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Our Philosophy
The philosophy of the Montana School
of Taxidermy is to teach solid basic taxidermy and
not generalities. We begin by teaching grass root
taxidermy: proper game care, tanning, sculpting,
form making, form alterations, advanced habitat
building and several different mounting procedures
which are used on fish, birds, and big game.
Understanding a broader spectrum of
basic taxidermy is essential to the commercial taxidermist
to overcome high overhead caused by the high prices
of forms, supplies, and commercial tanning. Simply
put, we intend to teach you how to become more independent,
rather than more dependent, on supply houses and
tanneries.
Students interested in enrollment
should call or write for more detailed information
on our course. You might be surprised to learn we
don't have email -- but we're too busy teaching
taxidermy to do justice to you answering email.
If you call us, we'll be glad to give you the personal
attention you deserve.
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SCHOOL
GEOGRAPHY
The Montana School of Taxidermy is
housed in a new 3,800 square foot building. The
facility consists of a walk-in freezer, a salting
and curing room, a classroom with eight individual
work booths, a lecture area, office, bathroom, and
a large display room. Part of the building
is occupied by a commercial taxidermy studio and
tannery called Trails West Taxidermy -- thirty years in business!
Helena is located in the heart of
the Rocky Mountains. The elevation varies from 4,000
feet in downtown Helena to over 9,000 feet in the
surrounding mountains. The Helena area is
rated second to none for trout fishing. Helena is
literally surrounded by "blue ribbon"
trout streams and rivers teaming with rainbow, cutthroat,
German brown and brook trout. There are three Congressionally
approved wilderness areas and other numerous proposed
wilderness areas within forty miles of Helena. Elk,
mule deer, whitetails deer, black bear, bighorn
sheep, Rocky Mountain goat, moose, cougar, and even
an occasional grizzly bear is found in the area.
Students are encouraged to bring their
fishing and backpacking equipment to enjoy days
off and the two "specimen collecting"
fishing trips!
ADVANTAGES
(Support after you leave)
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The Montana School of Taxidermy
purchases hundreds of hides, capes, life-size
skins, antlers and horns of all types, as well
as makes forms that can be purchased by graduates
at a discount each year. We are but a phone
call away from any problems you may encounter
or items you may want to purchase.
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Most complete tanning course in
the country. After graduation, students will
save thousands of dollars in tanning costs yearly.
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Sculpting and form making: Graduates
will have the knowledge to make their own forms
to reduce overhead.
- Advanced Habitat Class.
The most complete habitat class ever offered,
taught by Jeff Welch. A five day, eight hour per
day class that covers A-Z. See the Advanced
Habitat section.
- Business planning. A no-nonsense approach to
establishing a new business.
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