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Cover - This stunning bobcat was mounted by Northwest Iowa graduate Chris Harmon, NE. Back Cover - You can see start to finish on this raccoon mounted by Northwest Iowa graduate Nicole Scheer, NE.
Publication # 0919
Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy In 1973, Tom Matuska began his taxidermy business in the basement of his home. Because of his love of nature and desire for perfection, the lifelong dream of becoming a taxidermist soon became a reality. Business flourished and soon the Matuska Taxidermy Studio grew to be one of the most respected studios in the midwest, mounting trophies from around the world. The word spread and soon people were asking how they too could learn the art of taxidermy. Thus, in 1984, the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy was founded with its first class of two students. Like the commercial studio, the school soon became recognized throughout the nation as one of the finest available. The course outline includes a broad spectrum of mounting techniques covering birds, fish, gameheads, large and small life-size mammals and rugs. Fiberglass reproduction, form alteration, natural habitat construction, pricing, record keeping, reference filing and airbrushing are also included. Students are taught basic business practices, advertising techFirst place in the World Taxidermy Championships! Mounted by Brett Wingfield, alumni of the Northwest niques and successful marketing, all of which are Iowa School of Taxidermy, and Tom Matuska, owner vital to building a sound business. Throughout the and instructor of Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy nine-week training program, students receive a minimum of 360 hours of intensive training. Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is connected to our commercial studio. The Matuska Taxidermy Studio has a spacious customer display and reception area to welcome students upon their arrival. Our students observe first hand how a successful commerical studio was built and learn the same time-proven techniques we utilize in our commercial studio. The Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company is also located on the premises and provides not only students but taxidermy studios nationwide with updated information on our newest supplies and techniques. Students have the option to purchase supplies from our complete inventory in-house or other supply companies of their choice. Guidance continues with our toll free tech line through our supply company for our graduates. While reading through our catalog, please write down any questions you may have concerning our course and call toll free 800-488-3256 to allow us to assist you!
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the fascinating world of taxidermy! Read the following literature and discover how the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy can guide you to a successful, rewarding and profitable career.
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS FROM GRADUATES “It means a lot to me to be in your catalog and have other students see what a proud student of your school has done with his education! It has been a long road filled with great times and hard earned steps forward. It is the foundation and the fact that I had a great teacher to get me to a place and direction that I could believe in and a way to succeed.”
“It was an absolute honor to have the opportunity to attend your school. The school itself was outstanding and the instruction was top notch. I am very confident in myself thanks to Tom and his employees! I don’t think there is anything Tom doesn’t have the answer to when it comes to taxidermy; it was an honor learning from him. They truly make everyone feel like family. I can say I have made some lifelong friends who I am still in contact with. Thank you for making my time at your school so unforgettable. (The only thing I would have changed would have been being able to stay a little bit longer.)”
“When I decided to go to taxidermy school, at first glance, there were many to choose from. After researching and especially looking at the work of both the instructors and students, the choice was easy for me, Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy. I came into school with no taxidermy knowledge and learned soup to nuts or should I say skinning to complete professional mounting. Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is a hands on school with top notch, world class instructors. You can ask every question under the sun and they will answer you..... every time! Even after school you can call them and they will troubleshoot with you or make recommendations. The staff taught me so much about taxidermy and running and promoting a small business and I had a blast while learning. Watching the instructors work, and working with their guidance, I started to learn to think like a taxidermist. I began to think of what problems may arise and see how to work through it and then ask instructors, with their experience, how they would handle it. The Matuska’s Taxidermy shop and Supply Company are like a big family and they make you feel very at home and welcome. (Tom will even tell you all the best fishing spots.) Everywhere you go in Spirit Lake you encounter that Midwest friendliness that I have been missing since going back to NY. But most importantly, besides the great people and friendships you will make at Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy, you will leave there with the knowledge base, confidence and problem solving skills to tackle any taxidermy project. Don’t take my word for it, take a good long look at their work, watch the Matuska Facebook Live tutorials on Thursdays or on YouTube. If I were you I’d go to Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy. Your work will stand out from all the shops around you locally. The work speaks for itself! “I just wanted to thank you all again for giving me what I neededsuperb instruction and the tools to succeed. Tom, you’re my mentor. If I ever become half as good as you, I’ll be satisfied.”
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“.... I wanted to thank you and all the Matuska family/team for the awesome months of school, it was breath taking. Before leaving Switzerland, I was thinking that attending this school would be a nice occasion to learn something new and meet new people but I was not expecting what happened next. The planning was well thought, divided into lesson and practice time, which gave us the opportunity to apply the teaching of the day with always someone to answer our questions. Having a teacher that is not just giving theory but really showing us the process in details was really interesting. And I don’t mention that fact that learning from someone with such a big experience is just awesome. One of the other great advantages was to have all the supply needs under our feet. Finally, I think that the best part of this experience was the time spent with all of you. Everyone in the class, the company, the locals and the Matuskas were awesome and like a real family... it has been a real pleasure to meet everyone. The only thing I regret is that it was too short!”
"I would like to thank Tom and his world class instructors for the wonderful experience I had while attending the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy. With VA funding from the Post 911 GI Bill, I was able to attend both the 9 week Residential Course and then, the following year, the Advanced Course. I wanted to learn from a school that knew what they were doing and teach me the proper techniques with the right tools and the right supplies. Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy was the logical school for me... Just take a look at their website and you’ll see what I’m talking about! I am positive my time and money have been well worth it a hundred times over. Regardless of your level of experience, their instruction is catered to fit your learning goals and abilities. They faciliate an environment that is completely relaxed, yet professional and ethical. With the experience and knowledge I gained from the school, I now have the confidence to move forward and solve issues on my own. I also know that if I get stuck, Tom’s open line of communication didn’t stop on the last day of class.”
“Hello, my name is Andres Gallow, owner and operator of Artisan Creations Taxidermy in Pine Mountain Club, California. I attended and graduated from the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy and can honestly say it has been a life changing experience for me. After my graduation, I opened up a shop right when I got home. The techniques and skills I was taught in school have given me the ability to not only be in this business but to stay in it and be successful as well. I enjoy all fields of taxidermy and practice and offer all services to my clients. When I was searching for a school to attend, the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy was unsurpassed. I compared it to all schools and decided this was the school for me. I knew I had made the right decision as soon as I started. Tom and his staff go the extra mile to make sure you learn the skills of the trade and everything you’ll need to be successful and become a reputable taxidermist. After over two years in the business, I continue to learn with every mount I produce. Thank you, Tom Matuska and staff, for not only making it such a friendly experience, but for giving me a new career as well.
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TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS FROM GRADUATES
ACHIEVEMENTS
GRADUATE ACHIEVEMENTS Start your career at the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy and let it lead you to the “Winner’s Circle”.
Entering a new career in the art of taxidermy, for many, is a dream of a lifetime. Taxidermy is an extremely rewarding occupation, both in terms of personal satisfaction and financial gain. Our advice to each and every person entering this field is, “You must be willing to do taxidermy better than the competition down the street. There is no room for mediocrity.” Success begins with the best education you can get… and that is found at The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy. We guarantee qualified instructors who can present advanced professional techniques in a manner that is within your grasp; the rest is up to you. You must discipline yourself to perfect your techniques until your work is second to none!
Tom J. Matuska
Instructor/Alumni Brett Wingfield displays his beautiful World and National Champion Smallmouth Bass
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Instructor, Tom Matuska, IA, Best of Category, First Place Blacktail, Most Artistic Award
Dale House, Kimball, SD, with his winning bear and sable at the Nebraska State Show
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ACHIEVEMENTS
GRADUATE ACHIEVEMENTS
Jesse Haese, WI, National Champion Gamehead and Small Mammal, Henry Wichers Inchumuck Memorial Award, 1st Place Competitor’s Award
Sam Cahoy, SD, Best Master Upland at The South Dakota Taxidermy Show
NWIST alumni, Garrett Sunram, MN, with his State Champion Whitetail
First place Gamehead and Competitor’s Award at the Western Regionals Taxidermy Championships. Mounted by Todd Kranau, NE
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PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is centered on the vocational education of each student. Our objective is to help the student prepare for a productive taxidermy career. We are committed to making available all the information and personal attention necessary so that every student will acquire a firm foundation in commercial taxidermy. LOCATION
LOCATION
Spirit Lake, IA
The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is located in Spirit Lake, Iowa, in the northwest corner of the state. The Iowa Great lakes area is one of the Midwest’s most popular recreational and resort areas. The lakes boast of excellent fishing and beautiful sightseeing throughout the year. There is boating and skiing in the summer and cross-country skiing, ice fishing and snowmobiling in the winter. Our beautiful chain of lakes in northwestern Iowa extends from the Minnesota line southwest several miles and covers about fifteen thousand acres. When you attend our taxidermy school, you get the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful area and take advantage of fantastic outdoor recreation.
HOUSING
Housing for the nine-week session is made available for students needing it at the student’s expense. Costs vary depending upon the unit. All units are fully furnished, include utilities and are located within easy access to shopping needs.
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REFERENCES
Good references are essential for taxidermy work that stands out from the rest! As Tom Matuska often says, “The hardest specimen to mount is the specimen that you know the least about.� We have made it our goal to provide our students with reference pictures that provide detailed, up close pictures. We have had live study pens through the years with deer, turkey, fish and ducks and have been able to get up close and personal with these animals to get accurate, beautiful reference pictures.
Quality Taxidermy Work Begins With Great References!
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FACILITY
FACILITY
Training at the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is conducted in conjunction with the Matuska Taxidermy Studio and the Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company. The taxidermy school is housed in a 7,600 square foot facility. This modern stone and wood structure is located on 12 acres along Hwy. 71 South in Spirit Lake, Iowa. The facility consists of an administrative office, a commercial taxidermy showroom, a spacious classroom, a large walk-in freezer, paint booth, lunch room, tannery, a separate woodworking and base making building.
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MAIN CURRICULUM
MAIN CURRICULUM
Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is a residential nine-week program where students acquire a complete working knowledge of four major areas of commercial as well as competition taxidermy. In addition, students will learn added curriculum such as business practices, pricing, airbrushing, fiberglass reproductions, form alteration, mold making, freeze drying and much more!
Fish Taxidermy
Students will learn the Matuska Taxidermy Studio‘s award-winning techniques for flexible fins, open gills, lifelike coloration, finish work and habitat bases. Students will be instructed in custom carved bodies and commercial purchased manikins as well as the molding and casting of fiberglass reproductions.
Fish portion includes:
Kyle Bartachek, IA
Lee Rarden, KY
Students will usually complete 4-8 assorted fish mounts. Students are encouraged to bring quality specimens or a selection will be provided by the school. This portion consists of approximately 80 hours of training.
Bird Taxidermy
Upland game birds and waterfowl will comprise the bird portion of the course. Students will experience the beauty of Mother Nature at her finest and will acquire the knowledge and ability to artistically recreate her winged creatures. Students will also be instructed in the proper use of synthetic heads and feet, a major breakthrough in accuracy, speed and longevity of the mount.
Bird portion includes: Specimen handling and care Skinning and fleshing Artificial bird body preparation Mounting Feather placement Airbrush coloration Habitat arrangement Marketing
Dylan Penk, MN
Nicole Sheer, NE
Each student will usually complete 2-3 game birds. Students may bring their own specimens or they may be purchased from the school. This portion consists of approximately 80 hours of training.
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To Enroll Call Now 1-800-488-3256
MAIN CURRICULUM Each year thousands of gameheads find their way into the hands of taxidermists across the country. Students will learn anatomy, along with Tom Matuska’s mounting methods, which put them far ahead of the competition in speed, realism and durability.
Gamehead portion includes:
Specimen handling and care Measurements Skinning and fleshing Coding Salting Complete tanning Form selection and preparation Mounting Finish work Base/habitat Marketing
NOTE: Quality mounts begin with proper hide preservation. We take no shortcuts nor use any instant creams or preservatives. Northwest Iowa School of Taxi dermy students are taught professional tanning meth ods incorporated by the commercial tanneries.
Tyler Franklin, NE Each student will usually complete two “deer-sized” gameheads during this portion of the course. Students may bring their own gameheads or they may be purchased from the school. This portion consists of approximately 80 hours of training.
Darrin Albert, IA
Life-Sized Mammal Taxidermy
From the curiosity in the eyes of the playful raccoon to the cunning look on the face of a stalking cougar, our students will acquire the skill and knowledge to successfully mount the many mammals they will encounter in their business. Each student has their own specimen package so students learn not only from their mounts, but from the mounts of their fellow students.
Life-size portion includes: Specimen handling and care Measurements Skinning and fleshing Hide treatment Complete tanning Form selection Mounting Finishing Base/habitat Marketing
MAIN CURRICULUM
Gamehead Taxidermy
Jim Peterson, WI
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MAIN CURRICULUM
MAIN CURRICULUM Life-Sized Mammal Taxidermy Continued
Each student will usually mount one large life-size (such as a bobcat or coyote) mammal during the nine-week session. The school can provide students with a large variety of mammals to choose from or they may bring their own. The life-size portion consists of approximately 80 hours of training.
Kate Bloomfield, NE
Kella Hampel, CA
NOTE: Students wishing to complete larger specimens such as turkey, elk, cougar, or bear
may be limited in other areas due to time constraints. If another instructor is needed due to the size and complexity of the project, there will be an additional charge.
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To Enroll Call Now 1-800-488-3256
What truly sets our taxidermy school apart is the comprehensiveness of our training program. Beyond learning to make artistic and life-like mounts, our school teaches business practices and other essentials that are the foundation of a successful taxidermy career. This curriculum consits of a minimum of 40 hours.
Airbrush Techniques
Knowing how to airbrush is essential to a successful taxidermy business. We teach: airbrush choice and selection, spraying acrylics vs. lacquers, advanced color application procedures and techniques, color blending, spotting and marking methods, paint reduction and property alterations, airbrush maintenance and cleaning.
Anatomy
A basic understanding of the skeletal design and musculature of the animals a student will be working with is essential. We will train you in applying veining and accent to muscle detail and giving realistic expression to your mounts.
Base-Making Design and Composition
Realistic base work natural to the animal’s habitat adds life and interest to a quality mount. Each student will be instructed on how to replicate artificial snow, water, ice, icicles, foliage, rocks, etc. Students will design and construct their own dioramas for their mounts. Note: Students will complete an assortment of attractive bases and habitats to their mounts. If large complex bases require extra time and expense students may have to adjust their speciman package and may have additional costs.
Business
Each student will be advised in proper business practices, beginning with building your business from the ground up and advertising techniques that work. Students will receive instruction on accurately pricing their work by evaluating cost per hour and overhead along with the necessary record keeping methods.
Fiberglass/Graphite Fish Reproductions
Catch and release fishing is the wave of the future. Students are instructed in casting and reproducing fish from the actual specimen, as well as painting and finishing commercial reproductions.
Form Alteration
Form alteration is essential to creative taxidermy. Students will learn time efficient methods to add muscle, or change size, bulk, girth, pose or position. Creative alterations enhance a mount from average to spectacular.
Freeze Drying Students will acquire a working knowledge of the freeze dry system and its practicality and applications in today’s taxidermy industry. Major problems as well as advantages will be evaluated.
Laws
State and federal regulations and how they affect the taxidermist is covered in depth. Students learn state and federal fish and game record keeping and tagging in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Reference Filing
Collecting and filing photos, sketches, and measurements is necessary to the construction of quality mounts. Good references will prove invaluable to the beginning taxidermist as well as the veteran alike. The accuracy of the mounted animal is what produces realistic trophies.
Rugs
All students learn our studio’s technique to complete the initial taxidermy portion of their rugs and then given the necessary information needed to send their rugs to a professional Ruggeri to insure a beautiful high quality product.
Tanning
A variety of tanning methods will be discussed. Many capes and hides mounted by the student will be tanned in our studio using a premium commercial tan. Students are trained in machine fleshing, beam shaving and finish fleshing which are all crucial to the tanning procedure.
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ADDED CURRICULUM
ADDED CURRICULUM
WORK IN PROGRESS
WORK IN PROGRESS
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WORK IN PROGRESS
WORK IN PROGRESS
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ADMISSION
ADMISSION
Admission Requirements
Students must be at least 16 years of age and have reasonable manual dexterity. We have successfully worked with a variety of physical handicaps; contact the school with any concerns.
Enrollment
Our taxidermy school accepts only 10 students per training session. Enrollment is continuous and on a first-come, first-serve basis. To enroll, students must submit a completed application form along with a $1,500 deposit which is applied toward the tuition fee. (The $1,500 is fully refundable if application is denied.)
Financial Aid Loan
Financial aid of up to 50% of the tuition is available through the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy. Qualified students may apply this money toward taxidermy school tuition and specimens. An application for financial aid is available upon request and is interest free for the first year.
Refunds
A student unable to complete the taxidermy course forfeits the entire tuition. Exceptions will be made at the discretion of the school if withdrawal is due to a personal emergency, where a prorated amount will be determined.
Sevis Certified / Internationals
The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is a SEVIS Certified Institution. SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is governed by the Department of Homeland Security. Foreign students wishing to attend must obtain an F-1 or M-1 Visa prior to enrollment. Please contact our office and we will guide you through your application for a student visa.
Tuition & Fees
The tuition for the full nine-week residential/advanced courses of taxidermy training is $13,350. THIS INCLUDES A $2,500 CREDIT TOWARDS YOUR SPECIMEN AND SUPPLLIES. After the deposit has been paid, the existing balance of tution ($11,850) must be paid on the first day of class. Tuition includes instruction in all techniques used by the Matuska Taxidermy Studio and all trade secrets. Students will encounter NO hidden costs during the training program. Included in the tuition are all tools and equipment to be used while in school including chemicals, glues, paint and incidental expendable supplies along with a $2,500 credit to be used towards your specimen and supplies. In addition, students will receive a toolbox complete with basic tools used every day (theirs to keep) along with fish patterns and paint schedules as well as a variety of supply catalogs. Each student will be issued dry storage bins for furs and hides and freezer storage needed for fish, birds and small animals. Included: $2,500 specimen/supply credit Use of all tools and equipment Miscellaneous expendable supplies (chemicals, glues, paint, etc.) Toolbox complete with basic tools used every day (yours to keep) Fish patterns and paint schedules (yours to keep) Dry storage bins for furs/hides and freezer storage needed for fish, birds, and small animals. Protective Gear A variety of supply catalogs Prices are subject to change. Tuition does not include housing expenses.
Veterans Administration
We are approved for Veterans’ Education Benefits. Students eligible for benefits are encouraged to contact our admissions office and their local VA representative for details.
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To Enroll Call Now 1-800-488-3256
GENERAL INFORMAION
Residential/Advanced class starts in January. School is 9 weeks long, Monday through Friday from 8:00-4:30 with a minimun of 360 hours. Attendance records will be kept by the school on a daily basis. Unexcused absenses and tardiness are strongly discouraged as it affects the schedule of not only the student himself but the other students’ schedules as well. Excused absences will be expected to be made up after hours and/or weekends. Specialty classes will be available throughout the year. Check out our website or call for updates.
Dismissal
Unsatisfactory conduct shall be cause for dismissal. Students may be dismissed at anytime following written warnings from instructors for unacceptable, careless or dangerous conduct and will forfeit tuition. Reinstatement shall be at administration’s discretion.
Governing Body
We are a private vocational institution, owned and operated by Tom and Vicki Matuska.
Grading System
Evaluation is made on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system. Conferences are held midterm to discuss the student’s needs and progress. Credit for previous training and/or taxidermy experience will be assessed and student will be advanced to the appropriate skill level. A diploma will be awarded at the end of the course to signify completion of the full residential 9 week course. Note: This course is non-credited and will not go toward any degree or diploma at a credited school.
Live Lectures All of our taxidermy school lectures and demonstrations are live, given by our qualified instructors. The techniques we teach are result driven and have been time tested and proven in our commercial taxidermy studio.
Memberships
We are active members in the National Taxidermists Association, United Taxidermy Association, World Taxidermy Competition, a variety of state taxidermy associations, and Foundation for North American Wild Sheep.
Ownership of Mounts
All mounts that are completed by the student, belong to the student and shall be retained by him/her at the completion of the course. These mounts will be a valuable aid in starting a showroom for their taxidermy business.
Placement
We provide placement assistance for our taxidermy school graduates, free of charge. Being active in various state, national and world taxidermy organizations, we keep in touch with taxidermy businesses throughout the United States. We make no guarantees, but have been successful. (Placement depends on skill and character of individual.)
Specimens Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy takes great care in planning the student’s specimen needs and gearing his/her specimen packages toward the game native to the student’s business area. Students have the choice of mounting everything from a quail to turkey, raccoon to a cougar, or even trout to tarpon. Students learn not only from their own individual mounts but from the variety of other classmates’ mounts. They are able to photograph, take notes and even video tape for future reference, thus learning by hands-on and observation. Students are encouraged to bring their own specimens or are able to purchase them from the school, which carry our personal guarantee of quality. (Contact the school for proper care and handling instructions.) Students wishing to do larger specimens such as turkey, cougar or bear may be limited in other curriculum areas due to time constraints. If another instructor is needed due to the size and complexity of the project, there will be an added expense.
www.matuskataxidermy.com
Sam Marcotte, SD
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Calender/Attendance
SAMPLE PRICING SAMPLE PRICING
SAMPLE PRICE LIST FOR HIDES
Prices are based on approximate market value. Smaller, less prime specimens will fall at a lower price while larger, more prime specimens will reflect a higher price. These are approximate prices only and can fluctuate with the fur market. For more detailed information on estimating your total cost of specimens and supplies, call the school. (Specimen costs do not include panels, driftwood, glass cases, etc.)
ANTELOPE full shoulder
Cape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $95.00 Horns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35.00 Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $55.00 Glass eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 Ear Liners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Nictitating Membrane and spectrum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $215.00
BADGER
Skin - Prime Mature (add $65.00 if tanned). . . . . . . . . $85.00 Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90.00 Glass eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $183.00
COYOTE
Prime Winter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75.00 Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $150.00 Glass eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $235.00
DEER - SMALL-MEDIUM full shoulder
BIRD - MALLARD
Chris Harmon, NE
Mature Drake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00 Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Artificial Head (optional). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.00 Artificial Eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90.00
BIRD - PHEASANT
Mature Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65.00 Manikin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00 Artificial Head( optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.00 Artificial eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Estimated Total Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $95.00
FISH - BLUEGILL
½ -3/4 lb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Charge Manikin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Glass Eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Estimated Total Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00
FISH - LARGEMOUTH BASS
3-4 lb. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Charge Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16.00 Glass Eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22.00
FISH - REPRODUCTION
Reproduction fish blanks run approximately $10.00 per inch.
Small Cape (add $65.00 if tanned) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85.00 Antlers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35.00 Manikin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60.00 Glass eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 Ear Liners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Septum & Nictitating Membrane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Estimated Total Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $208.00
DEER - LARGE full shoulder
Large Cape (add $65.00 if tanned). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $160.00 Large Antlers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.00 Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $65.00 Glass eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 Ear Liners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Nictitating Membrane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $353.00
ELK - LARGE full shoulder
Large Cape (add $100.00 if tanned). . . . . . . . . . . . . . $360.00 Antlers (large). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $400.00 Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $200.00 Glass eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 Ear Liner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12.00 Nictitating Membrane. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $992.00
MINK
Skin - Prime Mature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 Manikin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00 Glass Eyes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.00 Estimated Total Cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $73.00
Students are encouraged to complete 2 gameheads, 1 medium mammal, 2-3 birds, 3-6 fish, 1 rug (optional)
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MORE INFORMATION We encourage you to make a personal visit to our school to gain a better understanding of our program. It is imperative that you know what you are getting in return for your investment. Call ahead so you can be assured of prompt attention on arrival. If a personal visit is not possible, feel free to call our staff for more detailed information.
Personal Attention
At the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy we feel personal attention is of the utmost importance in learning. In order to achieve this, we provide at least one instructor for every five students! With this instructor to student ratio, we can provide excellent personal attention. This ensures quality mounts while at school and personal guidance necessary to be able to continue high quality work independently at home.
Added Bonus... The Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company began in 1994 in an effort to provide our students with the finest supplies available at an affordable price. New innovative supplies are being developed on a regular basis and the Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company stays abreast of these developments to enable us to bring state of the art products and technology to not only our customers but also our students.
Specimen Selection The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy takes great care in planning a student’s specimen needs and gearing each student toward the game native to his/her business area. Western students may be encouraged to concentrate on mule deer, elk, antelope and trout while eastern students may be more concerned with whitetail deer, black bear, turkey, quail and warm-water fish.
Technical Support In the months following graduation, questions will arise that sometimes only experience can answer. The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy will provide technical assistance to all students. If problems occur, we are as close as your phone. Give us a call and let our support team walk you through your situation step by step. Our guidance doesn’t stop at graduation! Students also benefit from our Facebook Live seminars every Thursday night at 4:00PM CDT on our Facebook Page.
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MORE INFORMATION
School Visits
ADVANCED COURSE ADVANCED TAXIDERMY COURSE
PROGRAM
Advanced Taxidermy Course
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VETERANS’ EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
VETERANS’ EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT 9 Week Residential/Advanced Courses
Charging of Late Fees:
Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy will not impose any penalty to a veteran student, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, or the requirement that a student borrow additional funds because of the students inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the school due to the delayed disbursement funding from Veteran Education Benefits under chapter 31 or 33.
Refund Policy: (in addition to page 14)
The veteran student will be refunded a sum which will not vary more than 10% from the exact pro rate portion of the tuition, fees, and other charges that the length of the completed portion of the program bears to its total length. This refund will be paid within 60 days after the student terminates from this program. The enrollment/ registration fee is also pro-rated.
RESIDENTIAL COURSE OUTLINE AND HOURS COURSE TITLE
ENROLL PREREQ.
HRS/DAY
DAYS/WK
HRS/WK
TOTAL HOURS
COMP. WEEKS
MAX. # TRAIN/AT A TIME
SKINNG & FLESHING
None
8
5
40
80
2
10
FISH MOUNTING
None
8
5
40
60
1.5
10
FISH PAINTING
None
8
5
40
20
.5
10
BIRD MOUNTING
None
8
5
40
60
1.5
10
MAMMAL MOUNTING
None
8
5
40
80
2
None
8
5
40
60
1.5
BUSINESS, FINISH WORK & HABITAT
10
10
ADVANCE COURSE OUTLINE AND HOURS The advance course offers more one on one training and individual specimen packages. The course outline will differ student to student thus hours will differ depending on complexity and number of specimens each student completes. COURSE TITLE
ENROLL PREREQ.
HRS/DAY
DAYS/WK
HRS/WK
TOTAL HOURS
COMP. WEEKS
MAX. # TRAIN/AT A TIME
SPECIFIC SPECIMAN PACKAGE
None
8
5
40
240-280
6-7
2
BUSINESS, FINISH WORK & HABITAT
None
8
5
40
80-120
2-3
2
*Attendance Records are kept by the school. With an excused absence, work will be made up after regular class hours. No vacation time will be permitted during school training. **All Federal holidays that fall into the training period will be made up on Saturdays.
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COMPLETED WORK
COMPLETED WORK Creative whitetail pack mount by David McClain, IN
Kella Hampel, CA
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FROM START
TO FINISH
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1-800-488-3256 www.matuskataxidermy.com
