Taxidermy Training Program

Total Program Hours = 600

Program Length = 15 Weeks

The number of mounts that the students will complete throughout the course is limited to ensure that quality and attention to detail is taught.

Throughout this course we will be focusing on learning the skills necessary to produce high quality mounts and being able to retain this knowledge.  In order for us to achieve this goal we will be taking more time to teach, study, and practice these skills.

Course Description:

Students will be taught the skills necessary to successfully mount from start to finish all species of fish, birds, and mammals.  Students will also be taught how to present each of these specimens in an artistic design that is pleasing to the eye using realistic habitats.  Overall students will be taught the skills necessary to become a commercial taxidermist and to open and run their own taxidermy business. 

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared to take the taxidermy license test, if required in the state in which they wish to do business.  After receiving the required licensing, students will then be ready to either open their own taxidermy business or may choose to become a valued taxidermist to an already existing studio.

Mammal Section 1
198 Hours

Section Description:

 Students will be taught the skills necessary to successfully complete from start to finish rug mounts, shoulder mounts, and life-size mounts, which can be applied to most mammal species.  Mounts that the students will complete during this section include: 

1 Coyote Rug
1 Shoulder Mount Whitetail
1 Life-size Fox

Students will also be taught how to present each of these mounts in an artistic design that is pleasing to the eye creating realistic habitats.

Mammal Section 2
184 Hours

Section Description:

Students will be taught the skills necessary to successfully complete from start to finish pedestal shoulder mounts, life-size mounts, and an African shoulder mount, which can be applied to most mammal species.  Students will use what they learned in Mammal Section 1 and will further improve and refine their skills.  Students will go further in depth on the studio of major form alteration in order to create original and unique poses.  Mounts that the students will complete during this section include: 

1 Life-size Mink
1 Pedestal  Mount Whitetail
1 Life-size Black Bear

Students will also be taught how to present each of these mounts in an artistic design that is pleasing to the eye using realistic habitats.

Fish Section
120 Hours

Section Description:

Students will be taught the skills necessary to successfully prepare and paint commercial reproduction fish including:

1 Rainbow Trout
1 Brown Trout
1 Small Mouth Bass
1 Blue Gill

Students will also be taught how to present each of these specimens in an artistic design that is pleasing to the eye using realistic habitats.

Bird Section
80 Hours

Section Description:

Students will be taught the skills necessary to successfully mount from start to finish most species of birds.  Mounts that the students will complete during this section include:

1 Male Ringneck Pheasant
1 Male Mallard
1 Female Mallard
1 Turkey

Students will also be taught how to present each of these specimens in an artistic design that is pleasing to the eye using realistic habitats. 

Business Section
16 Hours

Section Description:

Students will learn to keep proper records of all expenditures and tax-deductible expenses.  Setting up a new business, including location, studio layout, marketing and advertising.  Students will also learn business ethics, public relations, setting prices, setting business goals, growing a business, laws and license requirements.

Orientation & Introduction
2 Hours