HOW IT ALL STARTED
Welcome to the fascinating world of taxidermy! Please browse through our website and discover how the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy can guide you to a successful, rewarding, and profitable career.
In 1973, Tom Matuska began his taxidermy business in the basement of his home. Because of his love of nature and strive for perfection, the lifelong dream of becoming a taxidermist soon became a reality. Business flourished and soon the Matuska Taxidermy Studio grew to be one of the most respected studios in the Midwest, mounting trophies from around the world.
The word spread and soon people were asking how they, too, could learn the art of taxidermy. Thus, in 1984, the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy was founded with its first class of two students. Like the commercial studio, the school soon became recognized throughout the nation as one of the finest available. The course outline includes a broad spectrum of mounting techniques covering birds, fish, gameheads, large and small life-size mammals, and rugs. Fiberglass reproduction, form alteration, and natural habitat construction are included. Students are also taught fundamental business practices, advertising techniques, and successful product marketing, all of which are vital to building a sound business. Students receive a minimum of 360 hours of intensive taxidermy training at Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy.
The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is connected to our commercial studio. A spacious customer display and reception area welcomes students upon their arrival. Our students observe, first hand, how a successful commercial studio operates, and the same time proven techniques we utilize in our studio.
The Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company is located on the premises and provides "state of the art" products to the school and taxidermy studios across the nation. Students may purchase supplies from a complete inventory at affordable prices as well as gain updated information on the newest developments and techniques.
THE FIRST STEP
 | Entering a new career in the art of taxidermy, for many, is a dream of a lifetime. Taxidermy is an extremely rewarding occupation both in terms of personal satisfaction and financial gain. Our advice to each and every person entering this field is, "You must be willing to learn to do taxidermy better than the competition down the street." There is no room for mediocrity. Success begins with the best education you can get . . . and that is Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy. We guarantee qualified instructors who can present advanced professional techniques in a manner that is within your grasp. The rest is up to you. You must discipline yourself to perfect your techniques until your work is second to none. |
| The philosophy of Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is centered around the vocational education of each student. Its objective is to help the student prepare for a productive taxidermy career. We are committed to make available all the information and personal attention necessary so that every student will acquire a firm foundation in commercial taxidermy. |
| The Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy is located at 3735 Hwy. 71, Spirit Lake, Iowa. The area itself is a highlight of the Midwest. Found in the far northwest corner of the state, the Iowa Great Lakes is one of the most popular recreational and resort areas. We boast of excellent fishing and beautiful sight seeing throughout the year. Boating and biking in the summer and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter are just a few of the popular activities. Training is conducted in conjunction with the Matuska Taxidermy Studio. The school is housed in a modern 7600 square foot facility. This beautiful stone and wood structure, located on 24 acres, consists of an administration office, a commercial taxidermy showroom, a spacious classroom, woodworking and basemaking areas, a large walk-in freezer, paint booths, a lunch room, a tannery, live study pens, and the Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company. |
Live animals, birds, and fish are the most accurate means of reference available to the taxidermist. Our study pens contain whitetail deer and turkeys. Students are able to study anatomy, up close and personal. Fresh water study aquariums are also at the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy.
MATUSKA TAXIDERMY SUPPLY COMPANY MATUSKA TAXIDERMY STUDIO
NORTHWEST IOWA SCHOOL OF TAXIDERMY
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Matuska Taxidermy, Inc.
3735 Highway 71 - PO Box 293 - Spirit Lake, Iowa 51360
800-488-3256 - 712-336-3256 - FAX 712-336-2069