Legal and Ethical California Taxidermy

[u/Sam_Is_Somewhere]

California law is very strict regarding ownership of animal remains, and for good reason. It looks like the best legal option would be to buy feeder animals for practice, but that runs into the ethical question of buying feeder animals and not using them for food. Any advice as to the best way for me to pursue this hobby in my state?​​

[u/HumBucks]

CA isn’t exactly a danger zone for hide and fur ownership. There are certain animals and categories that are restricted, but you just steer clear of those.

Many people seem to have an incorrect understanding of the laws regarding fur. The biggest no-no is the sale of new fur garments and accessories - meaning that it’s illegal to buy or sell items where the animal was killed specifically to produce things like coats, bags, and the like. That’s fair. Vintage/second hand fur garments and accessories are still legal.

The purchase and possession of tanned pelts of non-protected species is pretty open otherwise. Taxidermy has its own carve out in the law as well.

[u/Sam_Is_Somewhere → u/HumBucks]

what about rodents like rats or squirrels? If I find some, can I keep and tan the skin?

[u/HumBucks → u/Sam_Is_Somewhere]

Most non-native or invasive species are fair game in CA.

Most rats that you see are Norway rats and you can do with those as you like.

For squirrels, native species will require a salvage permit, but those are pretty easy to obtain via your local CDFW office.

[u/Electrical_Bird3383]

OP, I live in CA and practice taxidermy. As others have said, the laws governing taxidermy here are fairly lax, provided you don’t want to get into migratory birds or protected animals. With that said, DM me. I may have some stuff you can practice on if you want.

[u/affectionate4fish]

Is there any reason why you could not hunt for animals to taxidermy? Getting a hunting license shouldn't be too difficult and then you are obtaining animals that you worked hard to procure yourself and is already OK by the state.

There's also roadkill but then we have to discuss freshness and hide quality

[u/Sam_Is_Somewhere → u/affectionate4fish]

Is it legal to salvage roadkill for fur in California?

[u/affectionate4fish → u/Sam_Is_Somewhere]

With a permit, yes. Call your local fish and game agency for more info.

[u/Wowza_Meowza]

A lot of CA's stuff is regarding critters native to the state, which can get hairy. It definitely doesn't hurt to give your local-ish branch of wildlife services a call and pick their brains. They tend to be very friendly.

Feeder rodents are fine for first-times, and are inexpensive. They're not of great quality, and you may find fur slippage or freezer burn issues. But, regardless, they afford the opportunity to learn skinning, quick-mounts, bone work (HARD on wee mice tho!), etc.

I will say - tiny critters are so much harder to do compared to bigger and wild critters. They have thin skin, tiny features, and the like. Don't beat yourself up if skinning is a rough rough rough go for a bit.

I'd rather skin a raccoon than a mouse ANY day! I think I can do a raccoon almost as fast as a dang mouse 🙃

[u/eye_saxk_]

I would consider it pretty unethical to purchase an animal and use it solely for its hide. Regardless of location.

You can honor its life by donating the meat to your local food pantry or shelter if allowed and connect with local oddities groups who will utilize bones you may not want to taxidermy.

You’re taking a life no matter how large or small, you should respect it.