The Complete Guide to Taxidermy Supplies: Tools, Kits & Suppliers You Actually Need
Starting taxidermy requires about 15-20 core tools, forms matched to your animal, glass eyes, tanning chemicals, and mounting supplies. For beginners, expect to spend $300-600 on a quality starter kit, then $150-300 monthly on specific animals. The best supplies come from McKenzie (largest selection), Van Dyke's (fast shipping), or Taxidermy Arts (beginner-friendly kits). Most hobbyists mix suppliers—buying forms from specialists, tools from Amazon, and chemicals from whoever has stock.
What Supplies Do You Actually Need for Taxidermy?
You're looking at five supply categories: tools, forms, eyes, chemicals, and mounting materials. This isn't complicated—it's just specific. You wouldn't use a kitchen knife for taxidermy (dull, wrong handle). You need actual taxidermy tools. Same logic for everything else.
Tools are where beginners waste the most money. You don't need the $400 professional fleshing machine yet. A $25 fleshing tool, a quality $15 scalpel, and a $12 ear spoon will mount your first dozen small animals. Scale up as you hit limits, not before.
Forms (also called mannequins or manikins) are pre-shaped bodies—deer, squirrel, duck, whatever animal you're mounting. They're the skeleton of the piece. You buy them matched to species and size. A McKenzie whitetail form for a 6-pointer costs $120-180. A squirrel form runs $8-15. You can't improvise here.
Eyes are glass replicas in dozens of colors and sizes. A pair of deer eyes is $8-20 depending on quality. Cheap eyes look dead (literally). Spend the extra $5.
Chemicals include hide tanning (borax, sodium carbonate), preservatives, and adhesives. Most beginners use borax-based tanning—cheap, safe, forgiving. A 5-lb box costs $12-18.
Mounting supplies mean bases, plaques, nose putty, ear butts, and finishing compounds. These add another $100-200 to a beginner kit.
Best Taxidermy Supply Brands: An Honest Comparison
The taxidermy supply market is dominated by a few players. Here's who they are and when to buy from each.
McKenzie Taxidermy Supply
McKenzie is the Costco of taxidermy—14,000+ SKUs, forms for every animal, chemicals, tools, bases, everything. If you can imagine needing it, they stock it.
Strengths:
- Inventory depth (you won't run out of options)
- Competitive pricing on bulk orders
- Forms for obscure species (if you need a badger form, McKenzie has it)
- Strong educational content on their site
Weaknesses:
- Can feel overwhelming as a beginner
- Shipping is reliable but not the fastest (3-5 business days)
- Customer service is corporate-tone, not personal
- Some specialty items are pricier than regional competitors
Best for: Professionals, volume buyers, anyone who needs reliability and selection
Typical Order: $250-500 (forms, chemicals, bulk tools)
Van Dyke's Taxidermy Supply
Van Dyke's was an independent competitor until McKenzie acquired them in 2015. They now operate as a McKenzie subsidiary but maintain faster shipping (2-3 business days) and a smaller, more curated selection.
Strengths:
- Faster shipping than main McKenzie site
- Curated (less overwhelming than full McKenzie)
- Good beginner bundles
- Personal customer service feel (legacy)
Weaknesses:
- Actually the same inventory as McKenzie (no unique products)
- Prices identical to McKenzie
- Feels redundant if you're already shopping McKenzie
Best for: Beginners who want curation; folks in the Midwest needing faster delivery
Typical Order: $180-350
Taxidermy Arts Supply
Taxidermy Arts positions as the "educational" supplier. They sell U-Mount-It kits (beginner-friendly, all-inclusive) and partner with training programs. Smaller inventory than McKenzie but excellent for someone just starting.
Strengths:
- U-Mount-It kits are genuinely beginner-friendly (everything in one box)
- Educational focus (their site teaches why you need certain supplies)
- Good phone support
- Reasonable shipping
Weaknesses:
- Smaller inventory (you may need to supplement elsewhere)
- Slightly higher prices on individual items
- Limited specialty forms for advanced mounts
Best for: True beginners, educational context, all-in-one kit buyers
Typical Order: $200-400 (kit) or $80-150 (individual orders)
Regional Alternatives Worth Knowing
Matuska Taxidermy (shop.matuskataxidermy.com) — Ohio-based, exclusive forms, personal service. Their forms are high-quality and often cheaper than McKenzie. Best if you're buying eyes and forms only.
Rocky Mountain Materials (mountainmaterials.net) — Denver-based, strong on bird and small mammal supplies. Good shipping to western US. Competitive pricing on forms.
G2 Taxidermy Supply (g2taxidermysupply.com) — Georgia-based, whitetail specialist, rock bases and mounting systems. Best if you mount a lot of deer.
Amazon Marketplace — For beginner kits, budget tools, and starter sets. Higher prices than direct suppliers but free returns, fast shipping.
Takeaway: McKenzie or Van Dyke's will never steer you wrong, but smart buyers check regional suppliers for niche items and better pricing on forms.
The Best Beginner Taxidermy Kit: What's Actually in the Box
A beginner kit should include core tools, a form, eyes, chemicals, and a base. Here's what to look for—and what we recommend.
What's Included in Most Kits
| Item | Typical Quantity | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Skinning knife | 1 | Carbon steel, 3-4" blade, sharp out of box |
| Fleshing tool | 1-2 | Double-sided (spoon + blade), stainless steel |
| Ear spoon | 1 | Flat and curved sides, durable handle |
| Scalpel/X-acto knife | 1-2 | #11 blade, comfortable grip |
| Tweezers | 1-2 | Fine-tipped, stainless steel |
| Glass eyes | Pair | Matched to form size, realistic color |
| Tanning chemicals | 1-2 lbs | Borax-based, safe to handle |
| Form (mannequin) | 1 | Species-specific, beginner size (squirrel/small mammal) |
| Base/plaque | 1 | Finished wood or plastic, pre-drilled |
| Adhesives/putty | 1-2 | Hide glue, nose putty, ear wax |
Recommended Starter Kits by Budget
Budget Option ($250-350): Amazon Starter Bundles
Look for "taxidermy starter kit" on Amazon. Most bundle tools (often import-grade but functional) with a form and chemicals.
- Includes: 12-piece tool set, squirrel form, eyes, borax, base
- Best for: Testing the hobby before investing
- Limitation: Tools aren't professional-grade; you'll upgrade within 6 months
Mid-Range Option ($350-500): Van Dyke's Beginner Bundle
Van Dyke's sells curated kits specifically for beginners. You get quality tools, a well-chosen form, and educational guides.
- Includes: McKenzie-quality tools, deer or small mammal form choice, eyes, chemicals, base, instruction guides
- Best for: Serious hobbyists starting on the right foot
- Advantage: Better tools = better learning curve; won't need to replace them soon
Educational Option ($300-450): Taxidermy Arts U-Mount-It Kit
Taxidermy Arts sells pre-bundles specifically designed for learning. Everything is matched and explained.
- Includes: Beginner tools, small animal form (squirrel/rabbit), eyes, tanning kit, educational video access
- Best for: Learners who want guidance and structure
- Advantage: Video instruction comes with the kit; you're not figuring it out alone
What We Recommend for First-Time Buyers
Start with the Mid-Range Kit from Van Dyke's or Taxidermy Arts. Here's why:
- Tools won't let you down — You'll learn proper technique, not fight cheap equipment
- Resale value — If you quit, you recoup 60-70% selling the kit; cheap kits recoup 20%
- You won't buy twice — Many beginners drop $300 on budget kits, hate the results, spend another $400 on pro tools
- Support matters — Van Dyke's/Taxidermy Arts offer real phone support; Amazon sellers don't
Total first-year investment: Kit ($400) + supplies for 5-6 animals ($150-200) + mistakes ($50-100) = ~$600-700
Taxidermy Tools Breakdown: What Each Tool Does
You don't need 50 tools. You need 12-15 good ones. Here's what each does and when to upgrade.
| Tool | Purpose | Budget Price | Pro Price | When to Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skinning Knife | Separate hide from carcass; precision cuts around eyes, nose, ears | $12-18 | $35-50 | After 10+ mounts (when your first dulls) |
| Fleshing Tool | Remove remaining meat/fat from hide interior; most-used tool | $15-25 | $40-80 | After 5+ large mammals (small animal work doesn't need upgrades) |
| Ear Spoon | Sculpt inner ear; smooth folds; critical for realism | $8-12 | $20-30 | Rarely (basic spoon works for years) |
| Scalpel (#11 blade) | Fine detail work; eye area, nostril carving, trimming | $10-15 | $15-25 | N/A (price stays same; just buy sharp blades) |
| Forceps/Tweezers | Hair alignment, eye placement, fine positioning | $8-12 | $15-25 | After 20+ mounts (never really) |
| Ear Opener | Specialized tool for large mammal ears; opens inner cartilage | $12-18 | $25-35 | After 5+ deer/large projects |
| Eye Setter | Curved tool to position eye in socket; minor but useful | $5-8 | $12-18 | After first kit (optional, many skip it) |
| Needle (lacing) | Hair slicking around nose/mouth; ultra-fine detail | $3-5 | $5-8 | N/A (stay basic) |
| Brush (detail) | Hair direction, adhesive application, final touches | $4-8 | $8-15 | After 10 mounts (upgrade to better bristles) |
Tools NOT Worth Buying Yet
- Fleshing machine ($400+) — For professionals mounting 5+ deer/week; hobbyists use a spoon forever
- Air pressure system ($300+) — For injection mounting; hand-sculpting is more forgiving for beginners
- Specialized carving knives — Don't exist; a scalpel and skinning knife cover 100% of cuts
Where to Buy Taxidermy Supplies: Sourcing Strategy
Beginners buy everywhere. Pros optimize. Here's how experienced taxidermists shop:
For forms + eyes: McKenzie or Matuska (best selection, competitive pricing)
For chemicals: Van Dyke's (consistent stock, ship fast)
For tools: Amazon (returns policy, fast shipping; otherwise McKenzie if buying bulk)
For bases/specialty items: Regional suppliers (faster than mega-distributors)
For kits/education: Taxidermy Arts (bundled, explained)
Price Shopping: Real Example
Squirrel mount, all supplies new:
| Item | McKenzie | Van Dyke's | Taxidermy Arts | Amazon | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel form | $12 | $12 | $15 | $16 | McKenzie/VD |
| Glass eyes (pair) | $8 | $8 | $10 | $12 | McKenzie/VD |
| Borax (5 lbs) | $14 | $14 | $18 | $16 | McKenzie/VD |
| Adhesives/tools | $20 | $20 | $18 | $25 | Taxidermy Arts |
| Base (small) | $6 | $6 | $8 | $10 | McKenzie/VD |
| Total | $60 | $60 | $69 | $79 | McKenzie |
The lesson: For single projects, McKenzie and Van Dyke's are identical (same company). For kits/bundles, Taxidermy Arts edges out on value. For tools in volume, Amazon is competitive.
Taxidermy Supply Costs: Beginner to Pro Budget Breakdown
Here's what taxidermy actually costs—broken down by animal and experience level.
Starter Budget (Beginner, Small Mammals)
First project (squirrel, rabbit, small mammal):
- Kit or tools: $400
- Form: $10-15
- Eyes: $8
- Chemicals: $15
- Base: $6
- Total: $440-450
Monthly ongoing (1-2 projects/month):
- Forms: $15-40
- Eyes: $15-25
- Chemicals: $10-15
- Supplies: $20-30
- Monthly: $60-110
Year 1 total: $550-1,700
Intermediate Budget (Experienced, Mixed Animals)
Monthly ongoing (3-4 projects/month, mix of sizes):
- Forms: $80-150
- Eyes: $40-80
- Chemicals: $25-40
- Tools/supplies: $50-100
- Monthly: $195-370
Year 1 total: $2,300-4,400
Professional Budget (Full-time, High Volume)
Monthly ongoing (10+ projects/month, mostly deer/large):
- Forms: $300-500
- Eyes: $150-250
- Chemicals: $100-150
- Tools/equipment: $200-400
- Monthly: $750-1,300
Year 1 total: $9,000-15,600
The Real Talk: McKenzie vs. Van Dyke's (They're the Same Now)
This question comes up constantly. Here's the truth: McKenzie acquired Van Dyke's in 2015. They're the same company, same inventory, same prices. The only difference is shipping speed and website UI.
McKenzie.com = Corporate, slightly slower shipping (3-5 days), huge inventory displayed on one site
VanDykes.com = Faster shipping (2-3 days), smaller inventory display, personal touch, still McKenzie-owned
Our recommendation: Use Van Dyke's if you're in a region needing fast shipping (Midwest, South). Use McKenzie if you like comprehensive browsing. Either way, you're getting the same product.
FAQ: Taxidermy Supplies
What supplies do I need to start taxidermy?
Skinning knife, fleshing tool, ear spoon, scalpel, tweezers, form (mannequin), glass eyes, tanning chemicals (borax), adhesive, and a base. Most of this comes in a beginner kit for $300-500. Getting Started with Taxidermy
Where can I buy taxidermy supplies?
McKenzie Taxidermy, Van Dyke's (owned by McKenzie), Taxidermy Arts, Matuska, Rocky Mountain Materials, G2 Taxidermy, or Amazon. For beginner kits and tools, Amazon is fastest. For forms and chemical stock, McKenzie/Van Dyke's are most reliable.
How much does a taxidermy kit cost?
Budget kits (Amazon): $250-350. Mid-range kits (Van Dyke's, Taxidermy Arts): $350-500. Professional kits: $500+. After the initial kit, ongoing supplies run $60-200/month depending on volume.
McKenzie vs. Van Dyke's—which is better?
They're the same company (McKenzie acquired Van Dyke's). Choose Van Dyke's for faster shipping, McKenzie for larger inventory display. Price and product selection are identical.
Can I buy used taxidermy supplies?
Yes, secondhand tools work well. Forms shouldn't be reused (contamination risk). Facebook groups and eBay sell used kits at 40-60% off. Inspect carefully; taxidermy tools need to be sharp and clean.
What's the best small animal taxidermy kit?
Taxidermy Arts U-Mount-It Small Mammal Kit (~$399) for education-focused beginners, or Van Dyke's Beginner Bundle (~$425) for tool quality. Both include forms, eyes, chemicals, and bases.
Do I need professional fleshing tools?
Not for hobbyist work. A $15-25 hand fleshing tool works for years. Upgrade to a powered machine only if you're mounting 5+ large animals weekly.
Supporting Resources
Learn more about taxidermy in our related guides:
- Getting Started with Taxidermy: Your First Mount — Step-by-step tutorial for beginners
- 2026 Taxidermy Pricing Survey — Budget breakdown by animal type
- Taxidermy Schools & Education — Find certified training programs
- How to Mount a Deer: Complete Guide — Specialized technique guide
- Finding a Taxidermist Near You — Professional services directory
Final Thoughts
You don't need to spend $2,000 to start taxidermy. A $400 kit, basic discipline, and willingness to learn will mount your first animal beautifully. Upgrade tools as limitations show up, not before.
The real investment is time—learning to respect the animal, developing steady hands, and understanding why each tool exists. The supplies are just the vehicle.
Start with Van Dyke's or Taxidermy Arts. Mount a squirrel or rabbit. Then decide if you want a deer mount. You'll know what you need by then.