, enjoy your time and cherish your family and friends, nothing can compare to that

[@timmutina1619]

Great video brother and SPOT ON!!!!!

[@L1TEW8IGHT]

Love your take on your situation and why you do what you do. I am currently in a predicament myself because I'm in a well paying job and I have been wanting to make the adjustments you have to achieve self employment, even though the money will be less. I have something in the works and I appreciate the information it's a helpful dose of reality.

[@judybare2896]

Thanks again for the great information!

[@jeanmyers7833]

you give such great advice and so great you found your time you deserve i am not a great taxidermist yet learning all from super nice people like you making such informative videos i love doing it and its only a hobby but i found the time thing you talked about and its priceless

[@aspiringwisecotaxi9197]

PREACH BROTHER!! I am taking your same path Daniel. I’ve been fortunate enough to work from home with my current job. But starting my taxidermy business slow and steady on the side. You’re an awesome dude love this vid

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the feed back!

[@billybooth6737]

Happy fathers day dan. Thanks for sharing good advise to your subscribers who want to become taxidermist. Enjoyed your video and thanks for sharing. Billy

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you!

[@NeonPossum]

Really inspirational! Especially the part about being alone and faith. I'm not Christian but I do enjoy my time alone, and feel as though I can't practice my faith when I'm constantly crowded by others. This video really made me appreciate my own time even more. Also the financial advice is really, really useful! I know I'm gonna come back to this video time and time again. You're a great speaker and I'm happy you've found your path in your faith and career!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you!

[@robertmumaw6720]

I've been thinking about a taxidermy business but no experience but am extremely detailed and can tan hide and do skull mounts. I already have a small business only working May - Sept. And I only work about 3 days a week so other than hunting, I think I would have plenty of time for it. Going to try my own just got to wait till next season so I can get another buck. I'm tagged out and ohio bow is over in 4 days. Thanks for your videos man cuz you simplify everything so much.

[@123Caramel1]

I absolutely love this video! You should definitely make a video all about economics & how yall save plus pay things off! I call this country living ❤️

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Sounds like a great idea! I'll plan to do that!

[@garryrichardson-jt2ub]

i have enjoyed watching you and you tell the truth thank you fellow christin

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you for your support

[@jeremyday7569]

I just want to say, I've been following you for maybe a couple of months now. I AM grateful for your videos. I'm 41yrs old and looking to start taxidermy. I've learned quite a bit from your videos in 2 months... Thank You

[@jeremyday7569]

I'm not looking to do it!! I AM going to do it

[@HillDogTV]

this is aewesome. appreaciate the truth bro

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Yessir. Thank you

[@alvinbarrett741]

Thanks for the video . I havent crossed the hump to even advertisement for customers yet . I do whitetail mounts for friends , family , and their friends as well . I am a Landscaping Production Manager and I want to eventually get to doing just Whitetail , Turkey , and some fish . Truly a great video for sure .

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you!

[@jeremylawson7154]

Great content man! thank you :)

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Absolutely!

[@user-yb8yo6go2i]

hi from New Zealand , ive been doing taxidermy part time for 32 years , always liked the security of my full time job to pay morgage and other bills, now im just about freehold , its taxidermy and playtime for me.. loved your video and your honesty .God bless

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you!

[@jefflittle6597]

Another excellent video not only about the economics but sharing your faith and spending time with God and Gratitude and. Family I'm 64 and never done taxidermy full time but I still love doing it Thanks so much I needed this video

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

That's awesome! Thanks so much for watching!

[@jerink85]

Thank you... I'm a successful full time tattoo artist, hunter, and I also own a paint and sip company. With that said I'm also a single mom. I always thought I'd retire doing taxidermy and at 37 yo I have been wanting to transition into it full time over the next 5 years but I guess I didn't realize how difficult it can be in the way of finances. Thanks for putting things into perspective a bit more for me. 70% of what I know already is because of your content! Thanks again!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you! I hope you can make the full time transition one day. It is amazing how much more business it generates just being available

[@mazlosoutdooradventures8594]

👍 sounds like a great dating profile there lol.

[@jerink85]

@@mazlosoutdooradventures8594 🤣

[@ryanhill3251]

The story you are telling about how you and your wife working it out sounds exactly the same as me and my wife with me starting my lawn care business I do the dishes and laundry and house work most of the time as well especially when it's not summer just thought it was kinda cool someone else sharing the same experience also wanting to get into taxidermy for something more to do in the winter been watching all your videos

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I wouldn't have it any other way! Lol

[@dudejrryan]

Super video & info. I went full time after years of battling with the VA. So I get income (not a fortune but enough where I can focus in my shop) Nice point with the stopping mounting & having to focus on skinning, fleshing & tanning. This year I stopped mounting & spent a month skinning & tanning deer, small mammals & ducks. I was able to fold the hides in much smaller bags & take up way less room in my freezer. Now I can pull them as needed and get on a roll with species types. Trying to get a system going where it is cyclical. Like fish & ducks in the summer (they dry faster and are out the door) deer in the colder months & small mammals in the coldest part of the year. Nice to see a Bama taxidermist, I was born there. I'm in Southeast Ga. Sounds like we would get along with each other😂Keep up the good work Brother

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Thank you! Yeah a cycle definitely streamlined my process. It keeps all the right tools where you need them when and cuts down on cleaning each day also. I'm in north Alabama just outside of Cullman

[@dudejrryan]

@@thecedarridgechronicles Nice, Iwas born in Andelusia & grew up in Eufaula. Roll Tide. Also..super important point on healthcare. It is one of the main reasons people are forced to stay at a job, luckily mine is taken care of as a disabled veteran. It is the main factor that allowed me to work at home. I was pinned down for over 30 years as an HVAC tech with wild work hours

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Absolutely!

[@angiepeyton9852]

Well said.

[@PeterDanowski-ds6xl]

You hit the main nail on the head. You have to have a wife/husband that has health insurance covers. I have done part time taxidermy work for 25 years, will never go full time, semi retired now. I give any full timer credit.

[@billluckow2316]

Thanks for advice I am currently doing taxidermy besides my regular job. Gets hectic at times. I was fortunate enough to do apprentice under a good friend of mine who did taxidermy full-time for 30 yrs. My customer base has grown significantly in past two years. I really hoping to take it full-time.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

That's great. I wish I had someone show me something when I got started. Good luck making it happen!

[@billluckow2316]

@@thecedarridgechronicles Thanks! Cool thing is whenever I need help or have a question hes there to help me out. I watched your video on euros I usually get a lot of them every year. Im currently doing the boiling method but the cold water method u use seems like it would be longer turn around time but less work on my end.

[@billluckow2316]

Thinking about trying that.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I'll never do them another way again. I do so many shoulder mounts that it was costing me money trying to boil fresh skulls. Heck I had the same number of hours in a skull that I had in a full shoulder mount. I just tell everyone they will be done in 3 months.

[@Dalyn_east]

Great info, I’ve been a barber for 10 years now, same exact process with the taxes man. This is a great video for people beginning a self employed career! You have a great business plan 👍 your individual internal boss, being self employed is what will make or break you. Keeping a solid consistent schedule is one of the most important factors!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Absolutely!

[@backwoods994]

I started my taxidermy business back 2020 this will be 3rd season I’m 28 started 26. I ain’t passed them hump but I’m getting very close. Did 100 deer skulls last year. This summer going to work for taxidermy guy that’s going to teach me shoulder mounts.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Awesome. Once you do a few shoulder mounts you're going to start hating those skulls lol

[@v.n.2039]

Agree 100%! 👍🏻

[@briancaldwell1798]

I'm a crane operator for 22 year's and worked 70-80 hours a week. God comes first then family and me and my wife are down sizing. As I've got older it's a lot harder keeping up with the jones's.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I sold half of what I owned to try and make a run at working solely for myself. I never knew it would make me more content having my time back rather than all my junk I had accumulated!

[@thesowerspatch8918]

Thanks for making this vid! A work injury has left me unable to return and I plan to do taxidermy. All the things you said are important to know. With that said, how many freezers do you actually need?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Only as many as you need for the amount of capes you plan to take. I have 3 chest and 1 upright, and that will hold 100+ capes

[@thesowerspatch8918]

@@thecedarridgechronicles I plan on taking as many as I can get. Thanks bud!

[@lawless__]

ever since I was little I wanted to do taxidermy, I kinda gave up on that as I got older but now Im 19 and just dropped out of college, so I'm thinking about actually doing taxidermy full-time. I'm really not happy at my current job and I still live at home so hopefully, it goes well!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Good luck!

[@jimkeller5538]

I’m a full time taxidermist. I love it but.... it is your life. I’ve quit deer hunting. I hardly can do anything in the fall but work. People calling and texting you while you’re in a tree stand. I do take time in the spring and hunt turkeys in several states and at home but the rest of the year is in the SHOP! I’m glad you can hunt and fish that much but I can’t. I’m 64 and getting burnt out. Friends are retiring and I’m 6 days a week working. It ain’t all roses. And then their are the customers that don’t come and pick up their stuff for months. Lol but I do love doing taxidermy😀

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

It made a huge difference when I started getting my money in advance. Once the deer is done it can stay in my shop from now on lol! During deer season I hunt when the weather is perfect and work the other days. And I just pretend like I don't own a phone when I hunt hahaha! Of course I was a meat dept manager for 25 years, so I worked 70+ hours a week every weekend every holiday my whole life, so that's what I was used to. Now I can sleep in, eat breakfast, and work at night if I feel like it. I just pace myself at 3 a week. No more. Life is way too short to chase a paycheck!

[@jimkeller5538]

So you get paid in full up front? I get a deposit and I do have a list of people that have to pay in full up front or go somewhere else. That list is growing as my patience thins. Lol

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Yes I do. I tell all my customers when they drop off that I'm more concerned about my bills than theirs 🤣. It actually works great and keeps me caught up because I can order supplies months in advance so there is barely any waiting for deliveries.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

People don't mind paying for a deer right when they kill a good one, but try to get them to pay in July you can forget it.

[@jimkeller5538]

I’ll have to think on that a little. I’ve been doing it this way for 25 years. I don’t have to many problems but one is one to many! I do feel that this fall will be slower when people have to decide between heating their houses, eating and filling up their cars or getting an animal mounted. We shall see. And as a Christian, I know the Lord will supply. Matthew 6.

[@truthmatters4ever247]

Start medium priced then once people know u do good work raise the price so you don't have to eat balogna sandwiches. I know guys who told me they would show me how to do it. They lasted about 2 years and went under. I know 800-1000 sounds steep but if you want to make 20 bucks an hour after expenses then that's what you need to charge. Forms were 30-40 bucks back when I did taxidermy. Now McKenzie wants over 100 dollars. That's triple. So if back then I charged 400 that means I would need to charge 1200 now.

[@Hickory_Ridge_Taxidermy]

I work shift work and I have 2 weeks off every 5 weeks. Im thinking of doing 25. -30. A year.

[@runtimmytimer]

I haven’t borrowed money or had a credit score for 16 years. You don’t need one if you never borrow money. Save up the money first then go buy a car.

[@murchlk]

I got quoted $700 today from 2 different taxidermist here in Michigan. I’m gonna end up either trying it myself or doing a euro mount haha

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

That’s how I got started. Personal necessity lol

[@socalmountainman]

Get a job with health insurance, a pension, paid vacations and sick leave. Support your family and enjoy life while doing taxidermy on weekends and nights. When you retire with a pension and Social Security do taxidermy full time and it will be more fun. That's how I did it.

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I already have a retirement fund from 25 years of management. I'm making more now than I was then too. Plus I have insurance

[@dylanbaer4659]

Hey.I’m 15 from Canada and I have a Passion for hunting and anything out doors I do plaque mounts and sometimes euro mounts for myself and others and I have been wanting to get into taxidermy for a while now. I don’t k ow where to go to get started. There is a college near me that offers a degree in taxidermy do you think I should go after it.Or what would you give me for advice

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

There is nothing wrong with taking classes if you have the time and money. It would definitely be easier to learn that way than the way I did watching KZbin. I wish I had started straight out of highschool. I really enjoy it and it is a great opportunity to work for yourself. It really isn't hard to do, it's more hands on repetition that teaches taxidermy. If it were me, I would save capes now, and practice on them. I have videos on nearly every step I. The entire process. You may find that by the time you are ready for college, you don't have to go after all!

[@TillmanMiller14]

Im a senior in highschool and wanting to dive straight in and try to start full time. Should I jump full time after I graduate? What should I expect with finances and things? How much do you make a year?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

If you turn out quality work, you can do about as much taxidermy as you can get finished, and make between 50-100k a year depending on what animals you mount and how quickly you can finish them. You may have to work a separate job while you build your business, but I would highly suggest starting straight out of school. I wish I had.

[@TillmanMiller14]

Thanks for the advice. I’m at Montgomery County Early College and I’m taking the mammal class of taxidermy this spring. The bird class is in the fall so I’m tempted to stay another year. Montgomery Community College is the only college in the nation that offers a taxidermy diploma so I’m hoping to get that next year!!

[@penlandphotography]

How do you find time to hunt, when that's the really busy time with folks dropping deer off? Do you prefer the put them in their freezers until you are ready? Or?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Luckily I'm able to work full time and in my back yard, so what I do is work when the weather is bad or in the evenings. I have public land 10 miles from my house so I can be home by 7 and I might work till midnight and then hunt the next day. About what I do all year. I work a lot but never when everyone else does lol! I do have a lot of freezer space, and I would rather deer hunt than be a taxidermist, so I make it understood to my customers that I won't do too many during the season, and might not be available till after dark for drop-off. It works out. The folks that really love hunting fully understand and folks that don't probably need to use a different taxidermist anyway.

[@penlandphotography]

@@thecedarridgechronicles Thanks for the reply. Starting Jan. I will be retiring from state government and doing taxidermy full time. I'm just trying to figure out "in my head" how I'm going to process / take deer in "cape them" etc. and still find time to hunt. Thanks for replying!

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

If it helps also, Sunday afternoon and Monday evening are my 2 busiest times for drop-offs. If you are full time, you can hunt whenever so that can help too

[@keeganrodwin2418]

Crazy you only charge 500, here in Saskatchewan Canada, a shoulder mount on average is 1200 even from your typical backyard taxidermist

[@constitutionalrepublican1611]

pfft my large 8pt head mount was just $1200..... i want to put it on a bookshelf for all my rifle ballistics and hunting books. $1200, at that rate itll be the only mount i get done as i couldve bought another rifle.... i can kill lots of things i hunt and trap heavy, i just really wanted to get that animal mounted...... think you can tell im fighting that price for just a head mount, but man the economy is really bad stateside. so i do understand. normal head mount from what i gather is about 475 every other year before 2023........

[@robertmumaw6720]

I just paid $800 to have one done here in ohio from a old-timer

[@3MISSISSIPPI]

Where in Alabama are you?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Cullman

[@3MISSISSIPPI]

@@thecedarridgechronicles OK, a bit far to take a deer for me but I'll keep it in mind. I like what I am seeing on your channel.

[@loganmidgette8395]

From what I can tell, you seem to only do deer. Do taxidermy’s who do more animals make more money? Like ducks and turkeys on top of deer?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Not necessarily. It all depends on what you can get done, and how much you want to work. Most taxidermists that do multiple animals have a cut off on each one. They might take 30 deer a year for instance, and then take 10 turkeys, etc, where as I will do between 150 and 200 heads a year. It doesn't do any good to take more that you can finish, so it's really up to the taxidermist. Some folks get bored doing just one animal, while I like being able to keep everything in the shop the same and streamline the process.

[@OakRidgeTaxidirmy.]

How do you get your taxedermist license

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Don't have to have one in Alabama

[@connorwunstell8494]

Where do you get your eyes from??

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Ben Mears

[@stevenkelly8561]

Do you do more than just deer?

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Nope that's all I do, for customers anyway.

[@scottieholland6486]

Wow only around 20k a year ouch

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Definitely not the cash cow people think it is!

[@mickyd6664]

Wtf if u did 130 heads at 500 bucks which u said ur self is cheap u made around 26k after ur cost

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

Correct. On shoulder mounts.

[@constitutionalrepublican1611]

@@thecedarridgechronicles i was charged 1200 just for my head.

[@smithn.wesson495]

@@constitutionalrepublican1611 You got screwed - the guy charged twice the amount and did half the job.

[@constitutionalrepublican1611]

@@smithn.wesson495 oh i know..... but he blamed the economy. bidens economy.

[@adamhowel3683]

Are you sure you not my twin????

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

🤣🤣

[@jeremyskoczelak2262]

Not to be that guy but basically you have traded kids for time. Your speech is so un relatable. And by 40 most people are still parents for at least another 8 to 10 years. Basically if you want to do this cut all unnecessary expenses. Like your family. I would absolutely love to be a full-time taxidermist, but I am a Christian as well and have four kids and worked my tail off so that my wife does not have to work and stay home and homeschool our kids to keep them out of a terrible school system. I will not trade my life for anything. It is absolutely not worth making that trade if it means not having any kids. Anyway that said I enjoy your channel. Thanks for the content

[@thecedarridgechronicles]

I understand your point, but if I wanted kids I would do the exact same thing but spend time with kids rather than take trips. It’s also unrelatable to guys that work long hours and have wives that take care of the home. My wife loves to work and hates doing housework. I’d rather do housework and work 5 hours a day. Everyone relates in a different way but the speech is a reference to what is possible if you don’t over spend

[@mbrewer69]

For the last 15 years, I paid 350 per mount. He went up to $400 this year. That is in central Kentucky, by the way.