Game Head Taxidermy

GAME HEAD TAXIDERMY

TIME:

120 Hours (3 weeks)

COMPLETED MOUNTS:

2 Mule deer mounts (shoulder)

2 Whitetail deer mounts (shoulder)

2 Antelope mounts (shoulder)

Note: Choice of any two heads is optional. Student may also desire to mount game heads not listed which can be substituted for one of the required mounts.

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES COST ESTIMATE:

$400.00 to $800.00

Students will be required to purchase the following from the school: Capes, forms, eyes and ear materials. Horns can be either purchased from the school or provided by the student. Student horns should be the property of the student and for student use. Horns are for learning purposes only. Important horns can be mounted after the student becomes competent to perform the taxidermy independent of the school.

Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to perform any work other than his own. Working of friends, relatives or families heads is counter productive to the learning process and will not be allowed.

With prior approval from the instructor a student may use his/her own supplies as long as they meet the standards of the school.

The game head course is designed to develop all the skills necessary to become a successful game head taxidermist. It is an in-depth course and very complete, and is structured to insure a clear understanding and develop technical skills in the following areas:

1.	Phase 1: Form adjustment and horn attachment
		A.	Form adjustment
		B.	Sizing
		C.	Horn and skull attachment
		D.	Measurements

2.	Phase 2: Cape preparation
		A.	Soaking
		B.	Evaluation
		C.	Shaving and thinning
		D.	Sewing
		E.	Ear Prep.

3.	Phase 3: Form preparation
		A.	Ears
		B.	Routing
		C.	Form prep.
		D.	Eye setting
		E.	Ears

4.	Phase 4: Cape Mounting
		A.	Wetting cape
		B.	Mounting
		C.	Mouth, nose & eyes
		D.	Sewing
		E.	Problem solving
		F.	Positioning

5.	Phase 5: Final adjustments
		A.	Ear tacking and finishing
		B.	Eye adjustment and finishing
		C.	Face and pinning and adjustment

6.	Phase 6: Finish work
		A.	De-pinning
		B.	Finishing
		C.	Cleaning
		D.	Coloring

The game head taxidermy course is a complete program of instruction that covers all aspects of mounting. The program is designed to develop professional techniques that will allow the student to perform commercial level taxidermy. Instruction includes training in mounting elk, moose, sheep and goats. Game head taxidermy requires a good understanding of applied skills. A lot of time is spent on skill development and application of techniques to particular problems. The student will be successful if he/she is willing to put in the time and discipline required to develop the proper skills. Game head taxidermy supplies are relatively expensive and every effort is made to keep costs at a minimum with the best possible results. The program requires commitment and a good work ethic with a strong desire to be successful. Careful consideration should be given before a decision is made to take the course. The program is designed to take as much time as is needed with the student to insure each step is mastered before proceeding to the next level. This is not a rush course and is designed to go at the learners pace to master the proper skills needed. The student must have a good desire to learn, a positive attitude and the ability to take direction.