Dave's School of Taxidermy
Welcome to Dave's School of Taxidermy. During our eight week course, the goal is for you to mount three game heads, one life-size mammal, three to four birds (all positions), four to six fish and an antler mount.
We can be flexible on the number of mounts you want to complete in the course. For instance, if you have more fish specimans than birds, you will be able to mount more fish and less birds. I can tailor the course to fit your needs.
Course Overview
You will learn skinning, fleshing, tanning procedures, form selection, alteration and carving fish forms. We will cover anatomy, design, composition, air brush painting and finishing techniques. We will work with habitat and base making, reference collection and filing, European mounts and skull preservation. You will learn how to build a custom glass case.
I will teach you how to make and use artificial bird and fish heads, feet, and artificial antlers and horns. You will also learn how to mold and cast artificial fish, rocks, driftwood, and other habitat material. You'll work with fiberglass, bondo, and artificial water.
The typical class schedule is 8am to 6pm, Monday-Friday. The shop is open 24 hours for students to put in extra time. There will be long days depending on what we are working on.
8, 6, 4 and 2 Week Classes
We really encourage students to take the eight week classes because 8 weeks is the most beneficial length of time for students to learn everything. Students only taking 2 or 4 week classes are not going to learn everything: they learn either mammals, or fish, or birds, or gameheads, during a 2 week period. For example, if a student chooses to do fish and birds then their class would be 4 weeks, if a student chooses to do fish, birds and gameheads then their class would be 6 weeks and if a student chooses to learn everything their class would be 8 weeks. For the students interested in 2 or 4 week classes, please give us a call and we can talk about your particular interests and which portion of the 8 week class best suits your needs. Dave's School of Taxidermy can set up longer courses for those students desiring more instruction.
Your tuition includes the cost of expendable supplies used on your mounts and your housing. More...
Your expenses will be the cost of any specimens you ask us to provide for you (bringing all your own specimens will reduce this cost dramatically). You will be responsible for forms, eyes, artificial parts you choose to order; (i.e.. turkey heads, jaw sets), wood trim for bases, glass for glass cases and your food.
Housing has full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, microwave, cable TV, and 1 bathroom. Bring your own towels and food. More...
Upcoming Sessions
The next formal course is scheduled for January 5, 2009. If you are interested in attending a class before Jan 2009 we have several openings available between now and then. Please contacts us for details or use our enrollment form.
