I've been too busy to get over here much lately, but thought I'd take a moment to post a pic of a really great avian taxidermy student. Ryan is an avid waterfowler and is coming along very nicely with his bird taxidermy training. As a reminder my classes are booked through the end of the year, but if you are coming in the spring please remember to collect birds this upcoming season to practice on before and after your class. - Matt

Good looking bird, seems like a fun project to get into.

looking good

Great looking pheasant!

That would be pretty awesome. What all does that program entail?

Great job guys. Nice looking rooster,Paul.

It depends on the student's objectives. We cover a lot of ground but it depends on which class you take. I basically teach 3 types of classes: The first is for the commercial taxidermist. I get several each year that want to improve on his or her customer birds or learn turkeys for example. The second one is for a more experienced bird taxidermist that wants to learn how to be successful at state and national competitions and covers design and composition.

The third and most popular program is for the hobby guy. He already eats, sleeps and breaths waterfowl hunting and all that goes along with it. Now he wants to take it one step further and mount his own birds for the pure satisfaction of it and to widen his overall waterfowling experience. In the 30 years I've been mounting birds, I can say that these classes are the most fun I've ever had in taxidermy.

No matter the class, we make sure you leave with lots of “tools” from the 3-day, 5-day or tailored classes depending on the student's ability and experience. Thanks for the inquiry. I will send you a PM with more info.

Here is a picture of Paul M. Paul had been struggling on his own for quite a while, but once here he was a quick study and a blast to have at the shop.

Awesome. Appreciate it!

Kewl offer Matt...cant wait to see some of the Seaducks i sent to you.

Cory

Hey guys, check out some of the habitat plaques that Matt has been using also. They are a really cool, new spin on waterfowl, fish, and gamebird displays. They are produced by Walnut Hollow.

Matt, do you have any pics you can post?

I think Matt could use our prayers right now, all I know is what I have seen on this thread from another forum.

That sucks. Prayers sent.

I'm not seeing a thread link. What seems to be Matt's issue?

Hello all. Matt wanted me to tell everyone how much he appreciates everyone’s thoughts and prayers. The most important news to convey is that his eyes and hands are OK and doctors have told him that he will be able to go back to work after his recovery.
I lost his eyebrows, mustache, goatee and half of the hair on his head, but all that will grow back. His right ear was burned badly, but will heal. His right arm was completely burned, as was the right side of his torso and right shoulder and lower neck as he tried to turn away from the explosion, which apparently happened as he opened up his tumbler to pull a bird out.
He has 1st and 2nd degree burns and had to endure two sessions in the scrub tank, but he is bandaged up, on some heavy pain meds and is now back at home resting comfortably. When Matt realized that the hair on his head was still on fire he ran inside and got into the shower to put out the flames. Doctor’s say this prevented his face from suffering more severe burning and scarring. He was very lucky that his shop is located behind his house.
The helicopter had him at the Burn Unit in 12 minutes. Based on the immediate trauma care he received at the best Burn Treatment Unit within the state of Texas he is expected to make a full recovery. I still don’t know all the details of how the explosion occurred, but will pass that information on when Matt is comfortable talking about it, Paul.

Glad to see he is doing ok. Prayers sent!

Holy cow!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Prayers up for ya Matt. Wishing you a speedy recovery brother!

Matt is a helluva taxidermist and a great all around guy, prayers sent!

Matt - you're in our prayers. Hoping for a speedy recovery.

Thanks for the update, Paul. Hoping for a quick healing and as pain free as possible recovery!

prayers up!