Tom Matuska

[mangela]

How good is the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy? What are the Pros and Cons? It seems like a good school with good instructors.

Opinions?

[Wegner Ron]

Wegner's School of Taxidermy
Miton Wis.
Ron Wegner
608-8684-022

[Christie]

Hmmm......just what he was asking for Ron.
I'm sure he thanks you.

[Len]

I would highly recommend Tom and his school. He will teach you the proper techniques of taxidermy. You would not regret it. Tom is well known in the industry.

[GBRUCH]

I haven't met Tom but i have met one of his students Mr. Brett Wingfield.   If Tom teaches you only a portion of what Brett knows your off to a very, very good start.  I wish you much success in this creative Industry.

[Cole]

I have heard nothing but good things about the school. My father went there and learned a lot. He went with a friend of his who still does taxidermy full time and in my opinion is VERY good! You can't expect to become an expert in 10 weeks (Or however long their class is now) but you will learn basic terminology, skills, and a few tricks to get you started. As with any trade, becoming a master of your craft requires perfect practice, an ambition to succeed, and some God given talent. I didn't attend NWIST personally, I had the fortune of learning from Dad, but I would guess Tom Matuska is a much better teacher. LOL Go into it with an open mind, be creative, and continue to educate yourself even after graduating from the school.

[curti66]

If I would you, GO!   I took the course several years ago, it was the best thing I ever did.

I have attended a lot of seminars, read a lot of books, even bought a lot of tapes and such. Tom is above them all!  He knows his stuff and he  makes it fun and interesting.  He is great at explaining every little detail and helping make everything very clear and understandable.   He keeps up with the new and innovating ideas and technigues so you are learing all the newest and best techniques. 

I am taking another friend of mine up to tour the shop and school, he is looking to send his son through the school.  Tom is a great person and very knowledgeable.

One of the best things about Tom is that he is there for you long after your 'schooling' is done.  He is a friendly, helpful kind of guy.

It may sound like I am 'selling' for him, but I just know what I know, Matuska School of Taxidermy is well worth the money and time spent.

Curtis

[mangela]

Thank you all for your comments! You have definitely helped. I am still in the process of decision making but I am leaning more towards this school for multiple reasons.

Thanks again!

mangela

[BMW]

Thanks for your kind words Gary.

I attended the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy in 1996.  (Wow!  That sounds like a long time ago!)  I can't say enough about my experience there as a student.  I also stayed on and worked for Tom for 4 more years, so I have seen the NWIST from both sides of the fence.  I feel very confident in saying that the NWIST makes it their goal to give each individual student everything they possibly can offer (and then some).

Tom is known by many of his students for answering some of the wild student questions (which I’m certain each and every person who enters into taxidermy has asked, just some not out loud) with a standard reply of......
"Hmmmmm.....I don't know.....Let’s try it and see."
Those of you that teach or have been in taxidermy for very long know what kind of questions I'm talking about!  “Can I replace the ear on this cape with that one….or….I want to mount it just like this picture I saw in a magazine….”  The ones that insight premature baldness!

The most important thing anyone can take away from a taxidermy school is a basic working knowledge of the process of taxidermy.  From there it is up to the student.  I still today rely on the process I learned from the NWIST.  The concepts are taught using clear and practical methods that are reinforced by plenty of hands on work.

Taxidermy is a fairly simple concept.  It can be taught by most anyone to most anyone.  The differences lie in the people.  Tom, his wife Vicki, and their staff are first class individuals that genuinely care about their students long after they depart.  The support past students receive is invaluable.

In all fairness I should admit that this is a pretty biased opinion and I have really only addressed the pros as I am struggling to find a con.  I can’t speak comparatively about any other schools out there as I have only attended this one.  What I can tell you is that the dedicated students that attend the NWIST come away with is a willingness and confidence in the process to "Try it and see,” and equipped with that, the possibilities are far greater than I ever imagined.   

If I can answer any more specific questions, I would be happy to.  You can email me anytime.
Good luck to you-
Brett Wingfield

[Auggie]

    I also was taught by Tom. And like Brett, I have seen it from both sides as I too worked for Tom. Brett pretty well hit the nail on top of the head. Tom and Vicki will make you feel as though you are a part of the family. I know that is how I was treated and I am sure Brett will agree. I can't recommend them enough.
    I can not seem to find a con either. Another benefit that has not been mentioned is that Tom is also a supplier and you will have access to many supplies in house rather than waiting for them or paying for the shipping costs. You will get a well rounded education in the basics of all aspects of taxidermy. This includes the business side of it that so many have trouble with.
   If you have any other questions I too can be reached by email or phone. All the information is on my website. Good luck and if you are in class I may just pop in and say hello one day.

[Badgerland]

I know Tom and have bought many supplies from him. He is a good guy and knows his stuff. There has been several award winning guys to come out of his school.

[38insprd]

After attending a different school close to Matuskas 12 years ago i wish I would have attended Tom's school.  He seems very professional and friendly.  I've heard many good things about the school and he has great forms and supplies

[bubbs]

I also attended school 2002. I also worked 4 tom and vicki for 3 1/2 years in the school and in the supply company.I have met and worked with some world awarding people that have alot of respect for tom.When you attend school you learn from a man thats been doing this for over 25 years.When you buy supplys,hes tried it and it worked for him and thats why its in the catalog.
      Any ques. or help you can email me.      keep up the good work tom

[cindy]

Try, www.secondcreation.com it is in kansas city kansas the classes have 5 people its hands on. Take a look at the web site