The classes I've taken at Prey Taxidermy have easily been the most fun, fascinating, rewarding experiences that I've had in YEARS, and it's all thanks to taxidermist Allis Markham and her team. I'm a total beginner when it comes to taxidermy, but, by the end of my classes (I've now taken three!), I had a beautiful specimen to take home: the skin was prepared meticulously in-house, and then I was given access to the highest-quality tools and materials to craft my piece, using museum-caliber techniques taught by Allis. For two of my classes, we also benefitted from the presence of Allis's mentor, Tim Bovard from the Natural History Museum of LA County! Taxidermy is a challenging art, but, if you're interested in natural sciences and want a truly memorable way to spend a weekend in Los Angeles, Prey's classes are an outstanding way to learn something new in a very welcoming, inclusive environment. The studio itself is gorgeous; the world-class instruction can't be beat; you're surrounded by smart, enthusiastic, creative people; and you'll be so proud of yourself and what you've accomplished by the time your class is over. I highly, highly recommend Prey Taxidermy, and I look forward to taking many more classes with Allis, Paloma, Laura, and the rest of the Prey team! read more

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Never in my life have I had a better customer service experience with any other company. A different company put me in a horrible position with my deceased pet, and Prey Taxidermy not only came to the rescue, but did so with such compassion and understanding...way above and beyond anything I could have ever expected. I am so, so thankful to have been connected with them, seriously. Amazing people. read more

Still 5 stars. I want to make a suggestion on a resource before you take this class if you are not familiar with bird anatomy. Please, PLEASE get your hands on "How Birds Work: An Illustrated Guide to the Wonders of Form and Function―from Bones to Beak" by Marianne Taylor. This little book will prepare you for what parts of the Starling are where. I really could have used this before and I want to keep anyone else from being as unprepared as I was. I want to try again on my own with the materials I have and this book. Allis and her crew gave amazing instruction, but some of us are not suited for taking in so much information over two days *raises hands*, so I`m certain I will take what I learned in class and what diagrams I have from this book to help me and I will taxidermy more birds. I hope more people take this class and keep in mind that it is okay to "fail" as a beginner and it is okay to need help and it is okay to be way out of your depth and try again. Go forth and create beautiful taxidermy, y'all! read more

Fantastic classes! Really professional, ethical and fun. Our teenage daughter expressed an interest in taxidermy (which I truly did not get until she found this class) and this was absolutely must intro to the art. read more

I attended the Birds 101 class this past weekend (1/2023). I can't wait to return for more classes. I drove 7 hours to get to class, and I will continue to do so because it was amazing. I learned so much, I had so much fun. I love you guys! Vanina. read more

Allis is a consummate professional, perfectionist, and kind, wonderful human. I took a starling class from her and learned to taxidermy a bird. Her teaching is fantastic and thorough. After coming home I wanted to continue and all I had to do was look at the instructions she sent to repeat the steps of the class. Thank you! I will see you again soon for the skunk class:) read more

Prey Taxidermy - My first taxidermied starling - Taxidermy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing class. Learned fast and efficiently and so much for a two day class! Allis and her assistances were very nice and personable and helpful! Definitely going to be taking another class as soon as one is available. read more

Prey Taxidermy - Taxidermy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I took Allis's Birds 101 class. My only prior experience was two study skins for my work. The class was educational, engaging, and fun. I had a great time and left with a great bird (for my first ever attempt). Allis is wonderful and her two assistants are also wonderful. I have every intention of taking more bird and mammal classes. Everyone was kind, open, and helpful. I am overjoyed, truly. I cannot wait to practice on my own and take more classes. New hobby: unlocked. read more

The Birds 101 class was Amazing. The level of personal attention from Allis and her assistants is fantastic, the space is super cool, and I learned a ton. read more

Allis' work is so amazing, it's pretty unbelievable. Her attention to detail is nonpareil. The science and artistry are what you notice. Not one over the other, the combination. And when someone is that passionate about what they do, it's hard not to want to take the ride along with them. Any time you hear anything about her work, it is with reverence, wonder, and a quest for perfection. And she is a natural born teacher... she wants her work to be accessible to all and she will bring you in through many different windows... anatomy, taxidermy, the natural world, science, biology, and the profound beauty of animals. read more

Took birds 101 this past weekend. This was my first ever taxidermy class. My teachers were Allis, Madison & Hannah. I'm so happy I came here for my class. Allis, Madison & Hannah are the kindest most sweetest ladies I have ever met. They are very knowledgeable, kind and passionate about their art. I felt very comfortable learning from these beautiful ladies. They were so patient with all their students. I can't even begin to explain my gratitude towards all my teachers. I almost cried seeing the final outcome of my European starling and that I was able to complete & accomplish something so beautiful. Can't wait to take my next class which is a life size grey fox. I'm addicted!!!! read more

Prey Taxidermy - My beautiful European starling. - Taxidermy Near Me - Los Angeles, California

As a taxidermist myself, the only class on the west coast I would recommend to anyone interested in getting a thorough and professional approach to the craft, is Prey Taxidermy. Having years of experience working at the Los Angeles Natural History Museum, Allis has the knowledge and elbow grease to teach students at any level the basics and some of the more advanced ins and outs of taxidermy. Even if you only want to try out taxidermy for one time, Prey will give you a complete experience that won't leave you with any regrets. Learn taxidermy! read more

I've started getting into taxidermy this year and my first class was at Prey Taxidermy, taking Birds 101. I've since taken the Skinning, Tanning, and Bone Cleaning class and plan on taking more when I can afford it! I really love how enthusiastic Allis is about teaching and taxidermy. Everyone at Prey (Jenn, Madison, Allie) is very knowledgeable and friendly. I also love that they explain the science and method behind the process and don't just give you the steps involved. If you're interested in getting started in taxidermy, or even learning something new for a day or a weekend, I would recommend taking a look at the classes offered at Prey Taxidermy. read more

I had no idea what to really expect walking into the skinning/tanning/bone cleaning class with a friend of mine and can say nothing more than I'm glad that I did. It was a very new experience, and the way everything was treated made it a very normal, and more of a scientific approach of things. Albeit taxidermy not being the most common of hobbies or professions as far as things I'd encountered before, but the way that Allis handles it, makes me wonder why I hadn't looked into this , or taken part earlier. You can truly feel the passion and appreciation for everything going on there and honestly couldn't ask for a better teacher. No matter what the subject, if you have someone that knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, the results are amazing. Not to mention her extremely nurturing manner in which I'm confident she could teach anyone to be able to make something they never thought would have been possible. So in short, if you can, you're curious, and have the time, then there's really not a question as to whether or not you should take advantage of what Allis has to offer. Just be warned, your first class most likely won't be your last. read more

I took only one class at Prey, but I can't speak highly enough about it. I had no previous experience with taxidermy -- only a life-long love of the natural world. And while I might not have the small motor skills to give up my career and start freelancing, Allis is an excellent teacher. She was encouraging, kind, and complimentary. There is nothing grotesque or morbid about taxidermy. Allis is a professional, but more than that, she loves what she does, and her passion is infectious. You quickly get past the ick factor and start to marvel at the mechanics and design involved in making a little bird a little bird. The vibe is relaxed. The other students were all fun. Her studio is in a great location downtown. This is a no brainer (and if you have no brain, Allis will find a decent piece of styrofoam to fill your skull). read more

I have only taken one class (so far) but i'm hooked. the staff is all super nice Allis is an inspiration, the whole thing is just nowhere near as morbid or gross as you might expect as an outsider looking in. classes are affordable, though i do hope there is more variety, though i get that teaching is not her full time gig. but yeah i am totally sold read more

Yay Prey Taxidermy! I have taken several classes at Prey and have learned so much. Allis is amazingly skilled (works at the Natural History Museum!), and provides professional instruction with great attention to detail, visual demonstrations, and hands-on assistance. She really takes the time with each and every student. Most important to me is that all the specimens are obtained from ethical sources; animals deceased via natural causes or from abatement work - no foot traps, no animals bred for pet food in poor conditions, no cruel hunting methods, no cages. I definitely plan on taking more classes in the future. read more

As a biology teacher I can say that each of the ladies that work at Prey really know their "stuff"! Prey is the best way to learn taxidermy if you have never touch a scalpel since they take you step by step. This was one of the best experiences, not only because of the amazing specimens but also because Allis, Madison, Jen and Ana made me feel so comfortable. I can say that I am now going to be a lifelong learner of the art because of Prey. They were never pretentiousness and super helpful whenever you needed help. Also while there you can walk around DTLA for lunch. I must say, if you take a class you may see me there since I will for sure be attending future events! Thanks Allis!! read more

Prey Taxidermy offers an exceptional and entertainingly educational experience! This was my first exposure to taxidermy, but I wanted to learn a bit about the art & craft out of general curiosity. Allis and her team made the process accessible, fun, and very informative. I did imagine that taxidermy would be "interesting," but I had no idea that taking a class from Prey would be so enjoyable, too. I've recommended Prey to a number of friends and have heard nothing but great experiences from everyone that's attended. read more

For any of you out there wanting to try your hand at Taxidermy, WHAT are you waiting for?! I just finished 'Birds 101' class. Including myself, the class was 8 students and was taught over the course of 3 evenings. The Instructor, Allis is an amazing teacher bursting with knowledge and happy to share with students. Her enthusiasm for Taxidermy shines and is hard not to rub off on you as you take your first attempt at the skill. Allis taught the class along with her Assistant Madison, they make everyone feel comfortable and spends one-on-one time with you if you need the extra help in class. They will provide plenty of laughs while you work on your dead bird! O hey, did I mention her sweet foster dog Bacon is sometimes in class too? This was certainly a fun and entertaining investment to learn something new. I recommend you try it out! read more

Allis is extremely knowledgeable and creates a warm, welcoming space to learn all about the in(sides) and outs of your animal. The first few minutes holding the scalpel can be a bit squeamish, but after that small hurdle you are slicing away like it ain't no thang. I took one of her Bird 101 courses and was so happy with my finished product and the skills I learned. The experience gave me the confidence to approach a taxidermy shop and ask to apprentice! Highly recommend this to everyone! read more

I spontaneously signed up for Allis' class Taxidermy for Fashion, Art & Design after seeing it on her instagram. I"m a jeweler and didn't quite know how it would apply but felt it was time to expand my knowledge, never even considering Taxidermy. I was blown away from the minute I was into her studio! The atmosphere and presentation of her work makes you feel both curious and relaxed. When she started the class it was again the same feeling. She's able to convey her extensive knowledge in a way that is exciting and not at all as gross as it may seem. And you will find that you really like doing the work, coming out of there with a piece you can be proud of! Take one of Aliis' classes, absolutely. read more

I just took the Birds 101 class and it was hands down the coolest most unique workshop I have EVER done. I have always been drawn to taxidermy because I love animals but had no idea where one would even begin to start looking for quality instruction in this art form. Allis and Madison were both amazing instructors. They were patient, kind, funny and extremely knowledgeable. I've never really liked birds all that much and now I'm pretty much obsessed with them and have already signed up for their next pet bird workshop. After becoming so intimately acquainted with my European Starling I have a new found respect for birds and animals that I can't quite put into words. If you are at all interested in this art form you should definitely take a class here; you won't regret it! read more

I've always had an interest in taxidermy and finally got around to taking the birds 101 class this past weekend. What an AMAZING place! I can't say enough about Allis and everyone she employs at Prey, total professionals. Everyone and I mean everyone was so helpful (Lauren, Madison rocked it). Even though it's in downtown LA it was easy to park right next door. If you've ever wanted to try your hand at this 'ART' do it. Prey is the place! Thank you Allis for a wonderful experience...I'll be back for the bone cleaning class. read more

I've collected taxidermy for a few years! But never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would find a place to take an actual class and make my own stuff and get to take it home with me. Allis is highly trained, after taking my first class you instantly see the levels of care and skill it takes to do good taxidermy. Allis takes great pride in her form of ethical taxidermy and takes a great deal of care with all her students. You will be learning from the best! There are only 2 taxidermists who work in-house at Natural History Museums in the ENTIRE NATION, she still works for one of them! If you've read this much, clearly you're interested... Go do yourself a favor and check it out. I'll probably see you in class ;) read more

I received an awesome baby shower gift which was crafted at Prey Taxidermy. It's a duckling on a hand-painted ship with my daughter's initial! What a unique piece of art that she can cherish for years! Allis is very talented and passionate about her work. I highly recommend! read more

Prey Taxidermy was absolutely a stellar experience. I'm only one class deep in experience, and I couldn't be more excited to add to my resume'. Allis and her assistant Madison were very hands on as instructors that still let you steer your car-doling out a wealth of knowledge whilst creating a relaxed and warm atmosphere conducive to learning. Can not give enough recommends to anyone interested in signing up. read more

I had such a great experience taking Birds 101. This was my first time trying out taxidermy. I learned a lot from Allis and her team and had a lot of fun. I would highly recommend this class to anyone even slightly considering it. read more