Mammal Taxidermy for Museum Professionals – White-Tailed Deer Fawn

This specialized, hands-on course offers museum professionals an in-depth introduction to mammal taxidermy through the mounting of a white-tailed deer fawn. Designed exclusively for those working in natural history collections, this training bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skill, providing participants with an intimate understanding of the processes, materials, and techniques behind historically and contemporarily mounted specimens.

Through direct, step-by-step instruction, participants will learn specimen preparation, anatomical study, form modification, skin fitting, and finishing techniques—skills essential for anyone tasked with acquiring, preserving, or interpreting taxidermy in a museum setting. Beyond the technical craft, the course will emphasize historical context, ethical considerations, and archival best practices to ensure that participants leave with the knowledge necessary to both evaluate and care for mammal mounts in their own institutions.

For museum professionals, the ability to understand taxidermy at a hands-on level is critical to informed decision-making in collections care, exhibition planning, and conservation. By working directly with a white-tailed deer fawn, participants will not only refine their understanding of mammalian anatomy and preservation, but also gain a richer appreciation for the artistry and technical expertise that underpin these cultural and scientific artifacts.

Class Size:

Private 1-on-1 sessions

Level:

Moderate – This class is designed for museum professionals with a moderate skill level, requiring a solid theoretical understanding of taxidermy principles and prior experience with basic specimen preparation tasks such as skinning, fleshing, and handling mammal specimens. While no prior hands-on taxidermy work is necessary, participants should be comfortable with the foundational concepts and processes involved.

Subject:

White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) (Fawn)

Please note: The specimens used in this course have been donated and collected under INHA’s Salvage Permits (permit numbers available upon request). There are no fees associated with these specimens and if the students’ institution wishes to take the finished piece, they must provide INHA with copies of their required permits.

Schedule:

7 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 seven-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: Part 1 - Understanding Mammal Taxidermy

• Identifying the various historic and contemporary methods used in taxidermy for museum collections.

• Learn the challenges each method presents in regard to aging and continued care.

• Discuss long term goals for conservation.

• Producing New Taxidermy for Collections.

• Choosing qualified taxidermists and preferred processes for museum collections.

• Discussion on materials conservation. Modern taxidermy materials vs archival materials.

• Understanding the role specimen quality plays in the final result.

• Best practices for collection care relating to contemporary taxidermy.

  
  

Day 1: Part 2 - 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 (Prior to Removing Skin)

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

• Gathering references, including photography.

  
  

• 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

• Engage in professional techniques for skinning, 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 perfect fit.

Day 4: Altering the Form Continued

• Fitting the Skin to the Form

• Properly fitting the skin on the form and making necessary alterations for 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 5: 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.

Day 6: Mounting the Specimen Continued

• Step-by-Step Mounting Process

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

• Sewing up incisions.

Day 7: Finishing (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.

• Continued Care

• Proper cleaning and handling.

• Best practices for long-term conservation.

• Pesticides and Integrated pest management.

• Restoration techniques for minor damage.

What INHA will provide:

• A quality, salvaged fawn specimen.

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

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

• The opportunity for your institution to acquire a finished piece at the end of the session.

• Habitat or finished base is NOT included in this course.

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.