Location: 766 Valencia St. San Francisco
Please Note:
 - Day one and two of the demonstration are sold separately. If you would like to attend both days, please add them both to your cart.
 - This is a demonstration. Attendants will be observing the process but not creating their own. 

If you want to be the best, you have to train with the best. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Geoff Vassallo, master taxidermist and overall cool guy, for a taxidermy demonstration like nothing we’ve ever done before. In this two-part large taxidermy demonstration, you’ll learn how to create a large taxidermy head mount from start to finish. Everything from skinning and preparing the hide on day one to mounting and sculpting the details on day two.

This is a great jumping-off point for anyone who has taken one of our taxidermy workshops before, those with some experience under their belt, or anyone just curious about the process. It’s like one of those YouTube videos you watch at 3 a.m. when you should be sleeping, but in real life. We’ve all stopped ourselves at some point and thought, “Why am I watching how they make hula hoops when I have work in four hours?” Right? Anyway, it’s like that, but way better.

Here’s a breakdown of each day and what to expect:

Day 1: Skinning and Hide Preparation

Day one will walk you through the first crucial steps of the mounting process. Watch as the instructor skins the specimen, takes precise measurements to order the correct form and eyes, and salts the hide to prepare it for the tannery. By the end of the demonstration, you’ll understand how the raw hide is transformed into a mount-ready piece and gain insight into the techniques professionals use at every stage of big game taxidermy.

Day 2: Mounting and Finishing Techniques

On day two, we’ll take the hide from day one and start the mounting process. This is where Mr. Vassallo preps the hide and form, sculpts the facial features, sets the glass eyes, mounts the hide, shapes the expression, and then sews and pins everything so it can dry. He’ll wrap up with a detailed walkthrough of the finishing techniques and answer any questions.

About the instructor 

The instructor, Mr. Vassallo has over thirty-five years experience as a professional taxidermist and teacher. He has traveled Continental North America, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe and Africa studying, collecting and preserving wildlife.

• Classes will be held at 766 Valencia St., San Francisco
• Pre-registration required as materials must be prepared for each student and space is VERY limited.
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. We ask that all attendees be over the age of 14. Special exceptions may be made by contacting us before you purchase your spot.  
• Students are encouraged to bring lunch/snacks.
• Please arrive promptly at the start time.
• Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours prior to the date of the class. Cancellations will then be converted to credit that can either be used toward merchandise in the store or to enroll in another workshop. Cancellations made less than 72 hours prior to a class or failure to show up to a class will result in no refund or transfer.