2009 Green Bay State Competition The photos from the WTA State Competition are available for viewing. Congratulations to all of the winners. Click Competition Results on the menu.

38th Annual National Taxidermists Association Convention & Competition - July 8 to July 11, 2009 Von Braun Civic Center, Huntsville, Alabama Host Hotel: Huntsville Hilton, 1-800-445-8667 www.nationaltaxidermists.com Greg Crain, 985.641.4NTA   read more...

Wisconsin Taxidermist Annual Rendezvous - August 7 to 9, 2009 Ramada Inn, Stevens Point, Wisconsin www.wtainc.org Dave Blank, 920.696.3382   read more...

32nd Annual Wisconsin Taxidermists Annual Competition Deer Classic - February 26 to 28, 2010 Shopko Hall ▪ Green Bay, WI www.wtainc.org Dave Blank, 920.696.3382   read more...

Help the Wisconsin DNR collect data on the Great Lakes Spotted Muskellunge Download the PDF document by clicking on the 'Read More' link below. Data collected will be contributed to The Cleithrum Project. The Cleithrum Project was established in 1979 as an international repository for biological information on muskellunge and pike. For more information visit the MNR website.   read more...

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DEER CLASSIC by Edna Perkins The Wisconsin Taxidermists Association members have once again created true pieces of art. When I first walked into the Shopko Hall on Thursday, February 26, 2009, I was literally awestruck by some of the beautiful pieces. It is an honor to know and especially be good friends with some of these individuals. On Thursday we received a Green Bay greeting with an amazing snow storm. The storm hit at about 3:00 p.m. and we were wading in knee deep snow by 7:00 p.m. But we are tough Northerners; we grit our teeth against the cold winds and then gather together for some spirits, story telling, and great laughs. The seminars provided are a true benefit of being part of the WTA. New techniques introduced with the Cape Snake. The Hands on Whitetail seminar provided an excellent opportunity for taxidermists to receive one-on-one training. Our gifted judges taught on subjects of their expertise. Jody Green provided Whitetail manikin basics applicable to both the novice and the master. I heard many comments on Clark Schreibeis’ shared wisdom on artistic design and composition. They walked away with a new “insight”. Taxidermists were able to watch a live critique by Cory Caruthers in The Avian Challenge. Bryan Kadrmas had a discussion on mammals. Taxidermy as a business was discussed and DNR compliance information was provided by DNR Warden, Ted Dremel. Taxidermist were not the only ones to have their interests met, ladies and children seminars were shared from art rocks, tie dyed shirts to making jelly. Take advantage of what these masters have to offer. They have been there and made those same mistakes just like you and this group of artists are so willing to share. If you did not participate, you missed a golden nugget of opportunity. The banquet was an entertaining occasion. We honored our best and laughed together. It is always heartening to see families and friends celebrating together. The weekend was full of learning and teaching, working and relaxing, as well as joy and disappointment. However, the experiences and knowledge you collect in your tool belt are priceless.

The two most commonly asked questions of taxidermists are: "How much?" and "How long?" Quality craftsmanship and artistry has an affect on both of these questions. These pages are here to help you recognize what makes a quality mount and to aid in your selection of a taxidermist. Quality taxidermy, whether fur, fish, or fowl, requires both knowledge and time. Kits are available to anyone desiring to mount an animal, just as paint-by-number kits are on the market. The question is, would you rather have a paint-by-number or a Terry Redlin hanging in your home? It is only natural that the knowledge and talent of an individual taxidermist would affect the price of their work. They have worked long and hard to develop their skills. Quality is also a factor affecting how long it takes to have your work completed. Many variables are involved in determining "turn-around" time including, 1) amount of work backlog, 2) whether the taxidermist is full- or part-time, 3) whether there are employees or some of the work is wholesaled out to another taxidermist, and 4) the actual time spent working on your trophy. Remember that really good work takes longer than sloppy work this applies to taxidermy as much as anything else. It takes time to meticulously flesh and properly tan skins. If insufficient time is allowed for drying, finishing and paint work can crack. It takes time to properly detail anatomically correct eyes, nose, and feet and do a great paint job. The old adage, "you get what you pay for" often applies to taxidermy work. The Wisconsin Taxidermists Association strives to educate its members about taxidermy methods by bringing in nationally acclaimed taxidermists to give seminars and judge mounts at our competitions. Ribbons earned at WTA competitions rank highly, as some members have earned Best All-Around Taxidermist, Most Distinguished Taxidermist, and many many other awards in world and national shows. Selecting a WTA member who is attending seminars, currently competing and earning ribbons at shows, will help assure you of getting a quality mount. Don't be afraid to shop around for a good taxidermist. Take some time and visit different taxidermy shops. Ask questions, look around and compare work. The best guides to good work are live animals. Bring photos of live animals and compare them to mounts you are looking at. Quality taxidermy looks good and should last a lifetime when cared for properly. Take the time to invest in a mount which you will find joy in looking at for years to come.