Thursday, April 16 |
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12:00 PM - 3:00 PM |
Backboard Set-up
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3:00 PM - 4:30 PM |
Board Members Meeting
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5:30 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. |
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Seminar #1 -
Whitetails Garrett Sunram
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Friday, April 17 |
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8:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Seminar #2 -
Habitats with Ice & Water Randy Nelson
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8:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS
***COMPETITION PIECES ACCEPTED UNTIL NOON ONLY*** If you cannot meet this 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. |
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM |
Seminar #3 -
Birds Garry Senk
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11:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
Supply area is open
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11:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
New Members Meeting
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1:00 PM - 3:30 PM |
Seminar #4 -
Turkeys Dana Schultz
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3:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
Buy Now Incentive in the Supply Area
Any purchases made during this time will enter you into drawings for prizes to be given away during the live auction! |
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM |
Competition Area is Open
TAXIDERMISTS CHOICE VOTING WILL BE DONE AT THIS TIME ONLY!!! Supply area is closed. Dinner break for Judges and Suppliers. |
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM |
LADIES SOCIAL HOUR!!!
Wine tasting and more! |
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
Supply Area is Open
Happy Hour starts with FREE BEER until its gone, compliments of the MTG. There is also a cash bar available!!! |
7:30 PM - 11:00 PM |
Ice Breaker Party & Live Auction in the Supply Area
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Saturday, April 18 |
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8:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Seminar #5 -
Mammal Shawn Dawson
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9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Supply Area is Open
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10:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
Seminar #6 -
Whitetail Lou Gagliano
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11:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
Supply Area is Closed - Lunch Break
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12:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Mount Critiques! Competition Area is open to the public with a charge of $3.00/person.
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12:30 PM - 2:30 PM |
Seminar #7 -
Fish Jeff Mourning
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12:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
Supply Area is Open
MAKE YOUR FINAL PURCHASES!!! |
2:45 PM - 4:45 PM |
Seminar #8 -
Turn a Shoulder Form into a 1/2 Lifesize Form Scott Clinton
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3:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Supply Area closes for backboard tear-down
Volunteers Please!!! |
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Competition Area is Closed for Ribbon Placements
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6:00 PM - 7:00 PM |
HAPPY HOUR! Cash Bar is Available!!!
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7:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Banquet Dinner
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8:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Awards Presentation!!!
Competition Area will open for ribbon viewing immediately following awards presentation!!! |
Sunday, April 19 |
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Mount Critiques! Competition Area is open to the public!
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11:15 AM - 1:00 PM |
General Membership Meeting & Elections
Everyone is VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED to attend!!! Let us know what you think! |
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM |
Mounts are released following the Membership Meeting
Showroom Tear-down. PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO HELP! Thank you very much for coming to our show and please drive safe! |
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Seminar #9 -
Reptiles & More Dan Hudzik
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Garrett is our current Whitetail State Champion and will be doing a "basics" along with a follow up of last years seminar. This seminar will be geared toward the taxidermists who might be starting out or anyone that just wants a refresher course on the proper techniques to put together a quality customer mount!
Randy is a book of knowledge when it comes to taxidermy related topics. He will be showing us his ways to create realistic looking ice and water scenes that we can all use whether you're a mammal/bird/fish guy!
Garry is our 2015 Bird Judge. He has been a Master taxidermists for many many years and is one of those guys that makes it look "easy". He will be showing us his process for mounting a flying Grouse!
Dana came up from IA last year and gave us a seminar on the starting process and prep work of a life size turkey. This year will be a follow up or Part 2. He will recap a little for those who missed last year and will then show us the skin and wing placement as he mounts an already prepared turkey skin. He has some extra time for this seminar to get things finished so bring your questions!
Shawn is our 2015 Mammal Judge. Don't be scared to cut apart a form! He will take a life size form and show us how to alter it to fit our hides or change the pose to what we need. This will also be a great way to learn how to customize a form to give our customers something different!
Lou is our 2015 Whitetail Judge. He will show us the little more technical or competition side of mounting a Whitetail. He has some great photos that he will go through on a projection screen to explain what needs to be done as he prepares the form, sets eyes, and sets the ears in front of you!
Jeff is our 2015 Fish Judge. His seminar will be about competition tips and techniques. He will take a couple pieces from the showroom and critique them, then go over different designs and the overall presentation of mounts!
Scott has been a professional taxidermist for many many years. He will show us how he can take a standard shoulder form and turn it into a custom 1/2 life size form. This process works for any species of forms, is fast, and very cost efficient!
Dan, or as everyone on taxidermy.net knows him, Psycho, will show us some tips for mounting and casting reptiles/amphibians. Whether you're casting a turtle for competition or mounting a crawfish for an "add-on" to a fish mount, this will be a very informative seminar. Dan is a wealth of knowledge and very good at explaining his info so bring your paper and pencils!
MAMMALS and GAMEHEADS: Shawn is from Great Falls, Montana where he owns and operates Timberland Taxidermy. He practiced taxidermy for many years on a part-time basis, eventually going full-time in 1998. He attended Matuska’s Northwest Iowa School of Taxidermy, and also studied under Joe Meder and Tom Weickum. He competed for many years in the game head and lifesize categories winning numerous ribbons and awards. He earned his Award of Excellence in 2005 and began judging shortly after that. In addition to his commercial taxidermy business, he also teaches one-on-one taxidermy, specializing in game heads and lifesize.
WHITETAILED DEER: Lou lives in Green Lane, Pennsylvania and specializes in Whitetail Deer. He has been a taxidermist for over 30 years Lou has won Best in World in the Pre-Sculptured Division, is a two-time 2nd Best in World, a 2 time National Champion with a Whitetail, and has also won the coveted Grand Masters. He has presented many seminars and authored numerous DVDs available commercially.
FISH: Jeff is from Littleton Colorado. He has won numerous awards including Best of World Coldwater Fish and the Carl E. Akeley Award at the 2009 World Taxidermy Championships. He has judged at numerous shows including the 2013 World Taxidermy Show.
BIRDS: Garry has been a self taught professional taxidermist for more than 38 years. Since l983 Garry has judged and given seminars at many taxidermy competitions in over 26 different states as well as regional, national and world competitions. He won Best of Show at the last two competitions he entered, one with a pair of capercaille grouse from Finland and the last with a trio of white faced whistling ducks that he collected in Zimbabwe.
American Eagle | Deerfield, WI | 608-206-1783 | |
Dan Rineharts Taxidermy Arts Supply Co. | http://www.taxidermyarts.com | Edgerton, WI | 866-296-2782 |
H & H Tannery | http://www.furdressing.com | Reed City, MI | 231-832-7002 |
Jerry's Skull Cleaning | www.wholesaleskullcleaning.com | Kaukauna, WI | 920-687-1597 |
Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company | http://matuskataxidermy.com/ | Milford, IA | 800-488-3256 |
McKenzie Taxidermy Supply | http://www.mckenziesp.com | Salisbury, NC | 800-279-7985 |
Micro-tan | http://www.microtan.com | Blue Mound, IL | 217-692-2792 |
Ohio Taxidermy Supply | http://www.ohiotaxidermysupply.com | Millersburg, OH | 866-267-1212 |
Outlaw Skulls | http://www.outlawskulls.com | Penn Run, PA | 724-388-6302 |
Research Mannikins | www.rmi-online.com | Ava, IL | 618-426-3456 |
Walnut Creek Hardwoods | http://www.walnutcreekhardwood.com | South Beloit, IL | 800-945-9663 |
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 | ||||||
Fish Reproduction | ||||||
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 |
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Reptile |
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Sm Mammal Gamehead | ||||||
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
A plaque presented to the entry with the most taxidermist votes. Any gamehead entry is eligible.
These plaques are donated by Walnut Creek Hardwoods Panel. These plaques are awarded Walnut Creek Panel to the highest scoring entries in each division mounted on a Walnut Creek panel. Opt-in during registration
This plaque is selected by all of the judges from the Professional Best of Category winners.
This year BluffCountry Woodworks will be giving out an award for their favorite mount on their product. If you are interested in using any of their products please visit www.bluffcountrywoodworks.com. 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
Donated by Starfish Reproductions, this plaque is presented to the reproduction/replica fish the judge feels is the best in the competition. This entry does not have to be on a Starfish brand reproduction/replica.
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.
Donated by Taxidermy Today Magazine. This award is presented in honor of excellence in taxidermy portraying nature's beauty.
A $200 & $100 gift certificate donated by Research Manikins presented to the entry the judges feel is the best in the Novice & Jr. Novice division.
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
Selected by the fish judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Pedestal Fish category.
Selected by the mammal judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Game Head category.
Selected by the mammal judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Large Mammal category.
Selected by the bird judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Waterfowl category.
Selected by the mammal judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Small Mammal category.
Selected by the bird judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Waterfowl category.
Selected by the bird judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Upland Bird category.
Selected by the fish judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Pedestal Fish category.
Selected by the whitetail judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Whitetail Deer category.
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: 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 April 10, 2015 and must include full payment
*** NO EXCEPTIONS ***February 1, 2015 - April 10, 2015
Pre-Registration | At Show | |
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Membership | ||
Yearly Membership (If not already a member) | $40 / competitor | $40 / competitor |
Convention | ||
Convention Registration |
$50 / competitor (Online)
or $60 / 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) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Open (Specialty) | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Awards | ||
Award Fees | $10 / entry | $20 / entry |
Banquet | ||
Awards Banquet Ticket - Adult | $30 / 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