i have a taxidermist that is willing to take me on as his student
he wants to charge me 250.00 for 8 hours, can you tell me if this
is the going price or not, we will be working on whitetails first
i have been using videos, and between the videos and taxidermy.net
i have been learning alot, please help thanks mike
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That is not unreasonable for one on one classes. I've seen as much as eighteen hundred for three days. But the best deals are always state and National conventions. Very inexpensive when you consider what you get.
Get in writing (preferably) what is included in the daily instruction. Personally, I think you would do better by negotiating a training course over a period of time that is going to fully train you vs. a one day shop. What about specimen(s)? Is he/she providing a specimen for you? Find out what is included and what you're expected to learn from the course. Then, do the math and whether or not it is cost effective is ultimately your choice...
The price of instruction, in my opinion, depends on a few factors: 1.) the credentials of the taxidermist (most important). 2.) his/her teaching facility. 3.) do they include specimins, supplies, and tools?
Spend a few bucks on a cape and anlers, buy the supplies, and follow the video step-by-step. Mount a deer and post a few pics. There are plenty of generous taxidermist that will give you an honest opinion on your work. If you just cant "get it" and you have the money, then pay for instruction. I'm with Tony when he says the best deals are State and National conventions.
Do they look real or do they look cartoonish? If they do, what do you think you will learn? If they look like real animals then the price won't be bad but, if it isd deer you want to learn why not go the full route and learn from a whitetail champ. There are numerous ones out there now. I think Bill Yox, Jody Green, Gene Smith, Joe Meder, just to mention a couple all offer classes. I think these guys charge around $400 a day but look who will be teaching you. You don't want to end up being one of these guys that ends up getting bashed on here because they put their stuff on EBAY and say they are Professionals. You get what you pay for.
Good Luck. Dan Hudzik
I think instruction is best for a pure beginner or someone that is experienced and trying to take their mounts to the next level. If you are in between you are better off practicing on as many as you can. I would not want to pay Joe Meder etc until I thought I already produced a quality mount.
Give me a call I will send you a school catalog of my school. Wisconsin Education Approval Board certified ,You can not be ripped off.Tuition includes all supplies and materials. Specimens are not included with tuition and are responsibility of the student.We do have all the specimens on hand if you need them. Extra charge for specimens. So you can bring your owen if you wish.
Call 608-868-4022
Administrators for Enrollment
Ron Wegner & Shelby Wegner
Mike, My feeling on this is, a good one on one experience can improve your mounts a lot BUT I would not recomend it untill you get the basics down and have mounted several mounts. Reason is, you learn a lot from the various sources and then the 1 on 1 instruction will be far more valuable as it will focus on improving what you have learned. Almost a waste of money to start out that way as so much time is used teaching very basic stuff- unless you've got plenty of bucks. The seminars at your state association are a bargin to get you started right and can improve your mounts a lot after you have gained more experience. Reading the magazines should not be overlooked as they are a great learning tool. So many ways to learn this taxidermy thing and once you feel comfortable with it THEN invest in the 1 on 1 thing if you want to fast forward the quality of your mounts. A talented taxidermist that also can teach can move you on once you have it going pretty well on your own. Best of luck whichever way you choose and enjoy, Aaron H.
you will be working on whitetails first. $30.00 per hour. Are they your own trophies or his paying clients? Will you be paying to help him mount his clients work just for a little shop experience? That's almost better than free help. If you are mounting your own specimens will he be mounting his clients as a work along type teaching? Credentials are really important when it comes to someone teaching. Does this individual belong to his/her state association? Do they or have they competed in the past? How long have they been in full time business? Is their work up to par with current standards?
There are lots of taxidermists that are self taught. There are volumes of information out there today in the form of books and manuals, videos, dvds, etc. that should put you on a direct path to the basics as well as advanced techniques. No one had this 25 or 50 years ago and some old timers are still having a go at it. I can purchase a lot of videos for 250.00 (your one days training to mount a deerhead). Many join their state associations and improve their skills by competing and attending seminars(another 250.00 well spent). Some take special classes in particular areas that they would like to better refine. These are offered by many top notch award winning taxidermists and you would probably obtain a wealth of information by checking into these.
What gets most taxidermists is the business end of things. I think some of this comes from beginners doing their friends and families mounts and not charging accordingly. This starts a bad trend that is difficult to break later on down the line.
A lot of good advice has been given in the above posts. You will have to make the call though and live with your final decision.
Mike, you need to have more than ( one day instruction ) & WE CAN do better for you on the PRICE $$.
I have lots of experience teaching & it is ( personal & private- hands on ) ONE student at a time, the BEST WAY to DO IT .
Get in touch, send me your phone no. & address & I will call you for an interview., send a brochure. I have plenty of references from all over N> America.