Taxidermy School
Learn the art of taxidermy from award-winning professionals in the industry.
About Lone Leaf Taxidermy School
At Lone Leaf Taxidermy School, we strive to differentiate our teaching to meet the needs of each of our students. Each class is small in size, normally containing no more than 7 students, to maximize the hands-on learning experience. A minimum of 2 students is required for the class to take place.
The latest taxidermy methods, cutting edge techniques and business strategies are always demonstrated and taught in each class that is offered. Students will work in a newly remodeled and spacious environment with all the tools needed to maximize their learning opportunity.
Class size and availability is limited and fills quickly. Please contact Lone Leaf Taxidermy School today to register for one of these enlightening courses.
All deposits are non-refundable and courses need to be paid in full by the first day of class.
*One-on-one classes are available upon request.
2025 Courses, Classes, & Workshops
5 Day Turkey A – Z –
January 6 – 10, 2025
Turkey A – Z
Details: In this class, you will learn how to mount the challenging wild turkey. Each student will flesh and skin a bird and together we will mount this bird in our five day course. We will show you some of the latest techniques in paintwork on the head and legs. We will discuss proper anatomy and fit with an overwhelming amount of attention to reference. From beginner to advanced, be ready to be challenged!
Materials Needed: Turkey skin (or call to purchase one from Lone Leaf Taxidermy)
Cost: $2,700
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
5 Day Whitetail A – Z –
January 20 – 24, 2025
Whitetail A – Z
Details: This is the most popular 5 day course for beginners and those looking to improve their skills on whitetail in this fast paced class. Starting with a raw whitetail, you will be shown how to skin and prep for the tannery. Each student will have a raw skin of their own to work on and to take home with them to complete. Day two, students will each work on a provided tanned whitetail skin that will later be mounted in the class. Each student will prep their skin and mount their own deer in this class. We will teach how to fit and recreate anatomical details of the whitetail deer throughout this class. On the last day, we will demonstrate how to finish your mount with a whitetail that has been mounted and dried.
We will also discuss pricing your work and business strategies to help you be successful. This is a huge amount of information in a short amount of time. Everything you need to know about mounting a whitetail deer from start to finish.
Materials Needed: Small to medium set of antlers
Cost: $2,500 (Cost includes raw whitetail cape, tanned whitetail cape and use of all materials and tools needed for the completion of the mount.)
*Class size limited to 7 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
5 Day Molding, Casting and Painting a Replica Fish –
February 3 – 7, 2025
Molding, Casting and Painting a Replica Fish
Details: In this five day course, we will teach you how to take your fish work to the next level. Students will mold a fish with proper attention to anatomy. The student will then cast the fish and lastly paint the fish, learning how to recreate depth and transparency. There is a possibility of two fish being completed in this class. This is one of the most enjoyable and knowledgeable classes we offer.
Materials Needed: Warm water fish less than 16 inches in length. (Or call to purchase one from Lone Leaf Taxidermy)
Cost: $3,500
*Class size limited to 5 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
3 Day Lifesize Raccoon Course –
February 17 – 19, 2025
3 Day Lifesize Raccoon Course
Details: For those who are interested in learning how to mount lifesize mammals, this class is a great place to start. We will take a tanned, lifesize raccoon through the process of completing a lifesize mount. Once you have learned what it takes, students will quickly advance to larger mammals with these same principles and understanding. Alterations will be a key process in making the skin fit properly. Learning these skillls will increase your knowledge in mounting lifesize mammals.
Materials Needed: None, we will provide all materials. Students will keep their completed raccoon.
Cost: $2,000
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
2 Day Coyote Shoulder Mount Course –
February 20 – 21, 2025
2 Day Coyote Shoulder Mount Course
Details: In this two day class, students will take a tanned coyote cape and learn the process of mounting one of North America’s top preditors. Preditors can be a challenge that many taxidermists struggle with. We will study anatomical features that are often over looked and learning this process will directly coorelate with most preditor taxidermy. Proper skin adjustment and fit are keys to a realistic presentation. Students will mount the cape provided and will keep their completed coyote.
Materials Needed: None, we will provide all materials. Students will keep their completed coyote.
Cost: $1,500
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
5 Day Whitetail A – Z –
March 3 – 7, 2025
Whitetail A – Z
Details: This is the most popular 5 day course for beginners and those looking to improve their skills on whitetail in this fast paced class. Starting with a raw whitetail, we show you how to skin and prep for the tannery. Each student will have a raw skin of their own to work on and to take home with them to complete. Day two, we will each work on a provided tanned whitetail skin that will later be mounted in the class. Each student will prep their skin and mount their own deer in this class. We will teach how to fit and recreate anatomical details of the whitetail deer throughout this class. On the last day, we will demonstrate how to finish your mount with a whitetail that has been mounted and dried.
We will also discuss pricing your work and business strategies to help you be successful. This is a huge amount of information in a short amount of time. Everything you need to know about mounting a whitetail deer from start to finish.
Materials Needed: Small to medium set of antlers
Cost: $2,500 (Cost includes raw whitetail cape, tanned whitetail cape and use of all materials and tools needed for the completion of the mount.)
*Class size limited to 7 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
3 Day Pheasant Course –
March 17 – 19, 2025
3 Day Pheasant Course
Details: One of the most popular game birds of all time will be the focus of this class, the pheasant. We will teach everything you need to know from start to finish in this in-depth bird course. Students may choose to mount a standing or flying bird in this class. Bring a client’s bird and mount it to help pay for this class or we can provide one for you. This class is geared for the beginner or advanced alike.
Materials Needed: We will provide all materials and supplies including bird, if needed.
Cost: $1,700
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
2 Day Whitetail Refresher Course –
March 20 – 21, 2025
2 Day Whitetail Refresher Course
Details: In this class, we will take previous Whitetail A-Z students and help them with the areas that challenge them most. Students will provide their own cape, supplies and tools. We will evaluate your progress throughout this class and help you fine tune your skills in the areas you want to improve. Students are encouraged to bring one whitetail to mount and another one dried and ready to finish. This is an excellent way to build and grow on your established foundation. You will advance quickly in your skill set with proper guidance in this course.
Materials Needed: Students will provide all materials and supplies.
Cost: $1,000
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
4 Day Advanced Whitetail with Jena Everage –
April 7 – 10, 2025
Advanced Whitetail
Details: In this course, World Champion Jena Everage, will guide you through her process of mounting a whitetail deer. Jena is one of the premier whitetail experts in our industry. Students will mount a split lip or lip curl whitetail in this course. Painting techniques, form alterations and proper skin prep will all be areas covered by this World Champion. This class is catered to the more experienced taxidermist looking to build their skills to take to the next level. This class is expected to fill quickly!
Materials Needed: All supplies, including cape, form and mouth piece will be included. Students will need to provide a set of antlers for a 3-4 year old deer.
Cost: $3,500
*Class size limited to 6 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
4 Day Advanced Lifesize Bobcat with Abel Everage –
May 5 – 8, 2025
Advanced Lifesize Bobcat
Details: Back by popular demand! This is an amazing opportunity to work with the most recognizable cat artists in our industry! In this four day class, students will learn advanced mammal techniques from World Renowned Taxidermist, Abel Everage. His expertise is recognized nationally. In this four day course, students will mount and complete a lifesize bobcat. All materials, including the manikin and tanned skin for mounting are included in this course. We will be covering alterations, proper fit, grooming, and adding realizm to your work. This is a rare opportunity to learn from Abel and witness first hand his passion for these incredible cats.
Materials Needed: None
Cost: $3,500
*Class size limited to 5 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
5 Day Turkey A – Z –
May 19 – 23, 2025
Turkey A – Z
Details: In this class, you will learn how to mount the challenging wild turkey. Each student will flesh and skin a bird and together we will mount this bird in our five day course. We will show you some of the latest techniques in paintwork on the head and legs. We will discuss proper anatomy and fit with an overwhelming amount of attention to reference. From beginner to advanced, be ready to be challenged!
Materials Needed: Turkey skin (or call to purchase one from Lone Leaf Taxidermy)
Cost: $2,700
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
4 Day Standing Golden Eye Course with Jordan Hackl –
June 16 – 19, 2025
Standing Golden Eye Course
Details: New this year, we have added Two Time World Champion, Jordan Hackl, to our list of amazing instructors. Jordan has most recently won World Champion with his flying waterfowl in the 2024 World Taxidermy Championships. Jordan’s knowledge in avian taxidermy is nothing less than extraordinary! In this course, Jordan will cover the difficult aspects most taxidermists face when mounting a Golden Eye. Students will take a Golden Eye from start to finish under Jordan’s meticulous instruction and see his techniques first hand. Students will take home their completed Golden Eye at the conclusion of this course.
Materials Needed: Students are welcome to bring their own airbrush and wire wheel. All other supplies including a bird will be provided.
Cost: $3,500
*Class size limited to 6 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
5 Day Whitetail A – Z –
June 23 – 27, 2025
Whitetail A – Z
Details: This is our most popular 5 day course for beginners and those looking to improve their skills on whitetail in this fast paced class. Starting with a raw whitetail, we show you how to skin and prep for the tannery. Each student will have a raw skin of their own to work on and to take home with them to complete. Day two, we will each work on a provided tanned whitetail skin that will later be mounted in the class. Each student will prep their skin and mount their own deer in this class. We will teach how to fit and recreate anatomical details of the whitetail deer throughout this class. On the last day, we will demonstrate how to finish your mount with a whitetail that has been mounted and dried.
We will also discuss pricing your work and business strategies to help you be successful. This is a huge amount of information in a short amount of time. Everything you need to know about mounting a whitetail deer from start to finish.
Materials Needed: Small to medium set of antlers
Cost: $2,500 (Cost includes raw whitetail cape, tanned whitetail cape and use of all materials and tools needed for the completion of the mount.)
*Class size limited to 7 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
3 Day Beginner Waterfowl Course –
July 21 – 23, 2025
3 Day Beginner Waterfowl Course
Details: The demand for avian taxidermy is at an all-time high. In this class, we will show you each step needed in learning to reproduce these stunning birds. This is an excellent time to jump in and learn how to mount these challenging birds. We will focus on a standing bird in this course to learn basic anatomy. Students will mount a bird from start to finish in this fast paced class.
Materials Needed: None, we provide all materials, tools and supplies including specimen. Students will keep their bird.
Cost: $1,700
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
2 Day Largemouth Reproduction Fish Painting Course –
July 24 – 25, 2025
2 Day Largemouth Reproduction Fish Painting Course
Details: In this two day course, you will take a replica largemouth bass and paint it from start to finish learning proper airbrush techniques, hand painting, and scale tipping. This course will give you a systematic approach to painting any fish. Building proper depth into paint work will improve your paint skills in all areas of taxidermy. It will also allow you to offer fish painting services to your clients. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at painting fish at the highest level, this is the class for you. No experiance needed.
Materials Needed: Students will be required to bring a largemouth reproduction of their choosing. Students are encouraged to bring their own air brush or one can be provided for you. All other supplies will be provided.
Cost: $1,200
*Class size limited to 4 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
3 Day Habitat and Design Course –
August 4 – 6, 2025
3 Day Habitat and Design Course
Details: This course is one of the most anticipated courses of the year. Casey Watterson will demonstrate how to do almost anything you can think of in the way of habitat and design including, but not limited to:
- Building Rock Bases (3 Different Methods)
- Faux Finishes (Patinas and Bronzes)
- Silicone Molds (Plant Life)
- How to reproduce what you see in habitat
- Design and Composition (Open Discussion)
Much of this class will be tutorials, however students will work with multiple mediums to help them understand various processes. Students will build their own small rock base and will be taught about the multitude of mediums they can use to enhance their work. What is covered is determined by the speed of the class.
Materials Needed: None, all materials, tools and supplies will be included in the cost.
Cost: $1,800
*Class size limited to 6 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
1 Day Business Course –
August 7, 2025
1 Day Business Course
Details: In this course, we will teach how to build a business to have long-term success. There are many challenges in this ever changing and difficult trade. Keeping up with these challenges requires a solid business plan that adapts to change. Many taxidermists struggle or fail due to lack of planning. This is the most underrated, yet most important part of any business.
Points that we will cover in this course:
- Accurate Pricing
- Retirement
- Advertisement
- Investment
- Networking
- Continued Education
- Competing
Understanding your goals will help you understand the importance of these above mentioned points. You can be the best taxidermist in the world, yet fail due to improper planning.
Materials Needed: Something to take notes on.
Cost: $500
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
3 Day Black Bear Alterations Course –
August 18 – 20, 2025
3 Day Black Bear Alterations Course
Details: The black bear provides a challenge for many unique reasons. Often times we struggle as artists due to limited sizes and poses for these large preditors. In this class, Casey will take a client’s black bear and as a class we will alter the form for proper fit. The techniques discussed and demonstrated in this class will bring a greater understanding of how to properly alter and change nearly any manequin. The visual understanding of this information will leave students confident in their ability to builld or create their own works of art.
Materials Needed:
Cost: $1,000
*Class size limited to 6 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
5 Day Whitetail A – Z –
September 8 – 12, 2025
Whitetail A – Z
Details: This is our most popular 5 day course for beginners and those looking to improve their skills on whitetail in this fast paced class. Starting with a raw whitetail, we show you how to skin and prep for the tannery. Each student will have a raw skin of their own to work on and to take home with them to complete. Day two, we will each work on a provided tanned whitetail skin that will later be mounted in the class. Each student will prep their skin and mount their own deer in this class. We will teach how to fit and recreate anatomical details of the whitetail deer throughout this class. On the last day, we will demonstrate how to finish your mount with a whitetail that has been mounted and dried.
We will also discuss pricing your work and business strategies to help you be successful. This is a huge amount of information in a short amount of time. Everything you need to know about mounting a whitetail deer from start to finish.
Materials Needed: Small to medium set of antlers
Cost: $2,500 (Cost includes raw whitetail cape, tanned whitetail cape and use of all materials and tools needed for the completion of the mount.)
*Class size limited to 7 students.
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Taxidermy Judging
Casey has judged many taxidermy shows across the country.
Our Past Students
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We pride ourselves in giving our customers the very best customer service. Please contact us should you have any questions or would like to get started on your next trophy.
