Courses

Full 8-Week Course

This intense, yet enjoyable 8 week taxidermy course is designed for the person who wants the most comprehensive training techniques available. We will take you through all phases of learning each subject and teach you the skills you need to succeed and start your own commercial taxidermy business.

This course consists of Birds (upland game & waterfowl), Mammals (gameheads & life-sized), Fish (warm & coldwater), Tanning, Habitat Building, Antler Plaques, and Business/Marketing Practices.

Birds
The course will begin the with the Bird section. Each student will mount at least 4 birds (two upland game and two waterfowl). If a student chooses to mount a turkey or a goose as one of their choices, then only 3 birds will be required. Students may mount more birds then scheduled if time permits.

In the bird section of the course students will learn how to properly tag, inspect the condition of the bird, measure, skin, degrease, mount and apply the finishing touches to the bird. Along with putting the bird on a custom made habitat base.

Mammals
This section will consist of mounting 2-3 gameheads & 2 life-sized (1 small & 1 large). Each student will have the option to choose their own specimens they would like to mount. You can either bring your own from home or let us know in advance so we can try to find the cape/hide you are looking to mount.

Also in this section you will learn how to take your customers mount in, inspect its condition, skin, measure the hide/cape, flesh, turn the lips, eyes, and ears, split the nose, code, salt and tan the hide/cape. Plus you will learn custom form alteration, mounting practices, finishing and airbrushing techniques.

Fish
This section will consist of mounting 4-6 fish (both warm & coldwater). Also due to the popularity of catch and release, 1 fiberglass reproduction mount will be included in those fish.

In this section you will learn how to measure, skin, degrease and tan the fish. Also you will learn custom form carving, mounting, carding, finishing and airbrushing techniques. Along with finishing that beautiful mount up with an exciting habitat scene.

Antler Plaques
Students will be required to complete 1 felt covered antler plaque.

Other Topics
You will also be trained in detail on tanning, form alteration, habitat construction, airbrushing, and taxidermy business practices.

4 Week Course

This intensive course is designed to give you a new and rewarding career in only 4 weeks. This class is for motivated individuals who are pressed for time and money. For the price and relatively quick length of the class, it's a win-win situation for anyone wanting to get a fast start on their new career or hobby of taxidermy.

As in any business time is valuable and this class allows you to be away from home for only a short period of time. But please don't be fooled by the length of this class. Even though it may seen short, we will provide you with all of the necessary information and latest techniques to give you the highest quality of teaching. When you are finished with this intensive class you will be confidently on your way to a new and exciting career in taxidermy.

We will guide you thoroughly through all the stages of the mounting process, from the grading of your specimen, to skinning, tanning, coding, mounting, finishing and placing it on a custom made habitat base.

When you have completed the class, you will take home 2 or more birds, 1 life-sized mammal  with a custom made habitat, 2 gameheads, 1 antler plaque, and 2 or more fish. Students may be able to mount more specimens if time permits them to. This will be a nice way to start stocking up your showroom for your new business. You will be sent home not only with your finished projects, but also with your own personal tool kit.

2-Week Gamehead/Mammal Course  (All Inclusive Package)

This course is specifically designed for students who are interested in learning gamehead and mammal training only. Students will have the oppurtunity to mount 2 shoulder mounts and 2 life sized mammals or 3 shoulder mounts and one life sized mammal along with a custom made habitat.  Keep in mind that we will have to know well ahead of time on what you are planning to mount in order to have your specimens ready for you when you arrive. Due to the relative short length of the course, all specimens and forms will have to be ordered before hand and ready when you arrive.

Just like in the other courses, we will guide you through all the stages of the mounting process, from the grading of your specimen, to skinning, coding, tanning, mounting, finish and air brush work, and placing your mount on a custom made habitat. All of the mounts are yours to take home, so after you finish the course you will be on your way to building up your own showroom. Along with the mounts you will also take home your own personal tool kit and a set of Breakthrough Taxidermy manuals.

Everything is included with the tution in this course to fully complete your mounts! All you have to worry about is your food and lodging.

1-Week Gamehead Course (All Inclusive Package)

This course is geared for students with begginer to advanced skill sets.  It will give you the oppurtunity to learn not only the basic details but also the intricate details to make your mount stand out from all the rest.

Each student will mount and complete 2 shoulder mounts.  Everything needed for the course including capes, antlers, forms and supplies are included in the tution. Students are encouraged to bring their own horns/antlers from home if they would like.

This course will cover tanning, cape prep work, form prep, antler setting, airbrushing and finishing techniques. The same techniques covered in the longer class will also be covered here.

Class Hours

8:00am - 4:00pm Monday - Friday and some Saturdays if needed.