• Warm-water fish, cold-water fish and salt-water fish require different mounting techniques.Dry fish on a dish in the form of a fish image by terex from Fotolia.com
  
  Fish taxidermy is the procedure of reproducing a lifelike three-dimensional representation of a fish for permanent display. There are many methods of fish taxidermy. Fish taxidermy is very artistic but very challenging. Courses in fish taxidermy range from minicourses, day seminars, full seven- and eight-week programs and a three-month class, which is part of a one-year taxidermy program.
  
  

Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy

• Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy offers a minicourse in fish taxidermy. The minicourse is a four-day program. On Day 1, students learn to skin and flesh three different types of fish. On Day 2, students learn to mount fish. On Day 3, students learn to set eyes, fill shrinkage, prepare fins and prepare the fish for painting. On Day 4, students learn airbrush techniques and paint and finish the fish. Students will complete the four-day minicourse in 17 to 25 hours. In 2010, the cost of the fish taxidermy minicourse was $900, which includes specimens and taxidermy supplies. Class size is limited to four students. Hutton Valley also offers a seven-week taxidermy program that includes fish taxidermy.
  
  Hutton Valley School of Taxidermy
  
  2514 Victory Lane
  
  St. Charles, IA 50240
  
  641-396-2760
  
  huttontaxidermy.com
  
  

Wegner's School of Taxidermy

• Wegner's School of Taxidermy offers a two-week fish taxidermy course. Students receive extensive hands-on experience during 96 hours of coursework. Students will learn how to prepare and mount pan fish, bass, walleye and northern pike. Wegner's also offers a professional taxidermy program that includes one week of deer head taxidermy, one week of turkey taxidermy, one week of bird taxidermy and two weeks of fish taxidermy.
  
  Wegner's School of Taxidermy, LLC
  
  2214 E. Manogue Road
  
  Milton, WI 53563
  
  608-868-4022
  
  wegnersschooloftaxidermy.com
  
  

Surry Community College

• Surry Community College offers a one-year taxidermy program. The taxidermy program is divided into segments. Students take one segment per quarter. During the winter quarter, which is January through April, the deer and game head taxidermy class is offered. During the spring quarter, which is from April to July, the bird and waterfowl taxidermy class is offered. During the summer quarter, which is July through September, the fish and reptile taxidermy class is offered. During the fall quarter, which runs from September to December, the life-size mounts and habitat taxidermy class is offered. Tuition does not cover the cost of textbooks, tools, taxidermy supplies or housing. In 2010, tuition was $178 per quarter, and textbooks averaged $35. Specialized and major tools used in commercial taxidermy are available for loan to students.
  
  Surry Community College
  
  630 S. Main St.
  
  Dobson, NC 27017
  
  336-386-8121
  
  surry.edu
  
  

Western Pennsylvania School of Taxidermy

• Western Pennsylvania School of Taxidermy offers an eight-week taxidermy program. Students will complete 320 hours during the eight-week program. The taxidermy program includes 80 hours of bird taxidermy; 140 hours of mammal taxidermy, which includes game heads, life-size and rugs; 20 hours of business and marketing procedures, including information on permits and state and federal regulations; and 80 hours divided between antler plaques and fish taxidermy. Fish taxidermy includes cold- and warm-water species. Students will learn to measure, skin, flesh, degrease and tan fish. Students will learn how to customize a manikin carving as well as mounting, drying and finishing techniques. Students will mount four to six fish.
  
  Western Pennsylvania School of Taxidermy
  
  3058 Route 36
  
  Oliveburg, PA 15764
  
  814-938-6508
  
  wpst-taxidermy-school.com