Thursday, March 22 |
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12:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Backboard Setup (volunteers welcome)
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3:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Board Member Meeting
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5:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS
All mounts will have a photo taken without the taxidermists prior to being placed in the competition area. |
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM |
Seminar #1 -
Birds w/ Lance Johnson
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Friday, March 23 |
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8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS
***COMPETITION PIECES ACCEPTED UNTIL NOON ONLY*** If you cannot meet the deadline contact Adam Zwick at 320-333-2886. All mounts will have a photo taken without the taxidermists prior to being placed in the competition area. |
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Seminar #2 -
Mammals w/ Jim Benson
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11:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Supply area is Open!
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11:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
Welcome to the Convention!
We'll talk about a few new things happening throughout the weekend and answer any ?'s you have! |
11:05 AM - 11:20 AM |
Pre show Meeting for questions about the changes to registration and competition format
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11:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
Hospitality Room is open for a quick lunch!
Get a quick bite to eat Compliments of the MTG |
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Seminar #3 -
Troy Rose
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3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Seminar #4 -
Fish w/ Tom Matuska
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5:00 PM - 6:30 PM |
Competition Area is Open!
TAXIDERMISTS CHOICE VOTING WILL BE DONE AT THIS TIME ONLY!!! Supply Area is closed. Hospitality Room will also be open for a quick bite before the Auction. |
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM |
LADIES SOCIAL!!!
For this year the ladies social will be painting and decorating wine bottles put on by Art Bar 39 a local business in Alexandria, MN. Cost of the wine bottle painting is $15/participant and includes painting decorating of two wine bottles that you will get to take home. Ladies if you are interested in attending this please consider preregistering for in by contacting Annie or Mark Mayer at mm_taxidermy08@yahoo.com put ladies social preregister in subject. This will help us get and idea of numbers. Payment for ladies social can be made at registration desk on either Thursday or Friday (until noon!!) |
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM |
Ice Breaker Party & Auction
Happy Hour Starts with a Cash Bar with the Auction to follow about 7:30. The Hospitality Room will open following the auction!! |
Saturday, March 24 |
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9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Seminar #5 -
Reproductions w/Tyler Erickson
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Supply Area is Open
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10:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
Seminar #6 -
Kids Seminar w/ April Sunram
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11:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
Hospitality Room is open for a quick lunch!
Get a quick bite to eat compliments of the MTG |
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Seminar #7 -
Cindi Christman
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12:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Mount Critiques! Competition Area is Open!
Competition Room is open to the public for $5.00/person. Kids 5 & under are free. |
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM |
Supply Area is Closed for Lunch Break
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1:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Supply Area is Open
Thank the Vendors for coming and make your final purchases! |
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Seminar #8 -
Hands on Whitetails w/ Brian Epply
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4:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Competition Area Closed for Ribbon Placement
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
Happy Hour!!
Happy Hour Begins! Cash Bar! |
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Banquet Dinner
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8:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Awards Presentation!!!
Competition Room will open immediately following for ribbon viewing after Awards Presentation! |
Sunday, March 25 |
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9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Seminar #9 -
Ice, Water, & Splashes w/ Scott Vohnoutka
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Mount Critiques! Competition Area is Open!
Competition Room is open to the public for $5.00/person, kids 5 & under are free |
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
General Membership Meeting & Elections
Everyone please give your input on voting matters and let us know what you think!! |
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM |
Mounts are released following the membership meeting!
Please help with the showroom tear down!! Thank You very much for coming to the show and drive safe!!! |
Lance is going over how to read bird reference and competition techniques for upland birds! He will wire a plucked bird which then shows the skin alignment and feather tracks when put in different positions. This will be a neat one!!
Jim will be going over the "How to's" of form alterations and techniques for mammals. He will also be sharing different attachment systems he uses in the shop.
Troy will be covering "Habitat that works" the do's and don'ts of making your habitat excellent. He will also be covering a variety of new applications for foam. Troy has a tremendous eye for art and nature. you wont want to miss this one.
Tom will be providing cast fish heads for a hands on seminar. He will be covering anatomy, and how to rebuild shrunken areas. Participants will be able to bring their fish head home with them. Bring hand tools!
Tyler is going to show us everything he's learned about the easiest ways to attach the head/gills/fins, fix and blend seams, and any other prep work before painting! Tyler knows his fish and reproductions so bring your ?'s!
April will be instructing the children as they paint half fish blanks. The kids will have a variety of mediums to choose from to be as creative as they like. We ask that children under age 5 be accompanied by a guardian.
Cindi will be handing out her own reference sheets for correct eye and ear placements. She will be covering all of the important points of mammal anatomy. Don't miss this one!
Brian will be providing change out deer heads for a hands on eye setting seminar. He will be covering all the points you need to have an anatomically accurate deer head. Participants will be able to take their change out head home with them. Bring your hand tools for this seminar.
Scott will show us some pretty neat and easy ways to make different types of realistic looking water slashes and ice! He'll also finish off a small habitat that could be used for a variety of your customer mounts!!
FISH- Tom Matuska began his taxidermy career in his parents’ home in 1973. With a love of nature and a fascination with the art of taxidermy, the Matuska Taxidermy Studio soon became a reality. It has operated in a fulltime capacity since that time. With a desire to share his love of the craft, Tom and wife, Vicki, founded the Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy in 1984. They have been training students from across America and around the globe ever since. The Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company was soon to follow developing new and innovative products for the ever-changing taxidermy profession. Throughout the years Tom has competed in many State, National and World events, earning an extensive collection of first place and specialty awards in various categories. His name is well known throughout the taxidermy community. Although well rounded in all facets of the industry, Tom’s main love is fish taxidermy. He works extensively with both skin mounts and reproductions. He feels that fish work requires the artist to be proficient in anatomy, sculpting, painting, composition and the list goes on and on. You can’t hide things on a fish and hope for the best, your work is out in the open for everyone to see.
Birds: Troy has been instructing students in the art of taxidermy for the last 17 years and has practiced taxidermy for over 30 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Management from Utah State University. He has been competing professionally in State and National taxidermy competitions since 1995. Since that time he has won numerous awards in all categories of competition. You can view a list of his accomplishments on his website www.artisticschooloftaxidermy.com in the "About Your Instructor" section.He looks forward to judging our show and meeting new friends.
H & H Tannery | http://www.furdressing.com | Reed City, MI | 231-832-7002 |
Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company | http://matuskataxidermy.com/ | Milford, IA | 800-488-3256 |
McKenzie Taxidermy Supply | http://www.mckenziesp.com | Salisbury, NC | 800-279-7985 |
NorthernPinesRugging | http://www.northernpineswholesalerugs.com/ | Howard City, MI | 231-937-4696 |
Ohio Taxidermy Supply | http://www.ohiotaxidermysupply.com | Millersburg, OH | 866-267-1212 |
Specialty Wood Products | http://www.swoodproducts.net | Elkhorn, WI | 262-203-2602 |
Wildlife Gallery Tannery | http://www.thewildlifegallery.com | Mt Pleasant, MI | 989-772-4100 |
Masters | Professional | Novice | Jr Novice | Commercial | Open | |
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Arts, Crafts and Antler reproduction |
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Fish Reproduction |
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Lg Mammal Gameheads |
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Lg Mammals |
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Lg Waterfowl |
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One Sided Fish |
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Pedistal Fish |
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Reproductions Misc | ||||||
Reptile |
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Sm Mammal Gamehead |
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Sm Mammals |
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Sm Waterfowl |
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Turkey | ||||||
Upland Birds |
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Whitetail Deer Head |
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*Anyone who has won two Professional Best of Categories MUST move to the Masters division in that category.
Masters | For the Advanced taxidermist. Highest level of excellence expected. This category is for the taxidermist who wishes to compete at the most technically correct, artistically oriented and creative level. A very technical critique will be given. |
Professional | For the Professional, commercial taxidermist. Mounts entered in this division should be technically correct, mechanically sound and exhibit the craftsmanship of a professional taxidermist. A very detailed critique will be given. |
Novice | For the beginning taxidermist. Entries in this division should be for those starting out or for someone venturing into a new category. The emphasis will be on learning and improvement. A very basic critique will be given. |
Jr Novice | For the beginning taxidermist (same as Novice) except this division is for 17 and under. A very BASIC critique will be given. |
Commercial | This division will generally be your "customer" mounts. Entries will be judged from 10ft and no touching or flashlights can be used from the Judge. A score and a few comments will be given on score sheet, no critiques will be given in this category. There is a $5.00 entry fee for this Division that you need to add to your Registration. |
Open | The category for the open division is the Collective Artist. The Open division is a combination of Jr. Novice, Novice, Professional, and Masters. Due to lack of participation this division will be judged according to what is entered. |
The Best of Category Ribbons are three-colored ribbons. The yellow represents third place and the red represents second place. The blue in the middle represents our highest achievement of a first place.
A ribbon presented to the piece the judges feel is the best in the Jr. Novice division.
A ribbon presented to the piece the judges feel is the best in the Novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring large mammal in the professional division. This category is for life size larger than coyotes. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring large waterfowl (larger then a mallard) in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size Large game head in the professional division. This category is for all game heads larger than coyotes and excludes whitetail. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Best of Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring one-sided skin mount fish in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring pedestal mount fish in the professional division. The entry must be a skin mount. Artificial head and fins ok. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring reptile in the professional division. The entry can be a skin mount or a reproduction(original cast or purchased). This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size small game head in the professional division. This category excludes whitetail and is for game heads coyotes and smaller. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Best of Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring small mammal in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. Coyote or smaller. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring small waterfowl (mallard and smaller) in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring upland game bird in the professional division. All birds that are not waterfowl will enter into the upland category, including turkeys. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size whitetail deer. A ribbon presented to the in the professional division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Best Professional Entry.
A ribbon is presented to the highest scoring reproduction fish purchased or original cast and paint. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring large mammal in the masters division. Any mammal larger than a coyote. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring large waterfowl (larger then a mallard)) in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size large game head in the master's division. All mammals larger than a coyote. This category excludes whitetail. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring pedestal fish in the masters division.This entry must be be skin mount. Artificial head and fins ok. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring reptile in the masters division.This entry can be either a skin mount or an original cast by the competitor. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size small game head (coyote and smaller) in the masters division. This category excludes whitetail. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring small mammal in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring small waterfowl (mallard and smaller) in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring upland game bird in the master's division. All birds that aren't waterfowl will enter into the upland category including turkeys. This Upland Game Bird entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judge's Choice Best of Show.
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal, or 1/2 life-size whitetail deer in the masters division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify. The winner of this will be eligible for Judges Choice Best of Show
A ribbon presented to the entry with the most taxidermists votes. Opt-in during registration
This category will have a single first, second and third place ribbon. The pieces in this category will be judged as in the masters division. Opt-in during registration
A green/white ribbon presented to the entry the judges feel is the best habitat and diorama.
A black/orange ribbon presented to the highest scoring out of state piece. No Minnesota taxidermists are eligible for this ribbon. Opt-in during registration
An orange/white ribbon presented to the entry that is picked out by a local celebrity. Any entry is eligible.
Chosen by a local DNR Conservation Officer
A maroon/ white ribbon presented to the entry with the most public votes. Any entry is eligible.
These specialty plaques are fully donated by the company listed.
The ALS Awareness Award is given out in memory of Jason Hatz to raise awareness about the disease. It is chosen by Jason's wife Heather and their four kids.
A plaque presented to the entry with the most taxidermist votes. Any gamehead entry is eligible.
This plaque is selected by all of the judges from the Professional Best of Category winners.
A Plaque will be given to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd highest scoring entries among all the entries in the Commercial Division. There is a $5.00 entry fee for this Division that you need to add to your Registration. Opt-in during registration
This prestigious award, along with a 6 month subscription to Breakthrough donated by Breakthrough Magazine. The Judge's Choice Best of Show will be selected by all judges, by mutual agreement, from all the State Champion category winners from the competition.
This plaque is presented to the piece the Mayor of the host city feels is best. Any entry is eligible.
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply, also is awarded $100 gift certificate to McKenzie. This prestigious award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions towards professionalism, education, and the advancement in the art of taxidermy.
Donated by WASCO, this plaque is presented to the highest scoring fish (skin mount or reproduction/replica) in the competition painted with Polytranspar paints. Although painting can be achieved with powders and scale-tipping waxes, the usage needs to be at least 80% or more using Polytranspar paints. Opt-in during registration
This is a Judges Choice for the best mount using PRO-1 Hide Paste and/or PRO-1 Tans Opt-in during registration
This is a Judges Choice for the best mount entered into the Species Challenge. The 2023 species challenge is any Sunfish. Opt-in during registration Opt-in during registration
Named after an MTG member who passed away in 2003, Terry was well known for his love of bears. This award is dedicated to him and in recognition of outstanding achievement in bear taxidermy. Any species of bear may qualify for this award. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify and is chosen between the highest scoring bear in professional and masters division, at the mammal judge’s discretion.
This is a special award chosen by the USSA family! Any entry is eligible!
This award will be chosen by a Walnut Creek Representative (if attending show) or Judges, from a feminine point of view, "What would a women love to have in her home!" It is open to any division but MUST BE ON A WALNUT CREEK BASE! Winner will also receive a $50 Walnut Creek Hardwood gift card!! Opt-in during registration
Donated by Taxidermy Today Magazine. This award is presented in honor of excellence in taxidermy portraying nature's beauty.
Voted on by the competitors. Any piece in the show is eligible and the entry with the most votes wins. This award is donated by the United Taxidermists Association (UTA) an educational based organization.
Best-All-Around Taxidermist—An accumulation of points will be given for the highest ribbon of each: bird, fish or reptile, life-size mammal and gamehead entered in Professional or Masters Division. Each mount must be declared at the time of registration. Points will be awarded as follows: three (3) points for 1st place, two (2) points for 2nd place, one (1) point for 3rd place. one (1) bonus point will be awarded for each mount entered in the Masters Division and one (1) bonus point for each mount winning Best of Category or State Championship. In case of a tie, the judges will determine the winner. Minimum of 12 points. Opt-in during registration
A trophy presented to the taxidermist with the highest combined score of 4 entries from any category. (ex: 2 fish & 2 birds or 3 whitetails & 1 mammal). These trophies are sponsored by Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company. Opt-in during registration
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: bird
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: fish/reptile
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: lifesized mammal,
Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: whitetail
This trophy is donated by Van Dykes Supply. Chosen by a Van Dyke’s representative, if present at show. Otherwise, it will be chosen by the combined judges.
The WASCO Most Artistic Entry Award is presented to the most artistic piece in the competition. The winner is chosen collectively by all of the judges from all entries in the competition. The winner of this coveted award will receive a polished acrylic award. In order to allow the most taxidermists to compete for this award, a winning state entry shall not be allowed to win a second WASCO Award at another state competition. However, a winning state entry will be eligible to win a second WASCO Award at a regional or national competition
All pre-registation & entries must be postmarked by March 12, 2018 and must include full payment
*** NO EXCEPTIONS ***January 30, 2018 - March 12, 2018
Pre-Registration | At Show | |
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Membership | ||
Yearly Membership (If not already a member) | $65 / competitor | $65 / competitor |
Convention | ||
Convention Registration
Note: 4 Regular Division Entries included free with Convention Registration |
$45 / competitor (Online)
or $45 / competitor (Mail-In) |
$75 / competitor |
Divisions | ||
Masters (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Professional (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Novice (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Jr Novice (Regular) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Commercial (Specialty) | $5 / entry | $10 / entry |
Open (Specialty) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Awards | ||
Award Fees | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Banquet | ||
Awards Banquet Ticket - Adult | $35 / adult | n/a |
Awards Banquet Ticket - Children (4-12) | $15 / child | n/a |
No banquet tickets available at the door - they must be pre-registered for. Children under 4 eat free.
© Minnesota Taxidermy Guild 2023