Taxidermy is the act of reproducing a lifelike, three-dimensional representation of an animal or fish for permanent display. This art is appreciated by many people, including hunters who want to display the game they've caught as trophies. Because the art of taxidermy takes great skill, a person interested in entering this career field may want to go to a taxidermy school for proper instruction.
Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy
The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is in a 7,600-square-foot facility and specializes in teaching students state-of-the-art techniques of taxidermy. Students who attend this school receive hands-on experience working in the Matuska Taxidermy Studio, which is located in the same complex as the school. Nine-week courses are offered during winter and spring and include lessons in the five areas of taxidermy: fish, birds, game heads, rugs and life-size arrangements. Students will learn work with all kinds of animal specimens, including mountain lions, bears, elk, and pheasants while attending the Northwest Iowa school of Taxidermy.
If you are interested in obtaining more information regarding the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy, you can contact the school at:
Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy
3735 Highway 71
P.O. BOX 293
Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360
(712) 336-3256
(712) 336-2069 (fax)
Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy
The Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy teaches students the fundamentals of taxidermy. This school offers two-, eight- and 10-week courses in taxidermy, and the tuition is based on which courses are taken. For example, the eight-week course, as of December 2009, is $6,800 and the 10-week course, as of 2009, is $8,500. The two-week course is offered for students who want to specialize in one area of taxidermy, such as birds or game heads. Courses for students attending the Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy include base making, fiberglass reproduction and trophy mounting. Tool kits are provided during instruction and are included in tuition.
For more information on the Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy, contact the school at:
Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy
110 North Gear Ave.
West Burlington, IA 52655
(319) 753-0929
Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy
The Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy is owned by Roger Hutton and specializes in teaching students the art of taxidermy in a small-class environment. This school offers a seven-week course for $7,500, as of 2009. Mini-classes for specific animals are also available and include a deer taxidermy course for $1,500, a bird taxidermy course for $700, and a turkey taxidermy course for $1600, as of 2009. All supplies and specimens are supplied and are included in the tuition costs.
For more information on the Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy, you can contact the school at:
Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy
2514 Victory Lane
St. Charles, IA 50240
(641) 396-2760
Tags: School Taxidermy, Kindred Spirits, Kindred Spirits School, Northwest Iowa, Spirits School