Full Course
GameHeads, Birds & Lifesize
Kyle Porter from Maryland
Clay Leistmeister from Canada
Ilse Lavens from Belgium
Rita and Terry Willis from Arkansas
Logan Erlanderson from North Dakota
Kimberly Crook from Washington
Kimberly traveled over from Western Washington to learn a little bit about everything when it comes to Taxidermy including sore fingers. Kimberly, you were a pleasure to instruct, and you did a great job on all three of your mounts! Thanks for choosing ASOT!
Jason Douvier from Washington
Had the pleasure of instructing Jason for 10 days on gameheads, life-size and birds. Jason ventured over from Western Washington and was a total beginner! As you can see, he did a great job on all of his pieces. They were lacking putty and paint, but the foundation of putting a solid piece together is evident. JD, thanks for choosing ASOT!
Luke Breese from Pennsylvania
Just finished up a 10 day course with Luke from Pennsylvania. Luke you were a great guy to instruct and you did a stellar job on all your pieces! Enjoyed playing softball with you and congrats on becoming a dad!!! And as always, thanks for choosing Artistic School of Taxidermy and giving me the opportunity to instruct you in the Art!
"My name is Luke Breese and I spent 10 incredible days learning with Troy at his Artistic School of Taxidermy. Troy is hands down one of the best people I have had the privilege to meet in my 28 years of life. To make a long story short I left Idaho and came back to Pennsylvania with a life long friend as well as a mentor and teacher. We hit it off from day one, and it's great to say I have a life long friend as well as someone to always answer my taxidermy questions. Heck, we even got to play a little ball and show 'em how to hit the long ball out in Idaho. Troy's home and shop are amazing, as well. When you go to Artistic School of Taxidermy you are welcomed right into Troy's beautiful home and have the ability to truly make yourself at home! From the incredible views from his deck, to the elk and deer and critters, even his cooking is top notch. The experience you get at Artistic School of Taxidermy is more than I could have ever imagined and I learned more than I could ever have imagined as well. If it wasn't for my notebook and camera I'm not sure I could have remembered it all!
While at Artistic School of Taxidermy I studied one-on-one with Troy and was able to complete a Whitetail game head, and life size Red Fox, a Wood Duck, and a full strut Turkey. The best part about learning from Troy was that I was able to choose my own pieces to mount ahead of time. I was able to do Critters that translate into business back in Pennsylvania. I chose what I wanted to mount and when I got there everything was ready to go. I was able to learn everything from business aspects of taxidermy, to measuring and prep, to mounting, finish work, and fine detailing. I can not imagine a better person to learn from and have to say that you can not go wrong, at all, by choosing Troy and his Artistic School of Taxidermy,
All in all, I left Troy with complete confidence and knowing that I can complete high quality work back home on my own. Quality skills are what you learn from Troy and quality work is what you will produce. I am looking forward to starting my own business one day and also looking forward to learning more from Troy. I left Idaho with a high skill set that I know I could not have learned anywhere else and definitely not in 10 days. I also left with a lifelong friend in Troy. While out there I also met a lot of wonderful people around the shop, around town, and I can't say enough about the accommodations!
Artistic school of Taxidermy with Troy Rose is top notch! (Just look at all of his awards and all he had done) If anyone is even thinking a little bit about learning taxidermy, go see Troy. Whether 1 day or 30 days, Troy will get you where you want to go. My pieces turned out great and I can't say enough about my experience! Give Troy a call or shoot him an email, I'm sure glad I did!"
Lukas Breese - Pennsylvania
"My name is Luke Breese and I spent 10 incredible days learning with Troy at his Artistic School of Taxidermy. Troy is hands down one of the best people I have had the privilege to meet in my 28 years of life. To make a long story short I left Idaho and came back to Pennsylvania with a life long friend as well as a mentor and teacher. We hit it off from day one, and it's great to say I have a life long friend as well as someone to always answer my taxidermy questions. Heck, we even got to play a little ball and show 'em how to hit the long ball out in Idaho. Troy's home and shop are amazing, as well. When you go to Artistic School of Taxidermy you are welcomed right into Troy's beautiful home and have the ability to truly make yourself at home! From the incredible views from his deck, to the elk and deer and critters, even his cooking is top notch. The experience you get at Artistic School of Taxidermy is more than I could have ever imagined and I learned more than I could ever have imagined as well. If it wasn't for my notebook and camera I'm not sure I could have remembered it all!
While at Artistic School of Taxidermy I studied one-on-one with Troy and was able to complete a Whitetail game head, and life size Red Fox, a Wood Duck, and a full strut Turkey. The best part about learning from Troy was that I was able to choose my own pieces to mount ahead of time. I was able to do Critters that translate into business back in Pennsylvania. I chose what I wanted to mount and when I got there everything was ready to go. I was able to learn everything from business aspects of taxidermy, to measuring and prep, to mounting, finish work, and fine detailing. I can not imagine a better person to learn from and have to say that you can not go wrong, at all, by choosing Troy and his Artistic School of Taxidermy,
All in all, I left Troy with complete confidence and knowing that I can complete high quality work back home on my own. Quality skills are what you learn from Troy and quality work is what you will produce. I am looking forward to starting my own business one day and also looking forward to learning more from Troy. I left Idaho with a high skill set that I know I could not have learned anywhere else and definitely not in 10 days. I also left with a lifelong friend in Troy. While out there I also met a lot of wonderful people around the shop, around town, and I can't say enough about the accommodations!
Artistic school of Taxidermy with Troy Rose is top notch! (Just look at all of his awards and all he had done) If anyone is even thinking a little bit about learning taxidermy, go see Troy. Whether 1 day or 30 days, Troy will get you where you want to go. My pieces turned out great and I can't say enough about my experience! Give Troy a call or shoot him an email, I'm sure glad I did!"
Lukas Breese - Pennsylvania
Ann McEntire from Arkansas
Ann from Arkansas just finished up 10 long days of training. Ann did a fantastic job on all her pieces, and I must say, what a studious student to teach. We were not able to complete the finish work on Ann's pieces, but none-the-less they all came out great!!!
Ann from Arkansas just finished up 10 long days of training. Ann did a fantastic job on all her pieces, and I must say, what a studious student to teach. We were not able to complete the finish work on Ann's pieces, but none-the-less they all came out great!!!
Samantha Huckstep from Alaska
Samantha came all the way down from Alaska to do a few little projects...okay, maybe there were more than a few and maybe not so little. Anyhow, Samantha did a fantastic job on all her pieces as you can see!!! We were not able to get the goat rock finished or a base for the wolf and the lynx done, but all in all you can still see the great quality that she did! The lynx jumping after the grouse was probably my favorite. We did detachable horns on the moose and the caribou was a table pedestal. Sam, I'm glad you made it back in one piece and look forward to seeing pictures of everything when you get the other bases completed!
Phil Gillett from Virginia
Phil was a VA Student that completed a total of 44 days. Phil did his training in four segments. Unfortunately at the time of the pics his steelhead was not quite finished and his pike needed a little tweaking on some colors, but all that aside, Phil turned out some great pieces, and if you can't tell, we could barely get everything in the picture. Phil was a pleasure to teach and teach and teach...lol Phil really had a passion when it came to doing habitat, but I must say he seemed to really enjoy painting fish! I hope everything traveled well on your way home.
"Troy it was a pleasure being your student .. I learned a lot and have been doing the finishing touches on my fish and adding habitat on my bird pieces since i got home..if you are wanting a great teacher who will make sure you understand the process Troy is that teacher..Troy has a lot of patience trust me he had to put up with me for over 40 days and he always welcomed me back to learn more. the food is awesome I may have to visit just for the food and the accommodations well they get 5 stars.. i got to see other students come through Troys school during my stay and everyone was at a different levels and they all produced some great pieces. just look at Troys student work and you will see what separates his school from others, not to mention the food and living quarters.. I stayed out and worked many nights past midnight don't know of other school that will allow that. do the math before you sign up at just any school you will find Troys school to be cheaper in the long run not to mention the quality of teaching..If you are a Veteran and want to pursue Taxidermy and are told what school you have to go to and how much they will pay your counselor is lying to you. fight for your right to go to Artistic School of Taxidermy I did and won.. once again Troy thanks so much see ya at the show.. "
Phil
"Troy it was a pleasure being your student .. I learned a lot and have been doing the finishing touches on my fish and adding habitat on my bird pieces since i got home..if you are wanting a great teacher who will make sure you understand the process Troy is that teacher..Troy has a lot of patience trust me he had to put up with me for over 40 days and he always welcomed me back to learn more. the food is awesome I may have to visit just for the food and the accommodations well they get 5 stars.. i got to see other students come through Troys school during my stay and everyone was at a different levels and they all produced some great pieces. just look at Troys student work and you will see what separates his school from others, not to mention the food and living quarters.. I stayed out and worked many nights past midnight don't know of other school that will allow that. do the math before you sign up at just any school you will find Troys school to be cheaper in the long run not to mention the quality of teaching..If you are a Veteran and want to pursue Taxidermy and are told what school you have to go to and how much they will pay your counselor is lying to you. fight for your right to go to Artistic School of Taxidermy I did and won.. once again Troy thanks so much see ya at the show.. "
Phil
Jeni Maakad from Washington
Just completed 15 great days with a delightful young gal Jeni, from Bellingham, Washington. Jeni definitely had an eye for detail as it shows in her pieces. Her deer were lacking putty and paint, but none the less, Jeni did a great job on all her mounts! Jeni, you were a great student to teach!!!
"I spent two weeks working 12-14 hour days working on my mounts. It was defiantly well worth my time and I accomplished a lot. The shop is great and the accommodations are even better. As a new student to taxidermy the one on one teaching worked really well for me. Now I am confident in what I have learned and have opened up my own business."
Jeni
Just completed 15 great days with a delightful young gal Jeni, from Bellingham, Washington. Jeni definitely had an eye for detail as it shows in her pieces. Her deer were lacking putty and paint, but none the less, Jeni did a great job on all her mounts! Jeni, you were a great student to teach!!!
"I spent two weeks working 12-14 hour days working on my mounts. It was defiantly well worth my time and I accomplished a lot. The shop is great and the accommodations are even better. As a new student to taxidermy the one on one teaching worked really well for me. Now I am confident in what I have learned and have opened up my own business."
Jeni
Billy Walters from Alabama
This was 28 long training days with Billy from Alabama. Billy's talents and his obsession to be a great taxidermist showed in everything he did. His elk pedestal was a beautiful piece and I can't wait to see it finished with habitat. I must say, sometimes the small things are the most cherished as Billy did a fantastic job on a little quail. Looking forward to your return to do advanced birds! Keep up the great work Billy!!!
"Hello, I'm new on here, my name is Billy Walters and I am from Mentone, AL. I went to Troy's school and I just wanted to say that the time I spent at Troy Rose's Artistic School of Taxidermy was a lot more than just a taxidermy school. I really learned a lot and I had a great time doing it . At Troy's, you will be staying in the best and learning from one of the best. You will learn at your own speed, and it's all hands on with Troy. He will be right there watching , helping and teaching . One thing that I really like about Troy's school is the fact that he does not take a class full at one time. He only takes a few people at a time at his school so he can be right there every step of the way. When I was looking for a taxidermy school I seen where some teachers take 12 at a time, and I just don't see how one teacher can teach hands on taxidermy to that many people at once. Unless they are spending alot of time sitting around waiting on the teacher to get done with someone else. Another thing about Troy's school is where you will be staying. Troy's school is way out in the country with all kinds of wild life around you every day. You may have to kick a deer in the butt to get him out of the way to get in the front door... That may be funny , but it is true...LOL... And when it comes time to eat at Troy's, it's just like the teaching, you will be getting the best... If you go to bed hungry at Troy's, it is your own fault ... LOL, if you are thinking about learning taxidermy , give O'l Troy a call...talk to him and see what he has to offer you... You want regret it."
"Hello, I'm new on here, my name is Billy Walters and I am from Mentone, AL. I went to Troy's school and I just wanted to say that the time I spent at Troy Rose's Artistic School of Taxidermy was a lot more than just a taxidermy school. I really learned a lot and I had a great time doing it . At Troy's, you will be staying in the best and learning from one of the best. You will learn at your own speed, and it's all hands on with Troy. He will be right there watching , helping and teaching . One thing that I really like about Troy's school is the fact that he does not take a class full at one time. He only takes a few people at a time at his school so he can be right there every step of the way. When I was looking for a taxidermy school I seen where some teachers take 12 at a time, and I just don't see how one teacher can teach hands on taxidermy to that many people at once. Unless they are spending alot of time sitting around waiting on the teacher to get done with someone else. Another thing about Troy's school is where you will be staying. Troy's school is way out in the country with all kinds of wild life around you every day. You may have to kick a deer in the butt to get him out of the way to get in the front door... That may be funny , but it is true...LOL... And when it comes time to eat at Troy's, it's just like the teaching, you will be getting the best... If you go to bed hungry at Troy's, it is your own fault ... LOL, if you are thinking about learning taxidermy , give O'l Troy a call...talk to him and see what he has to offer you... You want regret it."
Logan Sheldon from Idaho
Well not only is my list of friends growing, but the list of outstanding students who are going to become GREAT taxidermists is growing as well!!! Logan spent 24 ass busting days and his work shows it! We ran short on time to get his pedestal elk together and his birds painted, but other than that Logan pounded out the pieces. Logan you were a pleasure to instruct. Incredible job My Friend!!!
"Hello, Logan Shelden from Lewiston ID here. I spent 28 amazing days at Artistic School of Taxidermy and what a great experience that was. Troy Rose is an exceptional taxidermist as well as a great teacher. I couldn't have chosen a better school to attend. From the moment I pulled in the driveway I knew that it was gonna be great. My stay was amazing from the food to the room, as well as the taxidermy. I learned birds, game heads, and life-size mammals during my stay and they all came out amazing, thanks to the top quality capes, hides, and birds that Troy offers his students. Troy has excellent teaching skills that will adapt to every different type of learner. The one on one training is the only way to go, Troy's attention is all yours from daylight till dark. I left my training with full confidence and knowledge of how to put together great mounts. Troy is always willing to answer all my questions and phone calls long after school and he is there for his students for any taxidermy problem or question they might have. I went to Artistic School of Taxidermy to learn the art and boy did I, but I left school with a great friend...THANKS for everything Troy!!"
"Hello, Logan Shelden from Lewiston ID here. I spent 28 amazing days at Artistic School of Taxidermy and what a great experience that was. Troy Rose is an exceptional taxidermist as well as a great teacher. I couldn't have chosen a better school to attend. From the moment I pulled in the driveway I knew that it was gonna be great. My stay was amazing from the food to the room, as well as the taxidermy. I learned birds, game heads, and life-size mammals during my stay and they all came out amazing, thanks to the top quality capes, hides, and birds that Troy offers his students. Troy has excellent teaching skills that will adapt to every different type of learner. The one on one training is the only way to go, Troy's attention is all yours from daylight till dark. I left my training with full confidence and knowledge of how to put together great mounts. Troy is always willing to answer all my questions and phone calls long after school and he is there for his students for any taxidermy problem or question they might have. I went to Artistic School of Taxidermy to learn the art and boy did I, but I left school with a great friend...THANKS for everything Troy!!"
Rob Gagliardi from New Hampshire...
Just completed 12 great days with Rob who came all the way from New Hampshire. Rob's dedication and determination shined as he did some excellent pieces. The deer were lacking putty and paint, but none the less, Rob did a great job on all his mounts! If Discovery Channel ever calls you and asks you how many stitches are in a life-size bear I think you will know the answer Rob, I had a great time teaching you the art! Looking forward to your return.
I spent 12 days at the Artistic School of Taxidermy in Kooskia Idaho with Troy Rose. I just retired from Law Enforcement in January 2013. after being a policeman for 25 years I became very skeptical of society and am not an overly trusting person. I have been dabbling in taxidermy for the past few years and most of my learning came from video tapes. I decided that I was going to do taxidermy as a part time business about a year ago; at that time I began looking into taxidermy schools. I knew that with my pension I would not have to make a full time living out of taxidermy but being an extremely competitive person and wanting to be the best at what I do I had to find a school that would meet this criteria as I planned on entering area competitions.
Artistic School of Taxidermy offered one on one instruction, which was something I thought I would really want. I was allowed unlimited access to the taxidermy shop, which was extremely beneficial especially when I had to sew that life-size bear up and keep on schedule. The cost of this was $300 per day which also included my room and board. I did not have to travel back and forth to a hotel or worry about where, when and what I was going to eat. My private room was beautiful along with my private bathroom.
I was up every morning at 5:30 am and coffee was alwas on the table. Spending 12 days there I was at some point going to have to do laundry and I had full access to the laundry area of Troy's house. Troy also did not dictate what I was going to mount and allowed me to pick specimens from my area; he was able to accommodate this all except my turkey as we had to do a Merriam instead of an Eastern. I chose to mount a life-size black bear, 2 whitetail shoulder mounts and a strutting turkey. Troy kept no secrets and told me that this was going to be a lot of work in the time I was going to be there.
I arrived on Saturday evening and my class was to begin on Sunday morning. After a long travel day all the way across the country and a substantial ride from the airport I arrived on time to my dinner waiting for me. After dinner Troy showed me around the shop, his house and the hides I was going to mount.
For my first day we prepped both deer and the bear and began the grueling process of mounting the bear. The days that followed were all work and no play. The bear took me a day longer than expected as my sewing was slow but I wanted it to be perfect. Troy set the shop rules by telling me he would stay with me into the early evening but after that I was on my own to sew, he never left. He showed me ways to do things I would never have learned on a video, you have to go to find them out as I'm not telling. He stayed with me until well after midnight to make sure I learned how to get that turkey right on my last day.
For you skeptics out there, Troy did not mount a single specimen of mine. He demonstrated how to mount a whitetail on one of his own and left mine up to me. When I had a question he was there to answer, when I made a mistake I had to redo it myself. Several times after watching him take apart something I spent hours on. I now feel confident in mounting my own specimens 2700 miles away from The Artistic School of Taxidermy and that is exactly what I wanted as Troy won't be close by to help.
For you nature lovers out there on the 3rd day of my stay I woke up to 16 elk standing 60 yards outside my window. Every morning 3 Tom Turkeys came in for breakfast and every evening several deer came for dinner. The landscape was beautiful.
In closing, because of my personal nature, I did not go on this trip to make any friends. I was spending a good deal of money and wanted to get the most out of this process. But in the end I came away with an unbelievably great new friend. We did have a lot of fun in the shop, even more fun on our two short days. I will be going back to Kooskia but it won't only be to enhance my taxidermy skills.
If you really want to learn I strongly suggest Artistic School of Taxidermy You won't regret it.
I spent 12 days at the Artistic School of Taxidermy in Kooskia Idaho with Troy Rose. I just retired from Law Enforcement in January 2013. after being a policeman for 25 years I became very skeptical of society and am not an overly trusting person. I have been dabbling in taxidermy for the past few years and most of my learning came from video tapes. I decided that I was going to do taxidermy as a part time business about a year ago; at that time I began looking into taxidermy schools. I knew that with my pension I would not have to make a full time living out of taxidermy but being an extremely competitive person and wanting to be the best at what I do I had to find a school that would meet this criteria as I planned on entering area competitions.
Artistic School of Taxidermy offered one on one instruction, which was something I thought I would really want. I was allowed unlimited access to the taxidermy shop, which was extremely beneficial especially when I had to sew that life-size bear up and keep on schedule. The cost of this was $300 per day which also included my room and board. I did not have to travel back and forth to a hotel or worry about where, when and what I was going to eat. My private room was beautiful along with my private bathroom.
I was up every morning at 5:30 am and coffee was alwas on the table. Spending 12 days there I was at some point going to have to do laundry and I had full access to the laundry area of Troy's house. Troy also did not dictate what I was going to mount and allowed me to pick specimens from my area; he was able to accommodate this all except my turkey as we had to do a Merriam instead of an Eastern. I chose to mount a life-size black bear, 2 whitetail shoulder mounts and a strutting turkey. Troy kept no secrets and told me that this was going to be a lot of work in the time I was going to be there.
I arrived on Saturday evening and my class was to begin on Sunday morning. After a long travel day all the way across the country and a substantial ride from the airport I arrived on time to my dinner waiting for me. After dinner Troy showed me around the shop, his house and the hides I was going to mount.
For my first day we prepped both deer and the bear and began the grueling process of mounting the bear. The days that followed were all work and no play. The bear took me a day longer than expected as my sewing was slow but I wanted it to be perfect. Troy set the shop rules by telling me he would stay with me into the early evening but after that I was on my own to sew, he never left. He showed me ways to do things I would never have learned on a video, you have to go to find them out as I'm not telling. He stayed with me until well after midnight to make sure I learned how to get that turkey right on my last day.
For you skeptics out there, Troy did not mount a single specimen of mine. He demonstrated how to mount a whitetail on one of his own and left mine up to me. When I had a question he was there to answer, when I made a mistake I had to redo it myself. Several times after watching him take apart something I spent hours on. I now feel confident in mounting my own specimens 2700 miles away from The Artistic School of Taxidermy and that is exactly what I wanted as Troy won't be close by to help.
For you nature lovers out there on the 3rd day of my stay I woke up to 16 elk standing 60 yards outside my window. Every morning 3 Tom Turkeys came in for breakfast and every evening several deer came for dinner. The landscape was beautiful.
In closing, because of my personal nature, I did not go on this trip to make any friends. I was spending a good deal of money and wanted to get the most out of this process. But in the end I came away with an unbelievably great new friend. We did have a lot of fun in the shop, even more fun on our two short days. I will be going back to Kooskia but it won't only be to enhance my taxidermy skills.
If you really want to learn I strongly suggest Artistic School of Taxidermy You won't regret it.
Chris and Louise from Victoria, Australia...
Well I just finished up 7 great days with a delightful couple that came all the way across the big pond to pursue their taxidermy endeavors. Chris & Louise hammered out some great pieces as you can see from the picture. Once again, we ran short on getting the finish work done but with all that aside, I had a great time with the Aussies. I had a blast teaching the both of you!!! Love the bird in the coyotes mouth!
Well I just finished up 7 great days with a delightful couple that came all the way across the big pond to pursue their taxidermy endeavors. Chris & Louise hammered out some great pieces as you can see from the picture. Once again, we ran short on getting the finish work done but with all that aside, I had a great time with the Aussies. I had a blast teaching the both of you!!! Love the bird in the coyotes mouth!
Tina Metzler from Idaho
Tina Metzler from Carey, Idaho spent 10 days learning game heads, birds and large life-size mammals. Tina picked some very DIFFICULT specimens (Note to self...as an Instructor I should have my head examined for allowing a student to bring two pin-feathered sage grouse and to make matters even more interesting, Tina wanted to do the male strutting...), but in the end she emerged with some fabulous pieces. The cat she did was an absolute hog! It was still lacking paint and putty, and the rock almost got completed...if only we could of had one more day. Hey, maybe next time. Tina, you were a hoot to instruct. You made my job easy! Great Job Girl !!!
"If your looking to do taxidermy as a hobby or to start your own shop, then I recommend spending time with Troy Rose. Troy will open his home and studio and teach you every thing you will need to know. After spending 10 day's with Troy I was able to come home and get right to work. I did take some really difficult projects and I'm glad I did. Troy took the time to explain the in's and out's of what I needed to do to make my project's look like a pro had done them. Troy has a fantastic place that is surrounded by wildlife and views that never stop. If your looking into the world of taxidermy, then I personally recommend taking a course from Troy. You will leave there with great looking projects, a sense of pride, and a teacher that you can always call on." Tina
"If your looking to do taxidermy as a hobby or to start your own shop, then I recommend spending time with Troy Rose. Troy will open his home and studio and teach you every thing you will need to know. After spending 10 day's with Troy I was able to come home and get right to work. I did take some really difficult projects and I'm glad I did. Troy took the time to explain the in's and out's of what I needed to do to make my project's look like a pro had done them. Troy has a fantastic place that is surrounded by wildlife and views that never stop. If your looking into the world of taxidermy, then I personally recommend taking a course from Troy. You will leave there with great looking projects, a sense of pride, and a teacher that you can always call on." Tina
Andy all the way from Australia
Completed 21 incredible teaching days with Andy, and I must say, what a dedicated student! He burnt the midnight oil more times than not, but his rewards were...well I think the picture speaks for itself. What more can I say, the Aussie did some outstanding pieces! Enjoyed meeting you mate!
"As an international student trying to find the right school to suit my needs was a challenge, but after completing 3 weeks with Troy Rose I couldn't of been happier. Troy's hands on training, his amazing skills and willingness to pass on as much knowledge as one could absorb was such a relief...and a relief that I had made the right choice as I doubt there would be a better place or person to learn from. I was very pleased with the outcome to say the least. If the training wasn't enough his hospitality and cooking (wow he should teach cooking), and just an all round good guy and a joy to be there the whole time. Troy accommodated my every need and was open to change his course around to suit my time and budget. He was also there for any questions even if I was spending 12 hours in the shop, to which he encouraged as i just couldn't stop some days, you could say time flies when your having fun and I had a great time believe me. Troy I would just like to thank you for making a childhood dream come true. I have searched for a long time in Australia to find someone to teach me but to no avail and heading international was a little daunting but you made the whole experience very enjoyable and i cant wait to send you pics of my mounts that I do Down Under. Thank you again and keep up the great work."
"As an international student trying to find the right school to suit my needs was a challenge, but after completing 3 weeks with Troy Rose I couldn't of been happier. Troy's hands on training, his amazing skills and willingness to pass on as much knowledge as one could absorb was such a relief...and a relief that I had made the right choice as I doubt there would be a better place or person to learn from. I was very pleased with the outcome to say the least. If the training wasn't enough his hospitality and cooking (wow he should teach cooking), and just an all round good guy and a joy to be there the whole time. Troy accommodated my every need and was open to change his course around to suit my time and budget. He was also there for any questions even if I was spending 12 hours in the shop, to which he encouraged as i just couldn't stop some days, you could say time flies when your having fun and I had a great time believe me. Troy I would just like to thank you for making a childhood dream come true. I have searched for a long time in Australia to find someone to teach me but to no avail and heading international was a little daunting but you made the whole experience very enjoyable and i cant wait to send you pics of my mounts that I do Down Under. Thank you again and keep up the great work."
Lacie Hill from Idaho
I had the pleasure to do 10 great days with a delightful young gal out of Albion, Idaho. She put together some beautiful pieces. Her coyote and pheasant combination came out AWESOME!!! (coyote was lacking putty and paint around the eyes, and the base work was not quite finished at time of photo)...way to hang in there Girl, you did a GREAT JOB!!!
TAXIDERMY ROCKS!!!
"Well, as you can all see, I had a great time learning taxidermy at Artistic School of Taxidermy. I spent 10 awesome days with Troy learning taxidermy. I think the favorite piece I did was my deer. I must say, Troy has a great deal of patience, as he never gave up on me and was always there encouraging me to keep going. Okay, so I might have wanted to give up on the coyote piece like 100 times, but I stuck it out and got it finished. It turned out way cool and everybody at home thinks it's the bomb!!! My wood duck was pretty handsome as well. I'm glad I made the choice to go see Troy. He's a great teacher and his place is gorgeous!!! Thanks for making my dream come true!!! Hope to see you again soon!!!"
Lacie Hill
TAXIDERMY ROCKS!!!
"Well, as you can all see, I had a great time learning taxidermy at Artistic School of Taxidermy. I spent 10 awesome days with Troy learning taxidermy. I think the favorite piece I did was my deer. I must say, Troy has a great deal of patience, as he never gave up on me and was always there encouraging me to keep going. Okay, so I might have wanted to give up on the coyote piece like 100 times, but I stuck it out and got it finished. It turned out way cool and everybody at home thinks it's the bomb!!! My wood duck was pretty handsome as well. I'm glad I made the choice to go see Troy. He's a great teacher and his place is gorgeous!!! Thanks for making my dream come true!!! Hope to see you again soon!!!"
Lacie Hill
Shasta Donegan from Virginia
My list of friends keeps growing and the student's keep amazing me. Shasta flew out from Virginia for 10 days of training...she put some really nice pieces together. Her passion was furry critters, but she put a heck of a nice whitetail together. Way to go Girl! Look forward to your return!
"What can I say about Troy that hasn't already been said...great guy, great teacher and someone i would consider a good friend now as well.
Troy knows when to look over your shoulder and guide your hand but he also knows when to go away and leave you alone so you can zone in on what you are doing...I just wish I could have stayed longer and work at his beautiful home and it's spectacular view! The wildlife that hangout outside the shop all day are just amazing as well, especially the little blue birds (can't remember the name) but I was surrounded daily by a fleet of Turkeys, tree swallows, doves, quail, deer and even spotted some Elk one day as well...anyone will easily feel at home at Troy's home and shop and learn as much as they can obsorb while they are there...I have gained everything I hoped to and much more. I now have the confidence to attempt much more advanced taxidermy and I can't wait to visit Troy again! If you are thinking about going to taxidermy school give Troy a call and he will walk you through the mounts you want to do and customize your entire visit to suit your needs. And Troy I already miss the 18 chuckar chicks from the shop and their little whistles...lol"
"What can I say about Troy that hasn't already been said...great guy, great teacher and someone i would consider a good friend now as well.
Troy knows when to look over your shoulder and guide your hand but he also knows when to go away and leave you alone so you can zone in on what you are doing...I just wish I could have stayed longer and work at his beautiful home and it's spectacular view! The wildlife that hangout outside the shop all day are just amazing as well, especially the little blue birds (can't remember the name) but I was surrounded daily by a fleet of Turkeys, tree swallows, doves, quail, deer and even spotted some Elk one day as well...anyone will easily feel at home at Troy's home and shop and learn as much as they can obsorb while they are there...I have gained everything I hoped to and much more. I now have the confidence to attempt much more advanced taxidermy and I can't wait to visit Troy again! If you are thinking about going to taxidermy school give Troy a call and he will walk you through the mounts you want to do and customize your entire visit to suit your needs. And Troy I already miss the 18 chuckar chicks from the shop and their little whistles...lol"
Barry Joe Clay from California
Well, once again time absolutely flew by. Barry Clay from Southern California came up for 11 days of class work and did some really cool pieces. We spent a couple of hours one morning cutting some old roots for bases. The piece for the bobcat was well...see for yourself...sure beats precast rock!!! Barry, I had a great time instructing you! Thanks for all the laughs and the cooking tips!
Hello,
My name is Barry Joe Clay. I’m 52 years old and going to retire from my current job in 3 years. I've been thinking about what I am going to do for retirement. I've thought about taxidermy for several years due to the fact that I am a hunter. I found Troy Rose’s, “artisticschooloftaxidermy.com,” while surfing the internet looking for a teacher. The one on one approach really appealed to me. I emailed him and was impressed with his down to earth mannerisms and his explanations of what course works he had to offer. I signed up for a 11 day course in April. What an experience! I did 4 projects. A snow goose, mule deer ( game head ), a life-size bobcat and a half bear. Troy’s teaching technique was very hands on. He would explain while he doing each step. After doing one side, say an ear, he would tell me it was my turn. He would let me struggle to do it all by myself but never to the point of frustration. He tell me when I was close and hint at what to do when I wasn't so close. When I finally got it right I was proud that I had done it myself. I do have to say that there was one aspect of the training that I had no idea would happen. Sewing made my hands so sore. I work on a computer all day and my hands weren't used to being worked like that. Pushing a needle through leather is a lot tougher than you might think. All in all it was a great experience. I am so proud of my mounts. My friends are so impressed with how they look. None of which would be so if it were not for Troy Rose and the Artistic School of Taxidermy. The accommodations where 4 star and if you take a course from him be sure to request his Warm Chicken Caesar Salad for one of your meals.
Thanks Troy, I’ll be back"
Alyson and Shane from Washington
Just spent 10 very long but eventful days with Shane and Alyson from Washington. What a delightful couple! Newlyweds to boot! Their patience and persistence paid off as they turned out some fantastic pieces. Great Job Guys!!!
"My husband Shane and I spent 10 and a half days with Troy. Neither of us had ever had any taxidermy experience whatsoever. It was amazing what we learned in 10 days! Shane did a gadwall, a chukar, a life-size raccoon, and a whitetail. I did a strutting turkey, life-size howling coyote, and a blacktail. It was very long days, but well worth it! The accommodations are awesome..house is beautiful, and food was great! Troy was very easy to work with, and very patient with me when needed.. I had several issues with my fingers..lol If you are looking for a school, go see Troy! You wont regret it!"
"My husband Shane and I spent 10 and a half days with Troy. Neither of us had ever had any taxidermy experience whatsoever. It was amazing what we learned in 10 days! Shane did a gadwall, a chukar, a life-size raccoon, and a whitetail. I did a strutting turkey, life-size howling coyote, and a blacktail. It was very long days, but well worth it! The accommodations are awesome..house is beautiful, and food was great! Troy was very easy to work with, and very patient with me when needed.. I had several issues with my fingers..lol If you are looking for a school, go see Troy! You wont regret it!"