For modelling, I use Rhino3D - it's very powerful and easy to learn. However, the models need to be exported to another program for skinning; I export over to 3DSMax for that, but that's because it's the program I've got that does UV mapping.
For textures, I use a combo of 3DSMax and Paint Shop Pro. Photoshop is probably the best, but I don't have that yet. Problem is, neither of them have extensive seamless-texture tools, so you've got to improvise a bit.
"I am a living, thinking entity who was created in the sea of information."