Minnesota Taxidermy Guild

2016 MN Taxidermy Convention and Competition

Dates
April 14, 2016 - April 17, 2016
Description

Hotel & Banquet Information

Location
Sugar Lake Lodge 218-327-1462
37584 Otis Ln
Cohasset, MN 55721

Event Schedule (Thursday, April 14 - Sunday, April 17)

Thursday, April 14

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Backboard Set Up
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Board Members Meeting
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

Friday, April 15

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"
10:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Seminar #3 - Raising Your Mount to the Next Level w/ Troy Rose
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Supply Area Opens!!!
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
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

Saturday, April 16

8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Seminar #5 - Whitetail Basics/Starting out Right w/ Scott Verhunce
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Supply Area is Open
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
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Supply Area is Closed - Lunch Break
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
4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Showroom Closed for Ribbon Placement
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
HAPPY HOUR! Cash bar is 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 17

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Mount Critiques! Showroom is open to the public.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Seminar #8 - Standing Wood Duck w/ Nate Miller
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!


Seminars

#1 - DNR Q&A, Keeping Records Running Smoothly

Bring any ?'s or concerns that you or your customers might have. What records you need to keep to keep yourself protected!

#2 - Scott Vohnoutka, Body Wrapping small "add ons"

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!

#3 - Raising Your Mount to the Next Level w/ Troy Rose

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!

#4 - Painting a Replica Brook Trout w/ Jeff Mourning

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!

#5 - Whitetail Basics/Starting out Right w/ Scott Verhunce

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!

#6 - Preperation & Painting a Skin Mount Smallmouth w/ Tyler Erickson

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!

#7 - Whitetail Seminar w/ Mark Gonnering

#8 - Standing Wood Duck w/ Nate Miller

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!


Judges

Mark Gonnering

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.

Jeff Mourning

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.

Troy Rose

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.


Suppliers

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

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.

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.


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

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.

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

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 April 9, 2016 and must include full payment

*** NO EXCEPTIONS ***

Pre-Registration Timeframe

February 1, 2016 - April 9, 2016


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) $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.



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