There are six scheduled classes during a year. Each class runs six weeks. You will mount two fish, a pheasant, a duck, a deer head, and a mammal. The classes run evenings, for four hours, Mon thru Fri. Individual specimen classes are also available, they run two weeks. Summer class runs Mon thru Thurs. we double class one day. To provide optimal individual guidance we only accept four students per class.

The class teaches proper skinning, fleshing, preserving, tanning, mounting, bases/dioramas, finish work, air brushing, antler mounts, bear rug demonstration, and much more. You learn to hand carve the fish bodies. I try to teach you everything I know, and after class, you are welcome to call if you have any questions.

Take a look at the photo gallery to see pictures of our shop and students at work or Contact Us if you would like to request more information.

Student Comments

The training I received at Chris' Taxidermy School has given me the confidence to do things I never dreamed I could. Before I began my training with Chris, I was unsure if I would be able to become a taxidermist. The hands-on training was invaluable. Chris' years of experience, and love of taxidermy, have made her a wonderful teacher. Because of Chris, I am now being paid to do something that I love. With each mount I complete, my confidence and skill level grows, and I have Chris to thank for it. Warren

"I learned allot at Chris' Taxidermy School. The classes were well planned out, organized, and thorough. Since the class is kept small, I was able to get help when I needed it. I would highly recommend Chris' Taxidermy School." Thanks, Steve Wisdorf

Being a part of Chris' Taxidermy School not only taught me the skills I needed to become a taxidermist, but, how to run a successful business. By the time school was over, I had all the confidence I needed to start my business, and had a lot of fun learning. It is a great school, with great people teaching it. Eric Hosler

When I was in high school, I sent away for correspondence classes in taxidermy. When I received my first lesson, I was disappointed in it. Years later, I found Chris' school, and thought I would try a hands on class. The lessons were excellent, I learned everything I needed to know and more, to make taxidermy a fun and exciting career. Now I have my own business, and I owe it all to Chris. Don't let other Instructors tell you how good they are, let Chris show you how good you can be. Thank You Chris. Keith Cogley

Chris' Taxidermy School gave me the skills I needed to start my own business. I think her teaching knowledge, and above all, her love of the skill of taxidermy, made her the right choice for me. She definitely made my training an enjoying experience! Thanks again, Chris and Rolly. Chuck Kirby Kirby Taxidermy

I would just like to let you know how much I enjoyed school. I feel that the things that I learned in school will stay with me for a lifetime. You have given me many tips and techniques, that will allow me to be an outstanding taxidermist. Thank you for always being there when I have questions or concerns. I am sure you will continue to be there in the future as questions come about, and for that I am forever grateful to you both. Sincerely, Shawn Clough

I took Chris' class in the fall of 2003. From day one, not a minute was wasted. We started fleshing a sunfish within the first hour. All the basic skills needed to do taxidermy was covered and gone through carefully step-by-step. I think taking this class was one of the best decisions I have made. Chris is a great teacher, and is very patient. She makes sure you understand what you are doing, and that you are confident in doing it before moving on. She uses the "Hands-On" theory of teaching, which is the best way of learning a new skill. When you leave the class, you have everything you need to start your own shop, including how to mount fish, deer, mammals, upland game birds, and waterfowl. You also get from Chris the names of the best suppliers, color schematics, supplemental materials for various aspects of taxidermy, and price guides, for what we can charge starting out. I would recommend her to anyone who is interested in taxidermy. I got into the class thinking it would be a nice side job for friends & family. The more specimens I work on, the more I think of doing it full time. Joe Menth

I went to Chris' School from 5-9 PM, Mon-Fri. I didn't think that it would be enough time to learn everything, but, the first night, I learned how to flesh a fish. I just wanted to learn taxidermy for a hobby. Now people are starting to notice my work, and they want me to do their work for them. Since I've been out of school, I have mounted 17 inch crappies from Red Lake, two snow geese, and two bear rugs from northern Minnesota. Sometimes I get into a jam, and I need help, and Chris is still willing to help me. Another thing, being a taxidermist is a great conversation piece. Will Peterson Age 21

In my search for a hobby, that could potentially turn into a rewarding and prosperous career, I attended Chris' Taxidermy School for six weeks in the winter of 05. I took the night class as to allow me to not miss any time at my day job. During the course I completed several mounts and learned a variety of techniques that are invaluable to the trade. In a very short period of time, I have started my own business, and am doing customer work. I would recommend the course for a "hands on" experience. almondstaxidermy@hotmail.com

I was one of Chris' first students. I always wanted to learn taxidermy, but, all the classes were too far away. Chris has done quit a few mounts for me through the years, so when she offered a class, I jumped on it. The knowledge and skills that were shared during those six weeks, was far beyond what I expected. All my mounts done in school, are displayed proudly, and shown to prospective customers. Even to this day, if I have a question on something, I give Chris a call and she talks me through it. For anyone wanting to learn the art of taxidermy, Chris is the lady to call. Jon Christenson

I would like to take this opportunity to highly recommend Chris' Taxidermy School. Chris teaches you the basics of taxidermy, and running a taxidermy business. After running my business for two years, now, I understand, that the basics apply to everything. You leave her class with the ability to do any project, if you just use the correct techniques. Taxidermy is always changing, and there are a lot of different ways of doing things. Chris teaches things the right way, and trust me when I say, CLIENTS want that! I can still call Chris today with any questions I might have, and I never seem to be bothering her. I really find that a testimate to how much she loves what she does. She is fantastic, you won't be disappointed! Adam Benker, ADB Taxidermy

I took Chris' taxidermy course in Ramsey, Mn. and was very impressed with the level of detail and hands on training I received. The course is very well organized, and you should expect to learn the importance of all the detail required to create a mount that will last the customer a lifetime. I have made many calls to Chris after taking her course, and she has always answered the questions that I had. That alone tells how much Chris is dedicated to the success of her students. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in Taxidermy as a hobby or full time business. Ken Amundson, Amundson's Taxidermy, Burns Township, MN