Thursday, April 14 |
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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 taxidermist prior to being placed in the showroom! |
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Seminar #1 -
DNR Q&A, Keeping Records Running Smoothly
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Friday, April 15 |
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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 mount will have a photo taken without the taxidermist prior to being placed in the showroom! |
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM |
Seminar #2 -
Scott Vohnoutka, Body Wrapping small "add ons"
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10:15 AM - 12:15 PM |
Seminar #3 -
Raising Your Mount to the Next Level w/ Troy Rose
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11:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
Supply Area Opens!!!
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11:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
New Members Meeting
This is to answer any ?'s you might have and to explain a little about the Show! |
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM |
Seminar #4 -
Painting a Replica Brook Trout w/ Jeff Mourning
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4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Buy Now Incentive in 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 suppliers and judges. |
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM |
Ladies Social Hour!!!
Wine Tasting and more! |
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
Supply Area is Open
Happy Hour starts with FREE BEER till its gone, compliments of the MTG! There is also a cash bar available!!! |
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
Ice Breaker Party & Live Auction
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Saturday, April 16 |
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8:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Seminar #5 -
Whitetail Basics/Starting out Right w/ Scott Verhunce
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Supply Area is Open
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12:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
Mount Critiques!
Competition Area is open to the public for a charge of $3.00/person |
12:00 PM - 2:30 PM |
Seminar #6 -
Preperation & Painting a Skin Mount Smallmouth w/ Tyler Erickson
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12:00 PM - 1:30 PM |
Supply Area is Closed - Lunch Break
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1:30 PM - 3:00 PM |
Supply Area is Open
Make your final purchases!!! |
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM |
Seminar #7 -
Whitetail Seminar w/ Mark Gonnering
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4:00 PM - 10:00 PM |
Showroom Closed for Ribbon Placement
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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 17 |
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9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Mount Critiques! Showroom is open to the public.
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9:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
Seminar #8 -
Standing Wood Duck w/ Nate Miller
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11:15 AM - 12:30 PM |
Membership Meeting
Everyone is VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED to attend!!! Let us know what you think! |
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM |
Mounts are released following Membership Meeting
Showroom Tear-Down. PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO HELP!!! Thank you very much for coming to our show and drive safe! |
Bring any ?'s or concerns that you or your customers might have. What records you need to keep to keep yourself protected!
Along with being a great taxidermist, Scott is one of the nicest and friendliest members in the MTG! He has a very cheap, reasonably fast way of body wrapping small mammals to be "add ons" for customer's mounts. With his process you can add a squirrel to the mouth a customer's bobcat mount or a weasel under the foot of a fox mount! These can be very profitable "add ons" and really make the mount stand out to the customer and their friends!
Our bird and mammal judge Troy, will go over and compare some of the things to get to the next level. This seminar will be for all categories, sharing some of the problem areas and tips to make your overall mount stand out!
Our fish judge Jeff, is not a shy guy! Along with a few stories, he will share his process of applying paints and how to achieve the shades/colors you want! Jeff is donating the finished mount to the Live Auction Friday night!
Scott is a very talented taxidermist that has won many awards with his deer over the years! This will be geared a little more towards the basics to make sure the little things are done right to achieve a very nice looking finished deer!
Tyler has taken a few Best of Shows with his fish. Smallmouth (along with bluegill) skin mounts are notorious for drying really dark. Tyler will show his process of preparing the fish for paint and painting to get a lighter, more realistic looking fish!
Nate is a great taxidermist who has taken home a couple of our Best of Shows the last few years! He makes it look easy but will share his techniques while mounting a standing bird!
Deer: Mark Gonnering is returning to our state show this year to judge whitetail category. Some of Mark’s biggest accomplishments other than Best of Shows at the state levels include: 2-time National Champion; North American Champion on both open and closed-mouth Whitetail in 2010; and 3rd Best in the World Whitetail at the 2011 World Taxidermy Competition. At the NTA convention he received North American Champion open-mouth, the Joseph Bruchac Memorial Award and Taxidermist of the year.
FISH: Jeff is returning again this year to judge our 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 and Mammals: 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.
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 |
McKenzie Taxidermy Supply | http://www.mckenziesp.com | Salisbury, NC | 800-279-7985 |
Midwest Fur Dressing | http://www.midwestfur.com/ | Rice, MN | 320-393-7000 |
NorthernPinesRugging | http://www.northernpineswholesalerugs.com/ | Howard City, MI | 231-937-4696 |
Ohio Taxidermy Supply | http://www.ohiotaxidermysupply.com | Millersburg, OH | 866-267-1212 |
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 |
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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.
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 entered into the Species Challenge. The 2023 species challenge is any Sunfish. Opt-in during registration 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 9, 2016 and must include full payment
*** NO EXCEPTIONS ***February 1, 2016 - April 9, 2016
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 $50 / 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 | $10 / 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