Minnesota Taxidermy Guild

2017 MN Taxidermy Guild Convention & Competition

Dates
March 30, 2017 - April 2, 2017
Description
Rochester International Event Center 7333 Airport View Dr SW Rochester, MN 55902

Hotel & Banquet Information

Location
AmericInn Hotel & Suites 507-536-7000
7320 Airport View Dr SW
Rochester, MN 55902

Event Schedule (Thursday, March 30 - Sunday, April 2)

Thursday, March 30

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Backboard Set-up
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Board Member Meeting
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS

All mounts will have a photo taken without the taxidermist prior to being placed in the competition area. PHOTOS WILL STOP AT 8:30 PM.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Seminar #1 - Fish Seminar w/ Marty Wiley

Friday, March 31

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 taxidermist prior to being placed in the completion area.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Seminar #2 - Rock Panel Habitats w/ Olaus Lyons
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Supply Area is Open
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
New Member Meeting
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Seminar #3 - Pedestal Set-up w/ Kyle Lakey
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Seminar #4 - Fish Casting w/ Tom Matuska
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Competition Area is Open

TAXIDERMISTS CHOICE VOTING WILL BE DONE AT THIS TIME ONLY!!! Supply are is closed. Dinner break for our judges and suppliers.

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
LADIES SOCIAL HOUR!!!
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Ice Breaker Party & Auction

Supply area is Open Happy Hour starts with FREE BEER until its gone, compliments of the MTG! There is also a cash bar available!

Saturday, April 1

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Supply Area is Open
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Seminar #5 - Whitetails w/ Mark Gonnering
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Seminar #6 - Bear Eye & Ear Setting w/ Brenda Duvall & Jim Kimball
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mount Critiques! Competition Area is Open to the Public with Purchase of a $5 Raffle ticket!
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Supply Area Closed for Lunch Break
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Supply Area is Open!

MAKE YOUR FINAL PURCHASES!!!

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Supply Area Closed for Backboard Teardown
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Competition Area Closed for Ribbon Placements
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Happy Hour!! FREE BEER and Cash Bar Available!
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Banquet Dinner
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Awards Presentation!!!

Competition Area will open for ribbon viewing immediately following Awards Presentation!!!

Sunday, April 2

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Seminar #7 - Birds w/ Brad Graber
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mount Critiques! Competition Area is open to public
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
General Membership Meeting & Elections

Everyone is VERY MUCH ENCOURAGED to attend!!! Let us know what you think!

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Mounts are released following the membership meeting

Showroom tear-down. PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO HELP!!! Thank you very much for coming to the show and please drive safe!!!


Seminars

#1 - Fish Seminar w/ Marty Wiley

Marty will be covering a variety of fish mounting topics such as body carving, skinning and prep work before painting! This is not a Masters Competition seminar but if you are starting out with fish or have even been doing commercial fish for years, you will surely come away with some new ideas and tips!

#2 - Rock Panel Habitats w/ Olaus Lyons

Olaus is spending some time away from the Mckenzie Booth to show us how to work with and use their Rock Panel Habitats. Getting started can be a little tricky but once you get comfortable using the Rock Panels they can be a big time and money saver for all kinds of different mount habitats!

#3 - Pedestal Set-up w/ Kyle Lakey

Kyle is showing us how he does the planning and set-up for a pedestal mount! Sturdy construction and proper weight balance are just as important as the overall look and presentation of the mount! Kyle makes it look easy so bring your notepad to keep track of the steps!

#4 - Fish Casting w/ Tom Matuska

Tom is very well known to most of us in the taxidermy industry. He will show us his process of molding and casting the body and fins of a panfish. There are different products and techniques that produce a really nice cast for him so bring your ?'s and come see what Tom can do!!!

#5 - Whitetails w/ Mark Gonnering

Mark is back as our Whitetail Judge and will going through a power point presentation explaining how to get our Whitetails correct to get us to that blue ribbon! Bring your ?'s for Mark and listen to the details!!

#6 - Bear Eye & Ear Setting w/ Brenda Duvall & Jim Kimball

Everyone is welcome to this seminar but the first 15 people that register with Garret Sunram (218-849-6677) will go home with a change out bear head that they set the eyes and ears on! Brenda and Jim will go through the step by step process to get the right look and shape of the eyes and ears! Thank You Mckenzie for donating the materials!!

#7 - Birds w/ Brad Graber

Brad will be mounting a "dead hanging" duck. This is a little different than the normal duck poses that you're starting to see a lot more of from what your customers want. Get the right look and balance for your bird and bring your questions!


Judges

Brenda Duvall

MAMMALS---Brenda also works with Jim Kimball in their studio in Wisconsin We both have the same belief with taxidermy, that in order to have consistent results with the final product you most first have an understanding of anatomy and movement in the particular bird or mammal you are working on. This will only happen if you take the time to educate yourselves thru reference books, watching live animals in their natural habitat, and most importantly from competing and learning from others. So whether you’re a Beginner or a Master you should be competing to learn, not win. Brenda has taken to heart the meaning of giving back to the industry. She maintained a board seat for 8 years and then served as the vice president of the Wisconsin Taxidermy Assoc. She served on the NTA board of directors for two consecutive terms, 6 years. She then went on to serving on the UTA Board of directors for many years, serving as secretary, then vice-chairman then 3 years as the Chairman of the UTA. Collectively as competitors we have been blessed to win many major awards. Between the two of us we have Four Best of Shows, Four WASCO’s, numerous Best of Category's, Carl Ackley Award, NTA National and North American Championships, World Show 1st. Place Competitor Award, 3rd in the World Waterfowl, Breakthrough Award, and the list goes on.

Mark Gonnering

DEER--Mark Gonnering is on his second year coming 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.

Jim Kimball

BIRDS--Brenda DuVall and Jim Kimball here. We have decided to do something different here and write our bio’s as one. The two of us have very similar begins with taxidermy. I was introduced to it by a High School Biology teacher and Brenda by a friend at the same time, some 30 plus years ago. At present time we work together in our full time studio located in Medford, Wisconsin. Taxidermy is pretty much a seven day a week job that we both love and wouldn’t trade any of it for all the riches in the World. We both have the same belief with taxidermy, that in order to have consistent results with the final product you most first have an understanding of anatomy and movement in the particular bird or mammal you are working on. This will only happen if you take the time to educate yourselves thru reference books, watching live animals in their natural habitat, and most importantly from competing and learning from others. So whether you’re a Beginner or a Master you should be competing to learn, not win. Collectively as competitors we have been blessed to win many major awards. Between the two of us we have Four Best of Shows, Four WASCO’s, numerous Best of Category's, Carl Ackley Award, NTA National and North American Championships, World Show 1st. Place Competitor Award, 3rd in the World Waterfowl, Breakthrough Award, and the list goes on.

Tom Matuska

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.


Suppliers

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
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
Wolf River Tannery http://www.wolfrivertannery.com Shiocton, WI 920-986-3898

Competition Information

Categories & Divisions

MastersProfessionalNoviceJr NoviceCommercialOpen
Arts, Crafts and Antler reproduction
Fish Reproduction
Lg Mammal Gameheads
Lg Mammals
Lg Waterfowl
One Sided Fish
Pedistal Fish
Reproductions Misc
Reptile
Sm Mammal Gamehead
Sm Mammals
Sm Waterfowl
Turkey
Upland Birds
Whitetail Deer Head

Division Definitions

*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.

Competition Rules

  1. All participants of the competition and seminar attendees must be MTG members.
  2. All entries must be completed by competitor unassisted.
  3. No freeze-dried entries (exceptions: turkey heads, antlers in velvet).
  4. Ribbons will be awarded as follows: 1st Place: 90-100 2nd Place: 80-89 3rd Place: 70-79
  5. Any mount entered cannot have been in previous MTG competitions.
  6. All necessary permits must accompany protected species.
  7. Distasteful entries will not be allowed. Competition committee’s decision will be final.
  8. Mounts must be completed at time of entry. This means completely dry.
  9. All glass cases must be removed prior to judging.
  10. The young of a species will not be judged as a mature adult but by size. Coyote or smaller will be small mammal. Larger than coyote will be large mammal. If there is a question on size it will be at the MTG board member’s discretion.
  11. One-sided fish entries must be finished on both sides of head and tail juncture.
  12. Reference material may be submitted with any entry to substantiate pose, color, etc.
  13. Taxidermists 18 years of age or older may not be included in a family membership.
  14. Only Judges, Competition Committee, and designated personnel will be allowed in competition area during judging.
  15. If you have a piece with more than one specimen and would like to have all of the specimens judged, you must pay an entry fee for each specimen.
  16. Extra points may be awarded for half life-size mounts.
  17. An entry must receive a 90 or higher in order to win a Best of Category or State Champion.
  18. Judges Choice Best of Show will be chosen from Masters State Champion category winners.
  19. The judge’s decision on each entry is final. Any concerns regarding judging should be brought to the attention of the Competition Committee. Discourteous behavior towards judges or committee members will not be tolerated. Anyone breaking this rule will not be allowed to participate in next year’s competition.
  20. Taxidermist’s Choice award will be given to entry with the most votes from all attending registered taxidermists.
  21. Best All Around Taxidermist entries must be entered in the Masters Division. You must enter one mount in each of the following categories: Mammal, Whitetail Deer, Bird, and Fish. If more than 4 pieces are entered in the competition, you must designate which four mounts will be entered in this category prior to the start of the competition. You must have the highest combined score to win. If less than two people are competing for this award, a combined score of 350 or higher is required to win.
  22. All mounts are entered at owner’s risk. Every precaution will be made to secure the entries. The MTG will not assume responsibility for loss due to damage, theft, fire, and/or natural causes.
  23. There will be no early release of mounts. Special permission will be granted by Competition Committee in emergency situations.
  24. Anyone found in violation of these rules will be subject to loss of any and all awards.
  25. There will be no refund of registration, entry fees, or memberships.
  26. Collective Artist Division: This is an open division where two or more members can work on the same or multiple entries. Each specimen on the piece will receive a score. This is its own category and entries are not eligible for Best of Show or any other awards (with the exception of: Taxidermist Choice, People’s Choice, Mayor’s Choice or Celebrity’s Choice.) The judge’s decision will be final.
  27. Reference material (i.e. pictures or molds) must accompany mount for reproduction category if the competitor reproduced the entry themselves. For judges review only.
  28. Competitors Award: Taxidermist must compete with 4 pieces from any category, in any combination (ex: 3 fish & 1 deer or 2 mammals & 2 birds, and so on). If more than 4 pieces entered in the competition, competitor must designate which 4 entries will be qualifying for this award prior to start of competition. You must have the highest combined score to win. If less than two people are competing for this award, a combined score of 350 or higher is required to win.

Competition Awards


Best of Category Ribbons

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.


Best Jr. Novice

A ribbon presented to the piece the judges feel is the best in the Jr. Novice division.

Best Novice

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.

Best Professional Large Mammal

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.

Best Professional Large Waterfowl

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.

Best Professional Lg Game Head

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.

Best Professional One-Sided Fish

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.

Best Professional Pedestal Fish

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.

Best Professional Reptile

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.

Best Professional Small Mammal

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.

Best Professional Upland Game

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.

Best Professional Whitetail

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.

Best Reproduction Fish

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.

State Champion Large Mammal

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.

State Champion Large Waterfowl

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.

State Champion Lg Game Head

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.

State Champion Pedestal Fish

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.

State Champion Reptile

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.

State Champion Small Mammal

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.

State Champion Upland Game Bird

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.

State Champion Whitetail

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


Specialty Ribbons


Arts & Crafts

A ribbon presented to the entry with the most taxidermists votes. Opt-in during registration

Best Collective Artist

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

Best Habitat & Diorama

A green/white ribbon presented to the entry the judges feel is the best habitat and diorama.

Best Out of State Entry

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

Celebrity’s Choice

An orange/white ribbon presented to the entry that is picked out by a local celebrity. Any entry is eligible.

DNR Choice

Chosen by a local DNR Conservation Officer

People's Choice

A maroon/ white ribbon presented to the entry with the most public votes. Any entry is eligible.


Specialty Plaques

These specialty plaques are fully donated by the company listed.


ALS Awareness Award

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.

Best Gamehead

A plaque presented to the entry with the most taxidermist votes. Any gamehead entry is eligible.

Best Mount on a Walnut Creek Panel

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

Best Professional Entry

This plaque is selected by all of the judges from the Professional Best of Category winners.

Commercial Division

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

Judge's Choice Best of Show

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.

Mayor's Choice

This plaque is presented to the piece the Mayor of the host city feels is best. Any entry is eligible.

McKenzie Distinguished Service Award

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.

Polytranspar Award

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

PRO-1 AWARD

This is a Judges Choice for the best mount using PRO-1 Hide Paste and/or PRO-1 Tans Opt-in during registration

Species Challenge

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

Starfish Award

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.

Terry Apel Bear Award

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.

Walnut Creek Hardwood Endearing Award

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

Wolf River Tannery Choice Award

Favorite mount chosen by Wolf River Tannery

Woodie Award

Donated by Taxidermy Today Magazine. This award is presented in honor of excellence in taxidermy portraying nature's beauty.


Cash Prizes


Research Award

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.


"Best Of" Plaques


Artisan Award

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

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

Best Cold Water Fish

Selected by the fish judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Pedestal Fish category.

Best Game Head

Selected by the mammal judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Game Head category.

Best Large Mammal

Selected by the mammal judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Large Mammal category.

Best Large Waterfowl

Selected by the bird judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Waterfowl category.

Best Small Mammal

Selected by the mammal judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Small Mammal category.

Best Small Waterfowl

Selected by the bird judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Waterfowl category.

Best Upland Game Bird

Selected by the bird judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Upland Bird category.

Best Warm Water Fish

Selected by the fish judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Pedestal Fish category.

Best Whitetail Deer

Selected by the whitetail judge from the 2 Best of Category winners (professional & masters) in the Whitetail Deer category.

Competitors Award (Masters & Professional)

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

McKenize's Taxidermist Choice Award: Bird

Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: bird

McKenize's Taxidermist Choice Award: Fish/reptile

Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: fish/reptile

McKenize's Taxidermist Choice Award: Lifesize mammal

Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: lifesized mammal,

McKenzie'S Taxidermist Choice Award: Whitetail

Donated by McKenzie Taxidermy Supply. Trophies are presented to the taxidermists with the most votes in the following categories: whitetail

Most Original & Creative

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.

WASCO Award

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


Registration Information

All pre-registation & entries must be postmarked by March 24, 2017 and must include full payment

*** NO EXCEPTIONS ***

Pre-Registration Timeframe

February 8, 2017 - March 24, 2017


Fees

Pre-Registration At Show
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) $5 / entry $10 / 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