...Learning Bird Taxidermy?

I am lining up classes to teach a goal of 30 students the Art of Bird Taxidermy in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for 2012. I will be working out all of the details (student cost, schedule, syllabus, etc.) after the waterfowl season closes in Oklahoma on the 30th, but the idea came to me after several customers expressed an interest in the "whole waterfowling experience": Turns out hard core waterfowlers not only want to hunt ducks and cook ducks, but they also want to mount there own birds during the off season. I've been toying with the idea for several years now as I get 6 to 10 calls each year requesting taxidermy training from waterfowler hobbyists.

I get to speak with hundreds of duck hunters each year and 90% are hard working folks with kids, a mortgage, a dog, perhaps a boat and most certainly, bills to pay. Taxidermy is an item that has to be budgeted for...simply stated, choosing a mallard mount for 300.00 in a glass case that costs an additional 400.00 isn't an option for most. It's why I've always given a THF discount. I am hoping this will open up a new avenue for the dedicated waterfowler to enjoy his or her own mounts and the entire waterfowling experience from start to finish.

I'm very excited about the future as this will be my way of paying it all back and having a hand in seeding the next generation of Bird Taxidermists - More details to come!

Before I open it up to other areas, If any THF member might be interested please let me know on this thread. And If so, you should start saving practice ducks now!

Questions asked so Far:

a. Yes, you will be able to take 1, possibly 2 finished mounts home with you at the end of your training.

b. Cost hasn't been set yet as supplies, etc would have to be figured out. Based on past students I have had from both in and out of state, It will be about 1,250 for a week of training and it will be extensive. You will be able to mount a duck or pheasant after you leave.

c. Yes, bring a camera and notebook. (It will actually be required.)

d. Lodging can be arranged at very nice places near my shop or you can commute back and forth depending on your situaion.

e. Classes will be individual one on one training for 1 week.

f. Yes, you can "prepare" to make the most of your training by gathering pics, practicing skinning birds and wheeling (I will have a group class on that to take back home with you before your individual class)

g. Yes, you can choose to mount pheasants if you wish. I have stock birds on hand or you can bring your own.

H. Most important - I will finish out my work orders over the next 13 months and then the classes will run from April to say September, depending on how many students sign up.

Originally Posted By: waterfowlwonders

"Wow Matt,
I would never have expected this kind of response. Your work is outstanding and anyone remotely interested in doing something like this should see this as a rare opportunity and jump on it fast.

It's not everyday that someone is offering to let you tap into thier valuable knowledge!

Good luck to you!"

Yessir, I hope you come up for the advanced class. Thanks for the postiive feedback.

...Latest Question about the 2012 Bird Taxidermy Training:

Q. Can a kid take the class?

A. Absolutely. The minimum age would be 12 and dad would be encouraged to drop in each day.

8 spots spoken for so far...thanks for the responses.

Sounds like a great opportunity to learn from someone who has a true passion for the art.

Good luck Matt.

~Jeremy

Thanks Jeremy, I appreciate it.

Well - 9 spots taken so far...I think this is gonna be great!

I don't know if he's contacted you, but BigScout has expressed interest in learning. He's in Wichita Falls with me, but it might be worth it to him.

Have him down for a spot....14 spots now filled. Thanks for the responses!

I would be very interested, especially if it's early in the year.
Aaron

Alright Sir, I'll put you on the list. 16 spots taken...

17 spots taken so far....I will be opening this up to the Texas Taxidermy Association in March. FYI.

TTT

Bird taxidermy is awesome i give yall so much respect and the work i have seen Bird Works do is amazing if our shop had time to do this class we would because we turn away so much bird business because we just dont have the steady hand it takes to mount them.

Cory, thanks very much for the kind words Sir

Well, 18 spots spoken for as of tonite...I am really excited about the classes and training future Texas Bird Taxidermists in 2011!

Matt,

Does training start this year or next? Thanks

Next year, spots start opening on Feb 1st, 2012 Sir.

Matt, save me a spot!

I've got you down Sir...19 spots taken.

Q. What will be covered in the Class?

A.

Skinning a Bird Properly *(to be practiced before class as well)
How to "read" a skin
Studying, measuring and sketching the Carcass
Fleshing on the Wire Wheel *(can be practiced before class as well)
Wash System
Drying/Tumbling

Use of Foam Body
Real and artificial head construction

The Assembly Process

Use of Fillers

Positioning of Birds/Anatomy and use of Reference

Carding and Grooming
Foot Preservation

Basic Habitat w/
Discussion of Composition and Design

Finish Work

Federal Migratory Laws

____________________________________

Once I've received a firm committment and deposit for the class you will come over for 1 day to discuss skinning and wheeling so you can practice these steps before the actual class.

Thanks - Matt

20 spots now spoken for...I was thinking that 30 students would take a while to fill up..but maybe not. Thanks for the great response.

Hi Matt, can you confirm if #20 is me:And.Pes.I just want to make sure I get signed up, you are getting real close to that #30(lol)! Thanks Sir

Well Sir, that would make you #21. I have a spot saved for you.

Thanks for #21 spot matt.

22 spots now spoken for.

As of February 22nd, (25) Twenty-Five spots spoken for so far