Along with WTA's efforts to improve the taxidermy industry, WTA works to inform the sporting public
about what makes up quality taxidermy and what a person wanting a specimen mounted should be looking for. The newest medium for informing is the Internet and, of course, this web site. In addition to this site, members go and speak to classes, organizations, and clubs promoting WTA, taxidermy, conservation and safety in the field.
WTA Booth
Every year, WTA sets up a booth at the Deer and Turkey Show, held at the Alliant Center in Madison, WI. Visitors to the show are invited to come into the booth and talk with WTA members. Several examples of both high quality craftsmanship and poor quality are presented for sport enthusiast, to see and compare. Members are always happy to answer any questions about the organization, taxidermy or to talk about the one that got away. So, if you visit the Deer and Turkey Show in April of 2003, stop at WTA's booth and see first–hand what we mean when we refer to Quality Taxidermy.
There is a difference!
WI DNR REGULATIONS REPORT
The Buying and Selling of
Black Bear Skins
In Wisconsin
By Leonard Gums
In early October, I read with interest a discussion that appeared on the Taxidermy Forums.
I am assuming that this was a Wisconsin taxidermist trying to sell a Wisconsin black bear life-size skin without the skull. Jim Kimball, a Wisconsin Taxidermist Association (WTA) member informed the taxidermist that this was illegal to sell in Wisconsin without the skull attached. I read with interest as other taxidermists, some from Wisconsin, tried to inform Kimball that he was wrong and that this person could legally sell the skin without the skull. Well, Kimball was correct in his assessment and I will explain.
I contacted Tom Van Haren, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Policy Officer. Tom is the person that helps interpret and change game laws in Wisconsin, and has worked with the WTA in the past in changing taxidermy laws. If a warden in your area needs assistance in taxidermy law, Van Haren is the person they should contact.
I want to THANK Van Haren again for assisting with obtaining taxidermy law information for WTA members and explaining them. Van Haren and Ted Demel have been extremely helpful and good to work with over the years.
In the final interpretation of the law:
♦ It is illegal to sell any green or salted skin of a black bear hide without the skull attached.
♦ It is illegal to sell any black bear skull unless attached to a green or salted skin.
♦ It is illegal to sell any teeth, claws or skull unless fully attached to a green or salted skin
♦ It is legal to sell a tanned bear skin without the skull attached.
If any members have any questions pertaining to this article or other taxidermy laws, please contact myself, Len Gums or Mike Morley, WTA Legislative Committee Members.