taxidermy catalog volume 1taxidermy-school.com/library/forms/taxidermy school... · 2020. 12....

TAXIDERMY CATALOG Volume 1.0

1 Publication Date: September 18, 2019

20360 MT Hwy 200 E

Bonner, MT 59823

Ph: 406-244-5404



Second Nature School of Taxidermy 2 Week Courses and scheduled dates:

2 Week Standard Course

2 Week Advanced Course

2 Week Life Size Mammal Course

2 Week Freshwater Fish Course

2 Week Saltwater Fish Course

January 6 – January 17, 2020 February 3 – February 14, 2020

March 2 – March 13, 2020 March 30 - April 10, 2020

April 27 – May 8, 2020 May 25 – June 5, 2020

June 22 – July 3, 2020 August 17 – August 28, 2020

September 14 – September 25, 2020 October 5 – October 16, 2020

Second Nature School of Taxidermy 4 Week Course and scheduled dates:

Currently there are no available dates for this course

---Class will be held on all Holidays during scheduled course dates---



Table of Contents Welcome, Administration …………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 4

Admissions …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 5

Tuitions, Fees, Policies ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 6, 7

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy ………………………………………………………………………………… Page 7

Student Programs and Services ………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 8

Student Responsibilities ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 8, 9

Academic Regulations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 10

Course Descriptions

2 Week Standard Course …………………………………………………………………………………. Page 11

2 Week Advanced Course ………………………………………………………………………………… Page 12,13

2 Week Life Size Mammal Course………………………………………………………………………. Page 13

2 Week Freshwater Fish Course ………………………………………………………………………….. Page 14

2 Week Saltwater Fish Course …………………………………………………………………………….. Page 15



WELCOME

Second Nature School of Taxidermy is approved to accept students using GI Bill® education benefits. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Students can come learn taxidermy in an easy-going atmosphere on the beautiful Blackfoot River in Western Montana. Second Nature School of Taxidermy is proud of what our school has to offer our students. We constantly strive to improve our methods of instruction. Our method of hands-on taxidermy instruction, along with our business and marketing course, will provide students with the knowledge they need to start and operate their own successful taxidermy studio. At Second Nature School of Taxidermy, we focus on teaching the artistic skills needed to create beautiful mounts and the attention to detail that will keep customers coming back for more.

ADMINISTRATION/INSTRUCTORS

Second Nature School of Taxidermy is Veteran owned and operated!

CHRIS COTTEN, Owner/Instructor

Chris is a Marine Corps Veteran, and native Montanan whose passion for hunting and fishing grew into an interest in and love of taxidermy. He attended Second Nature School of Taxidermy three times, before opening his own Taxidermy business, Woods N Water Taxidermy. Chris went on to become an instructor for the school where he continued to grow his experience in teaching the latest taxidermy techniques. In May of 2019, Chris purchased the school from Bill and Terry Dishman, and continues to bring his unique style and eye for perfection into the classroom.

CHRIS OAKLEY, Instructor

Chris, an Army Veteran, and native Floridian moved to Montana to pursue his passion for hunting, fishing, photography and the outdoors. He has attended three different courses at Second Nature School of Taxidermy and currently works as a full time taxidermist. Chris has a keen eye for photography and the general outdoors which translates into correct anatomy and positioning of animals while instructing students. Chris has proven the proficiency and skills needed to mount and instruct all aspects of taxidermy.

GREG FORD, Instructor

Greg is an Army Veteran that currently resides in Idaho. Greg has attended two courses at Second Nature School of Taxidermy and has joined the team as an instructor. He is a professional outfitter in the fishing industry as well as the owner of Gone Fishing Artistries.



Greg’s attention to detail, hard work ethic and involvement in the Veteran community sets him apart from others. Greg brings his knowledge of fish anatomy, habitat and artistry with him into the classroom which in turn gives students a unique experience during any course.

ADMISSION TO SCHOOL

Eligibility for Admission

(1) Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. (2) Applicants must be able to read and write fluently in English

PROCEDURES OF APPLICATION

VA STUDENT ENROLLMENT:

1. Go to www.gibill.va.gov and click on “Apply for Benefits”

2. Complete the application and submit it to the VA.

3. After your application has been processed, you will receive a letter of eligibility from the VA.

4. Send us a copy of your letter of certification from the VA and the class enrollment application for the

course of your choice to reserve your spot in the class.

NON-VA STUDENT ENROLLMENT:

Mail the Class enrollment application for the course of your choice to reserve your spot in the class.

TUITION, FEES, AND POLICIES

Tuition:

The course tuition is due on the first day of class for all students that are not Chapter 31 or 33.

Tuition for Chapter 31 or 33 students is not due as required by PL 115-407 Section 103. Chapter 31 and 33 students have 90 days to pay their tuition. No adverse actions will be imposed for 90 days from the course start date.

Tuition per Course

COURSE DESCRIPTION TUITION COST

2 Week Standard Course $6,200 2 Week Advanced Course $8,750

2 Week Life Size Mammal Course $9,750

2 Week Freshwater Fish Course $5,255

2 Week Saltwater Fish Course $5,750 4 Week Expanded Course $17,500

http://www.gibill.va.gov/



How to Pay for School

Students may pay the school directly by cash, check, or major credit card. A 3% processing fee will be applied for all balances paid for with a credit card.

Veteran’s Educational Benefits: Second Nature School of Taxidermy is an approved institution. Veterans or their families who think they may be eligible for benefits should contact their local Veteran’s Affairs Counselor or go to www.gibill.va.gov to register and receive a certificate of eligibility.

Cancellation Policy

One Week Cancellation: Any applicant who cancels within seven (7) days prior to the start date of the course will be refunded any portion of the course. If any applicant cancels with less than (7) days notice, they will be charged a $50 Cancelation fee that will be paid out of pocket by the applicant. Chapter 31 and 33 students are exempt from the $50 cancellation fee.

Refund Policy

Students withdrawing from the school will have the remainder of the course fees refunded in accordance with the refund table below.

REFUND TABLE FOR VETERAN ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

STUDENT ENTITLED UPON WITHDRAWAL / TERMINATION REFUND

10% of program completed 90% refunded


30% of program completed 70% refunded 40% of program completed 60% refunded



70% of program completed 30% refunded 80% of program completed 20% refunded


All refunds will be returned to the Veteran within 40 days.

http://www.gibill.va.gov/



SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY

Students will receive a weekly progress review along with weekly notes on their progress to document whether course standards of proficiency are being met. Each student will be evaluated on the topics and techniques that were taught that week during their course. Please see each course for a list of topics that students will be required to demonstrate in order to pass the course. If a student’s progress is ever less than satisfactory, the instructor will discuss solutions and work with the individual student to raise their level of proficiency. However, if a student does not show the willingness or ability to improve their progress after 4 consecutive days, they will be dismissed from the course. The grading sheet will be kept in their permanent file. Readmitting a student may be considered after a student conference, and the instructor’s re-evaluation of the individual situation.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

Grades

Grades are a means of communicating student achievement. The following grading scale

applies:

Pass = Ability to satisfactorily demonstrate topics taught each week based on each course

description.

Fail = Inability to satisfactorily demonstrate topics taught each week based on each

course description

I = Incomplete

W/D = Withdraw

An “Incomplete” grade is used for emergencies only and when only a minor portion of the

assignments and/or skills have not been completed. A one week “incomplete” is the extent and

must be approved with the instructor. After one week, the “Incomplete” grade becomes a Fail

grade.

A “W/D” grade is given to students that have officially withdrawn from class.

Attendance Requirements

Students are expected to attend all days scheduled in the course chosen, however, they will be

permitted to miss up to eight hours during any 2 or 4 week course. In the event of missed hours,

students will be given the opportunity to schedule additional time with an instructor after hours

or on weekends to make up for their missing time. If a student misses more than 8 hours without

a doctor’s note, that student will be dismissed for unsatisfactory attendance. An attendance log

will be completed by the instructor each day, and then signed by the student at the end of the

course. This log will remain in the student’s permanent file.



Requirements to Pass Each Course

Although there are no final exams for our courses, there are specific tasks that each student will

be required to demonstrate based on the course they are enrolled in. See individual course

descriptions for a list of requirements for each course. Once all requirements have been met and

all course hours have been completed, each student will receive a Certificate stating they have

successfully completed their specific taxidermy training course.

STUDENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

School Facility

There are two main buildings on our school property. The first is our classroom, which includes

the general work area, break area, and a separate room for airbrush painting. The second

building is our storage, woodworking, lavatory and skinning facility. There are also three

separate out buildings for mounting stands, freezers, habitat supplies and base making materials.

Academic Advising

The instructors are available to meet with students to assist them with their particular career goals and any academic questions they may have.

Learning Resources

Taxidermy Today www.taxidermytoday.com - Is the world's foremost taxidermy journal.

Big Antlers.Com - Your online source for antlers, racks, & elk ivories.

The American Taxidermist’s Directory www.americantaxidermist.com

United Taxidermist Association www.unitedtaxidermistassoc.com

Taxidermy Forum www.taxidermy.net

Taxidermy Talk www.taxidermytalk.com

National Taxidermy Association www.nationaltaxidermists.com

Career Services

A marketing seminar is provided during all courses to assist students in starting their own

taxidermy business, but does not guarantee employment or success of the student’s company.

http://www.taxidermytoday.com/

http://www.bigantlers.com/

http://www.americantaxidermist.com/

http://www.unitedtaxidermistassoc.com/

http://www.taxidermy.net/

http://www.taxidermytalk.com/

http://www.nationaltaxidermists.com/



STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Student Parking

Students are able to park in front of the school in the parking lot provided. For those students

wishing to bring a camp trailer, parking may be available on the East side of the school building,

this is a first come, first serve basis and requires prearrangements to ensure availability.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Second Nature School of Taxidermy is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in matters of

admission and other policies. The school complies with all federal and state rules and

regulations and does not discriminate against anyone o the basis of race, national or ethnic

origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, veteran

status, religion, creed, or disability.

Drug Free School

Use of illegal, illicit, or non-prescription drugs, and intoxication is a violation of school

regulations. Students must be physically free of any substance that may impair their intellectual,

physical, and emotional functions.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Second Nature School of Taxidermy seeks to provide an environment that is free of sexual

harassment. Sexual harassment violates federal and state laws. Sexual harassment occurs when

unwelcome verbal, physical, or sexual behavior has occurred. Individuals who are aware or who

have witnessed an offense should immediately report to the instructor.

Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted inside any of the school facilities. Students who choose to use tobacco

products may do so outside, away from the buildings. Please dispose of your cigarette butts in

the receptacle provided. Do not leave cigarette butts on the school property.

Code of Conduct

All students are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Fighting or vulgar

language will not be tolerated. Disruptive or violent behavior toward instructors or other

students could result in dismissal from the course.

Anti-Bullying Policy

There is a zero tolerance for bullying of students or staff. Behavior that infringes on others

security of safety and respect will not be tolerated. A student shall not intimidate, harass, or

bully students or staff through words or actions.



Classroom Management

Students are allowed to have food and drinks with them at their workstations, there is a

refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot for their use.

Visitors to Class

Non-enrolled guests are permitted to come with the student to class as long as there is room

available in the classroom. Students are asked to discuss visitors with the instructor ahead of

time.



Specimens offered:

1 Small Game Head (choose any one of the following) Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Antelope

1 Large Game Head- Elk with closed mouth

1 small life size (choose any one of the following) Bobcat, Fox, Coyote, Badger, Raccoon

1 Reproduction Fish (choose any one of the following) Large Mouth Bass OR Rainbow Trout

The 2 week Standard Course allows students to begin their taxidermy career by mounting three animals as well

as completing a reproduction fish. During this course, students will receive education from the beginning to

end of mounting animals for their customers. In addition to learning the taxidermy process, we also offer

education on habitat creation and a wide variety of other topics as outlined below. In addition, all students will

receive a toolkit that is theirs to keep that will give them basic tools to work with until they can obtain all of

the tools they will need for their new business.

Demonstrations and Discussions (20 Clock Hours): Students can expect instructor led demonstrations as

well as engage in discussions on the tanning process, different skinning methods, how to measure specimens,

all the way through prep, mounting and finishing a beautiful mount.

Mounting including Finish work (49 Clock Hours): Students will learn so many aspects of taxidermy that

we are unable to list them all here. We teach a hands on approach where the students will be able to put into

action the skills they have learned during the course. Some of the skills and techniques that each student can

expect to learn include prepping specimens, setting of eyes, ears, and antlers, the mounting process, and finish

work to include: sculpting, painting, final grooming and attaching hanging systems. For Fish: Time is also

dedicated for prep, assembly and learning airbrushing techniques.

Habitat and Base Construction (8 Clock Hours): We pride ourselves in teaching students how to create

realistic looking habitats for their mounts. We teach different techniques for habitat and base construction and

encourage students to be creative and go above and beyond the simple, traditional habitat that is commonly

seen.

Business and Marketing Seminar (3 Clock Hours): Each course offers dedicated time to discuss business

and marketing strategies to aid students in starting their own taxidermy studio. During this seminar, we will

discuss state and federal taxidermy licensing requirements, as well as the importance of proper record keeping.

We have developed easy to use forms and tips and tricks for running an efficient business that is well

organized from the time you take in work, until the time the customer picks it up. We will also discuss the

need to be competitive and how to market your new business.

In order to pass the course, students will be required to demonstrate every aspect of the mounting process

and complete all 3 mounts during the course. Students must be able to show their understanding and ability to

mount each of their specimens from start to finish as well as have the ability to measure capes and order forms

and supplies. All students will also be required to demonstrate their ability to prep, assemble and paint their

fish on their own. Students will build their own habitat or custom base to display their life size mount and fish

on.

2 WEEK STANDARD COURSE (80 Hours)



Specimens offered:

1 Small Game Head Wall Pedestal (choose any one of the following) Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Antelope

1 Large Game Head- Elk with open mouth, 90* mount, detachable antlers

1 Big life size (choose any one of the following) Wolf, Mountain Lion, Deer, Antelope

1 Reproduction Fish (choose any one of the following) Largemouth Bass OR Rainbow Trout

This Advanced Course allows students to expand their taxidermy career by mounting more complex animals,

learning more advanced techniques including open mouth mounts and how to detach antlers. There is no

prerequisite for this course. Students will receive training on the mounting process from beginning to end with

more hands on mounting time than what is offered in the Standard Course. Students will also be creating more

custom habitat scenes for their mounts as outlined below. All students will still receive a toolkit that is theirs

to keep that will give them basic tools to work with until they can obtain all of the tools they will need for their

growing business.

Demonstrations and Discussions (10 Clock Hours) Students can expect instructor led demonstrations as well

as engage in discussions on the tanning process, different skinning methods, how to measure specimens, all the

way through prep, mounting and finishing a beautiful mount.

Mounting including Finish Work (51 Clock Hours) Students will learn so many aspects of taxidermy that


action the skills they have learned during the course. In addition to the basic skills that we teach in our other

courses, this course also teaches advanced techniques needed to complete more complex mounts like the wall

pedestal and life size mounts in this course. The advanced course also teaches students how to create an open

mouth mount as well as hands on instructions on how to successfully create a mount with detachable antlers.

For Fish: Time is also dedicated for prep, assembly and learning airbrushing techniques.

Habitat and Base Construction (16 Clock Hours) We pride ourselves in teaching students how to create



seen. In this course, students will be creating habitat scenes or bases for the wall pedestal, life size mount, as

well as the fish.

Business and Marketing Seminar (3 Clock Hours) Each course offers dedicated time to discuss business







and complete all 3 mounts during the course. Students must be able to show their understanding and ability to

2 WEEK ADVANCED COURSE (80 Hours)



mount each of their specimens from start to finish, demonstrate how to detach antlers, as well as have the

ability to measure capes and order forms and supplies. All students will also be required to demonstrate their

ability to prep, assemble and paint their fish on their own. Students are required to build their own habitat or

custom base to display their wall pedestal, life size mount and fish on.

Specimens offered:

2 life size mammals (Choose one from each list)

Group 1: Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Antelope, Wolverine

Group 2: Bear, Wolf, Mountain Lion, Sheep, Mountain Goat

During this course, students will receive education from beginning to end of mounting animals for their

customers. There is no prerequisite to this course and may be taken regardless of prior training. The 2 week

Life Size Mammal Course allows students to continue or begin their taxidermy career by mounting 2 life size

mammals by expanding their knowledge and creativity while creating custom habitat scenes. In addition, all

students will receive a toolkit that is theirs to keep that will give them basic tools to work with until they can

obtain all of the tools they will need for their new business.

Demonstrations and Discussions (10 Clock Hours) Students can expect instructor led demonstrations as well

as engage in discussions on the tanning process, different skinning methods, how to measure specimens, all the

way through prep, mounting and finishing a beautiful mount.

Mounting including Finish Work (47 Clock Hours) Students will learn so many aspects of taxidermy that


action the skills they have learned during the course. Some of the skills and techniques that each student can

expect to learn include prepping specimens, setting of eyes, ears, and antlers, the mounting process, and finish

work to include: sculpting, painting, final grooming and attaching hanging systems.




seen. This course offers students the opportunity to create very elaborate habitat scenes and bases for their

new show pieces.








and complete all mounts during the course. Students must be able to show their understanding and ability to

2 WEEK LIFE SIZE MAMMAL COURSE (80 Hours)



mount each of their specimens from start to finish as well as have the ability to measure capes and order forms

and supplies. Students are required to design and build their own habitat or custom base to display their life

size mammals.

Specimens offered:

1- 20” Large Mouth Bass

1- 24” Rainbow Trout

1- 15” Perch

1- 12” Blue Gill

The 2 week freshwater fish Course allows students to expand their taxidermy skills by focusing only on the art

of creating reproduction fish. During this course, students will learn the end to end process for painting fish as

outlined below. In addition to learning the art of painting fish, we also offer education on habitat creation to

display their art work. Along with their education, all students will receive a toolkit that is theirs to keep that

will give them basic tools to work with until they can obtain all of the tools they will need for their new

business.

Demonstration and Discussions (12 Clock Hours) Students can expect instructor led demonstrations as well

as video instructions on proper assembly, prep and painting of reproduction fish. The course continues with

demonstrations on airbrush techniques, different methods of applying color, using reference photos and how to

start creating their replicas.

Mounting and Finish Work (49 Clock Hours) All students will have hands on time to assemble, prep and

paint their fish. They will have the opportunity to try out the different methods of applying color as well as

using the airbrush and reference photos to create a realistic replica.


realistic looking habitats for their fish. We teach different techniques for habitat and base construction and


seen.








during the course. Students must be able to show their understanding and ability to assemble, prep, and paint

each of their specimens from start to finish as well as have the ability to measure fish and order forms and

supplies. Students are required to design and build their own habitat for all 4 of their completed fish.

2 WEEK FRESHWATER FISH COURSE (80 Hours)



Specimens offered:

1- 26” Sea Trout

1- 38” Dorado

1- 28” Sailfish

The 2 week saltwater fish Course allows students to concentrate on larger, more diverse fish than what is

offered in the 2 week freshwater course. During this course, students will learn the end to end process for

painting fish as outlined below. In addition to learning the art of painting fish, we also offer education on

habitat creation to display their art work. Along with their education, all students will receive a toolkit that is

theirs to keep that will give them basic tools to work with until they can obtain all of the tools they will need

for their new business.

Demonstration and Discussions (12 Clock Hours) Students can expect instructor led demonstrations as well

as video instructions on proper assembly, prep and painting of reproduction fish. The course continues with

demonstrations on airbrush techniques, different methods of applying color, using reference photos and how to

start creating their replicas.

Mounting and Finish Work (49 Clock Hours) All students will have hands on time to assemble, prep and

paint their fish. They will have the opportunity to try out the different methods of applying color as well as

using the airbrush and reference photos to create a realistic replica.


realistic looking habitats for their fish. We teach different techniques for habitat and base construction and


seen.








during the course. Students must be able to show their understanding and ability to assemble, prep, and paint

each of their specimens from start to finish as well as have the ability to measure fish and order forms and

supplies. Students are required to design and build their own habitat for all of their completed fish.

2 WEEK SALTWATER FISH COURSE (80 Hours)



NOTES



20360 MT Hwy 200 East

Bonner, MT 59823

Phone: 406-244-5404

Email [email protected]

taxidermy-school.com

www.facebook.com/TaxidermySchoolMontana

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.facebook.com/TaxidermySchoolMontana

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