This course is difficult and demanding but when complete, very rewarding.

Week One

You will mount two Diamond Back Rattlesnakes. One will be openmouth and one closed mouth. You will skin, flesh and tan your own skins. After mounting your snakes you will create two different habitats and learn moulding procedures.

Second Week

This week you will mount two turtles. One will be a snapping turtle the other will be a soft shell turtle-which will be a reproduction. You will learn many different ways to cast artificial parts as well as painting your reproduction using oil paints. You will also create proper habitats for each turtle.

Third Week

You will mount two lizards this week. One will be an Iguana or Black Monitor the other will be a Collard Lizard. Skinning, fleshing, tanning and base reconstruction as well as casting some parts.

Fourth Week

This week you will be skinning, fleshing, tanning a four to five foot alligator. You will learn how to cast the interior of the mouth as well as make moulds of feet, head and tail. This will be a 50-60 hour week.

Fifth Week

This week you will mount two African Antelope. There will be no skinning of these because they will be tanned skins. One will be an Impala the other a Reed Buck or Gems Buck. When dry, you will sculpt and paint your heads.

Sixth Week

You will mount two lifesize small mammals. One will be a small Duiker antelope the other a Jackal or small wild cat. These skins will also be tanned.

Seventh Week

You will mount two African birds. One will be a Guinea hen the other will be a large goose-Egyptian or Spur Winged Goose. You will learn to mould and cast bills as well as artificial water making.

Eighth Week

This final week will be all finish work. Base making, painting, grooming your mounts as well as habitat reconstruction. You will also trim out your bases with wood.

All specimens and supplies will be provided by Wild Trophies Taxidermy School.The cost of this course is $20,000 and 320 to 350 class hours. All specimens the student mounts while here are yours to take home. No new equipment needed.