Hi! I'm new to vulture culture and I was wondering if you have any tips on how to get started??
Hello fellow scavenger, and welcome to the vulture community! It took me a while to really get into the swing of things and I’m still learning myself, so I hope my advice is helpful!
-First thing first: know your local laws! When I was a baby vulture, I nearly got into a lot of trouble because I wasn’t familiar with my local laws. I live in California, so picking up roadkill is illegal and that limits where I can collect from. Also, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Marine Protection Act are things that all US citizens need to abide by. Familiarize yourself with where you can source your collection from and what is legal to even own.
-Because my main interest is in animal bones, I was recommended a wonderful book called Animal Skulls: A Guide to North American Species by Mark Elbroch. This book has been an amazing resource, not only for identifying species but also how properly clean/care for skulls. Included are techniques like maceration, why you should never bleach your bones, and where to find them. It is on the pricier side, but it’s my unofficial vulture textbook.
-If there are areas that you know animals tend to be seen, that’s where to start exploring! I live in the desert, and it’s sometimes difficult to find deads. However, my area has a lot of coyote dens near public golf courses and parks (easy sources of food), so that’s part of where I go exploring. If you live near a wooded area, a water source, a busy road (if roadkill is legal to collect in your area), or an area where people like to feed wild animals, those are great places to start. And ALWAYS BUDDY UP! Not only for safety reasons, but two people can carry more than one person can! If you’re exploring around a wooded area, wear clothing that makes you visible!
-Always carry collection kits on you! I have a mini one in my school bag (gloves, jars, small bags) and a big one in my car (large bags, mini cooler for storage to not ruin my trunk, more gloves, masks, etc.) One day I didn’t have my kit on me and found the most BEAUTIFUL mummified frog that was so perfectly in tact. I vowed to come back the next day and jar it, BUT IT WAS GONE!! I’m still devastated.
-Never be afraid to ask about deads! I’m a biology major at my college, and some of the departments do dissections, animal surgeries, and things of that sort. I asked one of my professors what happens to some of the specimen after they’re finished, and he said that they just throw them out. So I asked if I could keep one with the intentions of articulating the skeleton, and he allowed me to. Some universities don’t allow you to take them, but don’t be afraid to ask, because the worst that can happen is that they’ll just tell you no.
-If processing deads isn’t plausible for you right now (I live in a suburban neighborhood, so macerating or sticking things in a rot pot isn’t doable with my neighbors due to the smell), then check out some of the cool shops on Etsy for new collection pieces! In fact, check them out anyway! I know that some users on here have some great shops (bonelust, cummy–eyelids, zooophagous, just to name some off of the top of my head). My collection started out simply by buying skulls from shops. Don’t feel like you need to go out into the wilderness and process your own for your collection to be legitimate.
-Make friends with everyone! I have friends who are hunters and bring me things, friends that are fellow vultures who love to gift and trade, friends that vulture culture isn’t their thing, but think of me every time they see a neat bone or something that they think will fit into my collection. If you feel comfortable enough to share with people anything about your hobby, then talk with them about it.
Sorry, I got a little carried away! I just wanted to be sure that my answers were as thorough/helpful as possible! I’ll tag some other vultures who are (most likely) more experienced than me to help out too!
@vulture-kitty @clowderofcloudies @zooophagous Any other tips?
