2010 TaxidermY Mini-Course

Conference, Competition, & Trade Show

(Register here for the Taxidermy Mini-Course which is a three-day event consisting of workshops, competition, and a tradeshow.)

Year Round SCC School of Taxidermy

This one year hands-on program covers one of the four major topics of Deer and other game heads, Fish, Birds, and Life-size mounts each quarter. These courses are appropriate for anyone interested in learning the art of taxidermy or for those wanting to improve their techniques. Included throughout each topic is instruction on habitat, casting, operating a taxidermy business, state and federal game laws, how to make specialized tools, and much more. Students can enter at any quarter and can choose between day, evening or Saturday classes.

Our hands on taxidermy program covers one of four major topics each quarter of the year:

"Deer and other Game Heads" Winter January - April
"Birds & Waterfowl" Spring April - July
"Fish & Reptiles" Summer July - September
"Life-size Mounts & Habitat" Fall September - December

 

These courses are appropriate for anyone interested in learning the art of taxidermy or for those wanting to improve their techniques. Students may begin with either topic and then take any or all of the other topics throughout the year. In additon to the specific details that are taught about each of the four topics, the following instruction is included in each course; habitat, casting, operating a taxidermy business, state and federal game laws, how to make specialized tools, and much more.

Students can enter at any quarter and have a choice of attending:

We have had students drive from Virginia and West Virginia to take our courses. Affordable lodging and campgrounds are available nearby for those wanting to stay overnight.

The length of each course ranges form 50 - 100 hours depending on the topic and the schedule. Our Saturday course includes fewer total hours because it meets for 6 hours per day. This allows more to be completed with less time lost to setup and takedown each class.

The cost of each of the four courses is $178. There is no additional charge for out-of-state students. This does not include your personal taxidermy supplies, forms, or tools. Our training shop is equipped with all of the major tools and machines used in commercial taxidermy.

Available through the college are textbooks for each course. The cost of each book is approximately $35.00.

Students are expected to provide their own animals for projects, but legal documentation regarding harvesting is required. The instructor can assist in locating animals if necessary.

For more information, contact:
Carmen Parker Eldridge
Coordinator, Workforce Development Center
Director, Human Resources Development
(336) 356-5303
eldridcp@surry.edu		Susan Coble
Administrative Assistant
(336) 356-5301
cobles@surry.edu

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Taxidermy Program - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the registration cost of taking one, 3 month session of your Taxidermy program?
Is a textbook required?
Are the animals provided for student projects?
What supplies are needed to complete a project and what is the cost?
What equipment and machines are available to use in the class?
What tools will I need and what will they cost?

What is the registration cost of taking one, 3 month session of your Taxidermy program?
Instruction is $175.00 plus a $3.00 tech fee for a total of $178.00 per 3 month session (quarter or season).
This covers the instruction and use of our tools and equipment.

Is a textbook required?
The instructor requires one or two textbooks that we sell at the class through the college bookstore. The cost is approximately $35.00 each.

Are the animals provided for student projects?
Each student is responsible for bringing in the animals they will use as class projects. However "Legal" documentation regarding harvesting is required. The instructor can help you locate an animal if you do not have a source.

What supplies are needed to complete a project and what is the cost?
Students are also responsible for the cost of any supplies needed to mount your animal. These supplies can be ordered from the major taxidermy supply companies. Our instructor can advise you before you make any purchases.

As an example, the supply cost for completing one project during the class (a Deer Head), could run about $200.00. Those supplies would include things like a deer head form, a wooden panel to mount it on, artificial eyes and ears.

That $200.00 would also cover the following items that come in quantities that once purchased could be used on serveral future projects such as glue, epoxy, Bondo, pins, thread, paint, etc...

Of course, a small animal is cheaper to do than a large one. Some students may complete more than one project during the course if they catch on to the techniques quickly.

What equipment and machines are available to use in the class?
The college has all of the major pieces of equipment used in basic and advanced taxidermy. This equipment is available for use by the students to prepare their class projects.

What tools will I need and what will they cost?
The college also has a set of all the common hand tools, and many of the specialized ones, used in taxidermy. Students may borrow these tools, as the need arises in class, to prepare their class projects.

Most students choose to put together their own toolkit to use to work their projects. The cost of the kit depends on the following:

  • What you choose to buy
  • The quality you choose
  • What tools you may already have on hand
  • Any tools you can borrow or make on your own
  • If you plan to also work on your animals at home outside of class time

By purchasing the basic tools for Taxidermy and then using our specialized tools in class, a person would likely spend around $200.00 starting from scratch. During the first class meeting, the instructor will go over and demonstrate the essential tools used in Taxidermy and help you to make decisions about any purchases you choose to make.

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