Training and Classes

The purpose of our training is to work with the student on a one on one basis so as to insure proper training in commercial taxidermy. We have found that the personalized training is the most successful and rewarding for both the student and teacher! Our goal at N.E. Michigan School of Wildlife Art is to turn out students who can go into commercial taxidermy and right from the start become accomplished in all areas of training.

Those students who wish to go on to higher levels after leaving our school will have the proper skills needed to become a competition quality taxidermist with just a little more effort on their part. All students will be given the necessary documentation to become state and federally licensed, if need be.

We are at present the only state licensed school facility for taxidermy in Michigan and hope we can be of assistance to those who wish to pursue this career.

Just give us a call whenever you are ready to make your reservation to a particular class.

Sincerely,
Ralph E. Bolda
Instructor
Phone: (989) 358-2010

The classroom layout has been time-tested. We have moved many things around in the past to get the workshop as efficient as we can.

INTRODUCTORY CLASSES:

Introduction:
A. State and Federal laws governing the profession both amateur and professional.
B. Brief synopsis covering business opportunities for those who wish to start their own business, and those looking for employment around the country.
C. Companies that supply the taxidermy trade and various other businesses that are related to the profession. All catalogues will be supplied.
Birds - This class will cover skinning techniques, preparation of skins for mounting, building artificial bodies, how to measure, anatomy, mounting, and finishing. Student will mount one upland game bird and one waterfowl of their choice. (Turkeys not included). Game Heads - This class will cover the basics of measuring, skinning, and preparation of capes for tanning. Correct ways will be shown on how to choose and alter forms. Then mounting and finishing will be shown. Students will mount two heads of their choice, i.e.: One Antelope, and one whitetail deer two whitetail deer; or one whitetail deer and one black bear; etc.

Life-size Animals - This class will cover the basics for mounting animals from squirrel in size to a life-size bear. Students will mount two smaller mammals of their choice. Preparation, measuring, skinning techniques, how to choose and alter form, mounting and finishing. Fish - This class will cover the mounting of two categories of fish: one warm water fish(walleye, pike, perch, bass, etc.) and one cold water fish (trout, salmon, etc.). This class will include preparation, measuring, mounting, finishing, final airbrush, and finishing.

Habitat Construction - Casting and molding techniques and other pertinent information will be covered. Dioramas pertaining to Birds, Fish and Mammals will be covered.

COURSE FEES

We have individual courses starting at  $1500.00. Our complete phase course (designed for those who want to go into the taxidermy field) is set at $6,000.00 (tuition only).

Students are responsible for their own note pads, supplies, forms, and materials needed to complete mounts. If students do not have access to various specimens for mounting, the school can supply these at the current market values. All specimens will be legally acquired from game breeders or attained by legal means through fur buyers, etc.

Tuition fees not used or courses not completed due to illness or student not completing said segment of one or more phases of training, will be pro rated and refund will be made accordingly.

Classes are limited to a maximum of three students at any one time! This allows for more personalized instruction.

Students taking the full course will also receive, included in the cost of the class, various tools needed including an airbrush, textbooks, and ordering catalogs.

• The complete course will run for four separate classes and will run for ten to twelve weeks, four hours per day, four days per week. Days actually worked will be prearranged with the instructor by the student to help accommodate with their schedule. This school has an open enrollment policy.

  Students must pay a $200.00 deposit up front  before a class starts. The balance of the amount paid will be due the first day of class.

  Upon completion of one or all classes and subject matter, a diploma will be awarded to those students who have completed the said courses satisfactorily. Each student is evaluated individually on their work.

Any questions? Or want to reserve a spot in one of our classes before someone else does? Contact us!

Phone: (989) 358-2010