Central Texas School of Taxidermy

Central Texas School of Taxidermy opened in 1988 as the first licensed taxidermy school in the state of Texas. Located in Snyder, the school is owned and taught by Jason Bynum, a master taxidermist whose work has won major competitions for eight consecutive years.

The school attracts students from all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Hong Kong, the UK, Africa, and Japan. Most taxidermists are booked more than a year ahead—demand for qualified professionals is that high. Americans spend over $40 billion annually on hunting, fishing, and wildlife activities, creating real income potential for graduates.

"If you are going to do Taxidermy for family and friends or if you plan to make this a career, why not learn the trade from the BEST!" — Kaleb Tierce, Trophy Case Taxidermy

10% deposit required with enrollment application. All tuition includes specimens and forms—nothing extra to buy.

The comprehensive curriculum covers 15 major subject areas:

• •Game Heads (45 hours): Whitetail deer skinning, fleshing, salting, tanning, form selection, anatomy, and mounting
• •Birds (30 hours): Pheasant mounting, body selection, feather placement, and finishing
• •Life-Size Mounts (25 hours): Badger, raccoon, bobcat, or fox—complete from skin to finished display
• •Tanning (20 hours): Professional fur preparation and treatment
• •Fish (38 hours): Largemouth bass replica assembly, fin and gill work, airbrushing
• •Fur Bearing Pedestal (13 hours): Shoulder mount preparation and installation
• •Antler Board Mounts & European Skull Mounts (6 hours): Decorative skull preservation and display
• •Business Lecture (4 hours): Pricing, overhead calculations, advertising, and building from zero
• •Basemaking, Painting & Finishing (27 hours): Professional coloring and display creation
• •Anatomy, Reference Filing, Laws (6 hours): State and federal regulations, proper documentation

Students complete a minimum of 6 mounts before graduation. All specimens are provided at no extra cost.

For those unable to commit six weeks, the two-week program focuses on game heads and essential techniques:

• •Game heads (whitetail deer)
• •Antler board mounts
• •European skull mounts
• •Tanning fundamentals
• •Business lecture
• •Painting and finishing
• •80 total clock hours

This specialized 40-hour course (held once yearly in May) teaches competitive display bases:

• •Custom rock building—pedestals to mountainous scenes
• •Rock casting and concrete work
• •Snow bases and icicle techniques
• •Custom tree and branch construction
• •Habitat material sourcing
• •Trophy room design
• •Marketing your bases for premium pricing

Former students now run their own successful shops:

• •Swamp Donkey Taxidermy — Jason Fortune: "You taught me the tools and knowledge to start my own business. The techniques you teach are at the top of the game!"
• •LAs Taxidermy — Leigh Ann Stumfoll (UK student): "Jason is always just a phone call away if problems come up. I've loved getting to know classmates from across the states."
• •Rustic Oaks Ranch Taxidermy — Buddy & Ann Manners, Anson, Texas: "Our business turned into a great success story for our family. We love doing this work!"
• •Three Rivers Wildlife Expressions — Barrie Roquemore: "Thank you for teaching me commercial taxidermy AND how to run the business side."

• •Licensed by the State of Texas
• •Approved by Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
• •Approved for full Veterans Benefits (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
• •Member of the Texas Taxidermy Association in good standing

Street Address: 2207 Ave R, Snyder, TX 79549

Mailing Address: PO Box 757, Snyder, TX 79550

Phone: (325) 207-3598 Email: [email protected]

Six-Week Programs: - January 19 – February 27 - June 1 – July 10 - September 14 – October 23

Two-Week Programs: - January 19 – January 30 - June 1 – June 12 - September 14 – September 25

• •Rock & Habitat: May (call for exact dates)

The school uses premium forms that win major competitions consistently. Equipment partners include Joe Coombs Classics, Trophy Totes, McKenzie Taxidermy supplies, and Derma Grip adhesive products.