Taxidermy

Program Overview

Have you ever wanted to preserve a special hunting trophy or create lifelike mounts of animals? Whether you're fascinated by wildlife or looking for a unique skill, Johnston Community College's Taxidermy Courses will teach you everything you need to know—no experience required!

What You’ll Learn

Our beginner-friendly taxidermy courses introduce you to the fundamentals of preserving and mounting animals. Under expert guidance, you’ll gain hands-on experience with techniques that bring animals back to life in a realistic way.

Beginner Courses (6 weeks each)

  • Learn step-by-step how to properly prepare and mount different types of animals.
  • Start with small game like squirrels and raccoons, then work up to larger animals like deer.
  • Discover how to identify, skin, and preserve ducks for mounting.

Advanced Courses (4 weeks each)

  • Perfect your skills with form alterations, detailed finishing techniques, and airbrushing for realistic features.
  • Learn the business side of taxidermy, including legal regulations and pricing your work.

No Equipment? No Problem!

  • You’ll receive a supply list on the first day so you know exactly what to get.
  • Specimens are required for each class, so you’ll have a real project to work on.
  • If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must attend with you.

Important Details

  • Location: Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, 6601 Devil's Racetrack Road, Four Oaks, NC 27524.
  • Requirements: Participants must provide their own specimens for each class. Students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A supply list will be provided during the first class; supplies are purchased separately by the student.
  • Registration Fee: $150 per course. Payment is required to secure your seat, and seats are limited. No refunds will be issued unless the course is canceled by Howell Woods. Payments are non-transferable.

Register for Available Courses

If you do not see the course(s) you are interested in registering for, it is not available at this time. Complete the the Information Request Form to be notified when enrollment opens for the course(s) you are interest in.

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