Introduction to Small Mammal Taxidermy: Mink

This introductory-level taxidermy course focuses on the American Mink and is designed for participants with little to no prior taxidermy experience. Students will be introduced to the highest quality museum standards and techniques for small mammal preservation, gaining a strong foundation in the art. Working under direct, one-on-one guidance, participants will handle every stage of the process—from starting with a fresh specimen to completing a fully finished mount—building both confidence and skill along the way.

Using a commercially available form, students will learn not only the practical steps involved in preparing and mounting a mink, but also the benefits and challenges of this approach. Emphasis will be placed on accuracy, attention to detail, and proper preservation methods. By the end of the course, participants will have completed their own mink mount while gaining valuable knowledge applicable to a wide range of small mammal taxidermy projects.

Course Overview:

Class Size:

Private 1-on-1 sessions

Level:

Novice – Suitable for beginners, no experience required.

Subject:

American Mink (Neovison vison) -  The American mink, a semi-aquatic carnivore native to North America, is known for its sleek fur and agile swimming abilities. Highly adaptable and territorial, these mustelids play a vital role in the ecosystem as efficient hunters. These specimens are perfectly suited for novice taxidermists.

All specimens utilized by INHA are sustainably and ethically sourced, ensuring environmental responsibility and ethical standards are upheld throughout our practices.

Schedule:

5 days from 9 am to 6pm each day. Please note, days may run longer depending on the various challenges that can occur. Be prepared to work later if necessary.

This is a full five-day course, but due to the tanning process and necessary drying times, it is divided into three sections, requiring students to make three separate trips to the studio at different times of the year. These sessions are flexible and can be scheduled to accommodate each student’s availability.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Specimen Preparation

Health & Safety

• Overview of how to protect yourself from common health risks associated with working with specimens.

• The importance of working with fresh specimens and the cautions of working with those found naturally deceased.

• PPE – Choosing and utilizing the proper protective equipment.

• Disinfection and cleanup. How to select and properly use cleaning solutions and products in the workspace.

  
  

Specimen Care

• Assessing a fresh specimen for overall quality. Recognizing fur/hair quality, signs of slippage, decomposition, and damage.

  Proper field care, including transportation, packing, labeling, and freezing.

• The use of chemical preservatives in the field when necessary.

  
  

Tools  & Supplies

• Develop an understanding of the basic tools and materials required for the course including how to properly use and maintain them.

Accurate Measurements and Documentation

• Learn to take precise measurements, detailed notes, and create sketches from a fresh mink specimen.

  
  

Skinning and Preparing the Specimen for Tanning

• Overview of different incisions and skinning methods.

• Engage in professional techniques for skinning, turning, and fleshing, the skin.

Day 2: Specimen Preparation Continued

Skinning and Preparing the Specimen for Tanning

• Overview of different incisions and skinning method

• Engage in professional techniques for turning, fleshing, and salting the skin.

Preparation for Tanning

• Ready the skin for either shipment to a commercial tannery or in-house preservation.

• Understanding the properties of a properly salt dried skin, along with their challenges, risks, storage, and transportation.

• Working with salted skins vs air dried skins.

  
  

Accurate Measurements and Documentation (After Removing the Skin)

• Learn to take precise measurements, detailed notes, and create sketches from the carcass.

• Gathering references, including photography.

  
  

Commercial Foam Forms

• The final pose will be subject to the availability of forms which will fit the specimen.

• Selecting the best materials and judging the quality of commercial forms.

• How to order the correct form and materials for your project.

Eyes

• Understanding the availability of commercially available eyes, including their materials and quality.

• Sizing and selecting eyes for specimens. Navigating the challenges when suitable matches cannot be found and the need to custom make eyes.

Day 3: Preparing the Skin for Mounting (Student resumes course after the skin has been tanned)

Post-Tanning Preparation

• Dry tans vs Wet tans. Commercial tanning methods vs in-house tanning systems.

• Rehydrating and sweating skins, including the proper stretching and measuring for sizing.

• Thinning down the leather, turning facial details, and repairing any damage.

  
  

Fitting the Skin to the Form

• Properly fitting the skin on the form and making necessary alterations for a perfect fit.

Correcting Anatomical Issues and Enhancing Forms

• Recognizing anatomical problems in commercial forms and how to correct these through sculpting.

Preparing the Foam Form for Mounting

• Navigating the challenges associated with urethane foam. Priming the surface and choosing the best hide glues.

Creating the Tail and Ear Forms

• Explore both historic and contemporary practices. Learn to choose the best methods and materials based on the specific project needs.

Day 4: Mounting the Specimen

Step-by-Step Mounting Process

• Properly setting eyes and using clay to adjust final features and expressions.

• Taxiing the skin onto the form and aligning hair patterns.

• Sewing up incisions.

Creating a Simple Habitat

• Placing the specimen onto a simple habitat, pinning it in place, and grooming it to dry.

Day 5: Finishing Touches (Student resumes course after the mount is dry, a minimum of 1 week)

Post-Drying Finishing Process

• Cleaning fur, grooming, and rebuilding soft tissue.

• Restoring color to areas of exposed skin.

Introduction to Tools, Methods, and Materials

• Various tools, methods, and materials used in the finishing process.

• Ensuring the final piece is polished and professional.

Note: The schedule may be subject to slight adjustments based on class progress and participant needs.

What INHA Will Provide:

• A quality, prime mink specimen.

• 1-on-1 personal instruction with George Dante.

• Use of the studio space, including all necessary materials and tools.

• The opportunity to take home a finished piece at the end of the session.

• · Private studio access with the use of all necessary tools and supplies needed for the class.

Payments Plans are available.

Please contact our office for more information.

About the Instructor:

George A. Dante, Jr. is the founder of George Dante Studios, Wildlife Preservations, and the Institute for Natural History Arts. With over 40 years of experience as a taxidermist, sculptor, model maker, illustrator, and fine artist, George has dedicated his life to the arts and natural history. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York and has received numerous awards for his work. Additionally, he is an NTA certified judge, instructor, professional consultant, and author, and was recently elected a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London.

George's companies, Wildlife Preservations and George Dante Studios, are renowned for their expertise in natural history exhibit services, specializing in museum taxidermy, dioramas, and the restoration of historic specimens. His clients include the American Museum of Natural History, The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Harvard University, National Geographic, Oxford University, The Field Museum, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the USDA.

Class Policies:

• Please arrive 15m prior the class commencement. If you are running late, please call us at (973)-890-1516 and let us know.

• By signing up for our classes, you recognize the risks associated with these classes—working with sharp tools and practicing safe specimen handling.

• You agree to follow the instructor’s advice and will not hold the instructor or venue liable for harm.

• For your safety and to accommodate studio policy, no food is allowed during classes. Drinks in a container with a lid are permitted.

• There is a break room available equipped with a microwave and coffee machine if you want to bring your own lunch and stay in the studio during lunch time. If you prefer to leave, there are many nearby restaurants and fast-food chains.

• Due to Covid 19 policies, social distance and the use of masks will be based on community guidelines.

• You will receive an email with a release form and a waiver. Documents must be signed and returned to INHA prior the class.

Cancellation Policies:

• Cancellations 15 days prior to your class date will incur a 25% service charge, and the remaining amount will be transferred as credit for the next event.

• Cancellations 8 to 14 days of your class date will incur a 50% service charge, and the remaining amount will be transferred as credit for the next event.

• Please note that cancellations within 7 days of the class are neither refundable nor transferable to another event.

• Refunds are only available if an event is postponed, rescheduled, or relocated by the Institute for Natural History Arts. In this case, your ticket(s) remain valid, and no further action is necessary. However, if you're unable to attend the event on the new date, you can request a refund to your original payment method or retain the amount as credit for future events.

Payments Plans are available.

Please contact our office for more information.