RE: Taxidermy classes in Illinois
If you have zero experience and want to learn the basics in a classroom versus a video, then you would have to look at attending a mulitple week/month class. I don't there are any in Illinois, but Wisconsin and Iowa have a couple.
My advice would be to learn the basics through taxidermy videos and books. Mount a few deer on your own. Get your hands on as much taxidermy material as possible. Then when ready to take your skills to the next level, seek a one on one training. I would contact Todd Smith in Pike County, IL. His work is top notch and is a wonderful trainer. I'm not sure if he is offering lessons anymore or not, but it would be worth a call. I know during deer season through spring his is busy putting in 70 hours/week mounting deer...because we all know how the deer are in Pike County. His name is Todd Smith, and is business name is Smith Taxidermy. He is located in Pittsfield, IL.