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.
2023 Courses, Classes, & Workshops
Whitetail A – Z – January 16 – 20, 2023
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.)
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Molding, Casting and Painting a Replica Fish – February 6 – 10, 2023
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: $3,000
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Whitetail A – Z – March 20 – 24, 2023
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.)
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Waterfowl and Game Bird Course – April 17 – 21, 2023
Waterfowl and Game Bird Course
Details:This five day course will challenge beginner and advanced alike. In this class, each student will skin and mount a provided waterfowl and pheasant, and learn the proper technique and advanced tricks of the trade to improve realism. We will cover everything you need to know to mount a beautiful bird. We spend a full five days on two birds. Not all students will complete both birds in this timeframe, but most will.
Materials Needed: None
Cost: $2,500
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Advanced Lifesize Bobcat with Abel Everage – May 1 – 4, 2023
Advanced Lifesize Bobcat
Details: In this four day class, students will learn advanced mammal techniques from Casey Watterson and guest instructor, Abel Everage. Abel is a National Champion and has placed in the top three in the world. 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. There will be a maximum of 6 students for this course. This is a rare opportunity to learn from Abel, a respected and award winning artist.
Materials Needed: None
Cost: $3,500
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Turkey A – Z – May 22 – 26, 2023
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
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Whitetail A – Z – June 12 – 16, 2023
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.)
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Advanced Open Mouth Whitetail with Jena Everage – August 21 – 25, 2023
Advanced Open Mouth Whitetail
Details: Jena is one of the most accomplished whitetail artists known nationally. She has placed second in the world and third in the world with her creative whitetail displays. In this course, Jena will demonstrate painting techniques, assembly and mounting of a whitetail deer. This course will challenge even the most skilled taxidermists. We will discuss and demonstrate alterations and intricate details of the whitetail deer as well as finishing techniques. Included in the cost of this course is a tanned cape, manikin, mouth cup, and all materials needed to complete mount.
Materials Needed: Set of antlers for a 3 year old buck
Cost: $4,000
Register by calling Casey at: (419) 362-1060
Whitetail A – Z – September 18 – 22, 2023
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.)
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.
