You need to buy your own tools and supplies. They typically use specimens provided by the school, but you can sometimes bring your own as well. Check with schools to find out specific information on what they provide and what they require.

Many states require you to have a permit before you can practice taxidermy. You also need a license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service if you want to work with migratory birds.

If there's a particular kind of wildlife that interests you, you might want to consider attending a school located in an area to which that wildlife is native or plentiful.