Kindred Spirits School of Taxidermy

The State of Iowa Department of Education  has approved us to enroll veterans, their dependents

and members of the selected reserve under section 3676 of Chapter 36, Title 38, U.S. Code and

Chapter 1606, Title 10, U.S. Code. We hold a commercial bond through the Merchants Bonding Company,

Bond # IA 593956.

We are also approved to accept potential students under the Vocational Rehabilitation Programs for the State of Missouri, and Iowa. We will be working to become approved by the other surrounding states also, as students from those states apply for enrollment with us.

Students applying under these programs receive equipment and supplies, specimens, and materials and supplies to mount them and tools, everything complete to start up. Contact us to inquire about this. thanks, JoAnn Waddell

Q.Is it possible for me to make a reservation for a class session without placing a deposit ?

A. No.Each class has number is openings available. These openings are reserved for serious

    students who want to attend. The deposit is then credited towards your tuition and the balance

   is due upon your start date, first day of the course.

Q.  Can I be trained in just one specific area of taxidermy, such as just fish?

A. Yes, students can enroll in a mini-course, specially designed to specialize in just

     one area of taxidermy. We offer   these mini classes throughout the year. Check

     out the session calendar.

Q. Will I receive a Diploma or Certificate of Graduation when I complete the course?

A. If the student completes the required course projects and meets course requirements, yes,

     you will receive a  certificate of graduation affording you all of rights to apply for your

      state license and begin your last, best career.

Q. Will I get to keep my mounted specimens?

A. Yes, you betcha! And you will be proud to show them off too. And a tool kit issued and the instructional manuals,

     and notebook filled with how to cheat sheets, to help you refresh your memory later, and a photo reference album,

     and a working knowledge in the field of taxidermy.

Q. Will I be able to open a successful business and earn a living?

A. When you complete our taxidermy course,  You should have very good chance to

     succeed. This will depend on your market area, your god given talent, your desire ,

       and this choice that you are  to make. The education that you receive is very important.

      Your learning ability is effected by the presentation of  the information, the student to  

       teacher ratio and the teachers interest in making sure that you are learning everything

     they you want to learn and from a teacher who cares .

Q. Do you offer references from past students?

A. Yes, we do, just ask us for the list. Students who attend our school are satisfied. 100 %. All have graduated.

     All have become licensed taxidermists and are currently operating their own businesses as taxidermists. Full time

     and part-time. We stand behind our belief that the support after graduation is just as important as the time spent

     learning in school. You have us on your speed dial for about the first few months as you are setting up shop. We

     don't mind. You can always count on us answering your questions and offering the support .

Q. Do I learn how to tan my own hides?

A. Yes, you learn to tan your own hides. True Tanning, Lutan-F methods are taught, using an Oxalic Acid Bath Pickle and then after the Lutan-F,

     Oiling with the best, LiquaTan Oil.

Q. Do I get to choose the specimens that I will mount?

 A. Yes, and you get to choose the pose also, and design the habitat scene of your choosing.

Q. Do I get to keep my tool kit?

A. Yes, you get to keep your tool kit, airbrush, instructional manuals, reference album and photo

     computer disc with all of the schools reference on

    it. Video tapes on other specimens and information and knowledge enough to help you so you

     could mount anything.

Carey Owens teacher/taxidermist , been with us for 6 years.

Mounts around 60 birds , 20 gameheads a year right along

side students. He also, works in the Bering Sea during the

summer months, captain Carey. see photo below

 

This ice hole scene is mounted with fish swimming under it. A creation by Lewis McGraw, Fins & Feathers Taxidermy, Oquawka, Illinois. Done on plexiglass. Tinted acrylic environtex. 1" wide strips of syran wrap dipped in environtex and sprinkled with artificial snow.

Graduate 10 week, Turning Heads Taxidermy, Derek Boyd of Burlington, Ia. is doing awesome mounts. Check out his work at his shop. 319-754-1072

Grant Gollaher  has completed a four week Mammal course and is planning on working at his new profession in Frankford, Mo. 573-784-2294. He also mounted a Badger Rug, Lifesize Bobcat and Open Mouth Whitetail Shoulder mount. All in four weeks. Update, Grant is now mounting birds. Call him , Grant's Taxidermy.

Gerry Schuerer , recent Bird Course Graduate, is working at his craft, and doing excellent work. 3816 F. St., Amana, Ia. 52203..... 319-622-5177.

There are more photos and student stories on every page, so don't forget to check out the other pages on the website. 

Congratulations to Rob Pinnow, of Bettendorf, Ia. , Rob has completed the 10 week course and is now offering his services at River's Edge Taxidermy, 1114 State St., Bettendorf, Ia. 52722, 563-505-0232. "Specializing in Realistic Mounts" .

Great job, Curt Lukes from North Liberty, Iowa.Just completed his bird course, he has already taken the Gamehead course and is opening his shop up this fall. Contact him at 319-290-6595. His brother Tom plans to attend the fish class in February and they will work together. brother team!!!

Darren Johnson of Springville, Ia. completed his bird course and is mounting awesome birds at his shop , Big River Avian Taxidermy , contact him at 319-533-8483

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jami Lee Fuess, Tall Tines Taxidermy is now in full swing located in Springfield, Illinois.

Jami is specializing in Gameheads and can ge reached at 217-341-5763.

Ray Lovell, from Shoup Manuf., thought that he might take on a part-time hobby mounting for himself and friends. He was surprised when they saw his work, he had to mount over 100 whitetails this last season. He came back to take the Birds and Fish Class this winter and now is hesitant about showing off his new mounts for fear that he will be swamped again. He plans to take the Lifesize Mammal course this summer. Ray just cannot say enough about his training at Kindred Spirits. Rlovell@shoupparts.com                 815-697-2890.

Paul Sikkema, Fulton, Illinois, just finished the 10 week course and is now locating his new business near Fulton. He also carves Musky Luers and is doing wholesale fish taxidermy . Sikk's Handcrafted Baits and Taxidermy, sikk5@cis.net, 815-589-4044.