Confessions of a Taxidermist: Sometimes Gross, Never Boring

My name is Heidi. I'm a 36-year-old professional reporter and researcher. My husband Kaylan is a professional taxidermist who runs and operates his own studio, called In Tune Taxidermy, here in Castle Rock, Colo. I have on many occasions been promoted to "assistant taxidermist" when my husband is in a bind; I know he needs help, but personally I think he just likes to see me squirm!

A quick lesson in taxidermy

Taxidermy is the act of mounting the skin of an animal. For thousands of years, primal hunters have used animal skins for shelter and clothing. Once tanning methods improved, hunters started using skins during hunting rituals. As the need for the skins increased, the tribe's tanner became one of the most important members of the tribe.