Submitted by Ryan on 9/1/99. ( ) 147.64.72.111
I was wondering if anyone had any info on taxidermy schools. Iwas considering the Missoula Valley School of taxidermy. Any info would be helpful. thanks
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This response submitted by Tim on 9/1/99. ( winky@in-tch.com ) 208.146.91.185
If your looking in Montana the school in Helena is very good. You can email me for details at winky@in-tch.com
TimB
This response submitted by Past Student on 9/1/99. ( ) 209.30.10.16
Ryan,
I looked far and wide and decided on Matuska's. Why?
1) He's been teaching for a long time
2) He teaches updated, current methods
3) He teaches tanning (which is crucial for a taxidermist to
understand whether you send out or do
it yourself)
4) His school is 9 weeks...not too long, not too short
5) He teaches reproductions and airbrush painting techniques
6) His school has produced several award winning taxidermists.
7) You will be working in an actual Commercial Taxidermy
environment.
If you work hard in school, take good notes and listen you
will be able to work at a commercial level when you leave.
This isn't a commercial...just a suggestion...check out all
the schools and compare each to meet your needs. Lastly, talk to previous students for a more in-depth look at the particular school.
Good Luck,
Matt
This response submitted by Mike on 9/1/99. ( mikestaxidermy@mail.tds.net ) 208.170.68.177
Tim I agree with Matt, I attended Matuska's in 1995 after looking around and found them to be the best school, they get students from all over the world. Good Luck!
This response submitted by Doug M. on 9/1/99. ( dnj@tenforward.com ) 209.168.55.19
I, too, did alot of research into schools and chose Missoula Valley School of Taxidermy. To this day I do not regret that decision. Steve Fundum really knows his stuff and is very good at teaching it in a way that makes it easy to understand. The whole atmosphere of the school was fantastic. Not having gone to the other schools, it's difficult to compare them but I'm very happy with the training I got. I highly recommend this school.
Keep in mind that the knowledge you have when you go to school has a huge impact on how much you will learn there. I had been a hobbiest for many years and had learned through books and videos so I had a good basic understanding already. A friend who went with me had no knowledge of taxidermy and, although he learned a lot, spent much of his time learning the basics. He would be the first to tell you that my skills advanced much more than his. Learn all you can before you go.
Don't expect any school to teach you all you'll ever need to know. To be successful you must constantly strive to learn more. I went on to advanced study one on one with masters in the areas that interested me the most. Breakthrough and others are good sources of info, as is this forum. In my opinion, conventions, competitions and seminars are the best way to continue your education without spending a pile of money.
This response submitted by Tim S on 9/1/99. ( mtbigdawg@yahoo.com ) 205.138.110.89
Ryan,
I attended the Montana School of Taxidermy, this past winter, and thought it was a great place to learn. I have heard both good and bad about different schools. It might depend on where you live as to what school you attend. Give Jeff or Jody a call in Helena at (406)443-0020 for some information on their school.
This response submitted by Jeff Leonard on 9/2/99. ( JeffL@Craftech.com ) 207.106.69.50
I recently attended Northwood and I am very pleased with what I achieved. Joel Zimmerman owns and instructs the school whick is located in PA. If you would like to check Northwood out they have a web site linked to here.
Good Luck
This response submitted by steve on 9/6/99. ( bpfd@3rivers.net ) 216.220.2.91
A new school in Montana is opening in jan. of 2000 called
Academy of Realistic Taxidermy. It's beening taught by over
20 of the worlds and nations best taxidermist !
for more info e-mail or call 406-394-1514
thank you
steve @
A.R.T.
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