top of page

Members of the Michigan Taxidermist Association have access to a variety of valuable educational OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES that enhance their SKILLS & PAYCHECKS!

2024 Michigan Taxidermist Convention/Competition

The general rules and categories for the competition are detailed on pages 15-16 of the pre-registration form

2024 MICHIGAN TAXIDERMIST SEMINAR SCHEDULE

 

THURSDAY APRIL 11TH

 

(SET UP 11:00-12:00)

12:00-LATE Jim Unrath - ducks - hands-on duck mounting

 

FRIDAY APRIL 12TH

 

10:00-12:00 Mike Doyle - Mammal - small mammal feet casting

10:00-12:00 Lexi Vaughn- fish replicas- "where to begin"

 

12:00-2:00 Randy Mitchell- habitat TBD

12:00-2:00 Kevin Smith- Introduction to carcass casting

 

 

2:00-4:00 Heath Cline- mounting a whitetail using OTS products

2:00-4:00 Travis Mcleod- mounting a duck

 

4:00-6:00 Jason Krause- mounting a snake 

4:00-6:00 Paul Cales - Tanning using pro 1 products

4:00-6:00 Owen Eldred- mounting a blesbok


 

SATURDAY APRIL 13TH 

 

8:00-10:00 Mike Dowell - Whitetail - Back to basics

8:00-10:00 Kent Reedy- in-depth waterfowl reference- what judges look for in competition vs. commercial birds. 

8:00-10:00 Dennis Harris - creating "speed" LS mammal alterations


 

10:00-12:00 Steve Lucarelli - Whitetail - ear butts

10:00-12:00 Terry Weick- skin mount fish

10:00-12:00 Steve Deboer- Habitat- Rock and ice. Assemble, design, paint. 

 

12-1:00 pm - Membership-only viewing

12-2:00 pm - Membership Voting

​

1:00 - 3:00 - Public Viewing and still open to membership 

1-2:00 pm - Public Voting

 

 

2:30-4:30 Johnny Risinger - Whitetail - Finish work

2:30-4:30 Charlie Fanta-carving/ wrapping bird bodies

2:30-4:30 George Elekes- canine eyes and nose

 

SUNDAY APRIL 14TH

 

10-11 am -  youth activity- fish coloring 


 

BONUS SEMINAR 

 

VENDOR HOURS ONLY!

 

John and Dawn Connelly with Bears Den Freeze drying will be demonstrating how to mount and paint turkey heads at their booth. 

Judges

  • Johnny Risinger-Whitetails

  • Mike Doyle-Mammals/Game Heads

  • Kent Reedy-Birds

  • Terry Weick-Fish/IRA

  • Randy Mitchell-Habitat

Vendors

  • Mckenzie Taxidermy Supply

  • Ohio Taxidermy Supply

  • Joe Miles/Hilton Eppley

  • Pro-1

  • Tad’s War Birds

  • Precision Tanning

  • Wildlife Gallery Tanning and Woodwork

  • Kurt Ainsworth-Ainsworth Animal Art

  • Huron River Replicas

  • Rug-Be-Bears

  • Bears Den Freeze Dry

  • Gary’s Custom Pedestals

  • Northern Pines

  • Doug Godwin Woodworking

  • Tru Bond

  • Bob Fatheree Stands

  • Anthony Kailing Woodworking

  • Country Road Metal Arts

  • H&H Fur Dressing

Judges Novice/Youth/Commercial

  • Mike Dowell-Whitetails

  • John Hill-Mammals

  • Curtis Cook-Fish

  • Mike Guest-Birds

  • Wildlife Art-Membership Vote

for The 2024 Michigan Taxidermist

Association's Annual Competition and Convention!

The general rules and categories for the competition are detailed on pages 15-16 of the pre-registration form

Check Out This Years Convention Photos!

Congratulations to our Winners!

Taxidermy, like everything else, is an ever evolving industry.

The MTA has been serving the people of Michigan for over 40 years helping to uphold industry standards, providing training and higher learning to members and non members, and dedicating time to local communities through volunteering in the teaching of conservation, hunters safety, other training programs.

IMG_4408.JPG
IMG_5006.JPG

Membership Perks Include:

Educational Opportunities

Advice From The Experts!

Hands-On Training

Thank you for taking the time to visit the home of one of the nation’s largest state taxidermist associations. The Michigan Taxidermist Association is proud of our membership and our efforts within the state of Michigan to promote the art and business of Taxidermy.

The Michigan Taxidermist Association is on YouTube!

The Michigan Taxidermist Association is a 501c non profit organization dedicated to promoting the art of Taxidermy, education of conservation, hunters safety, and assisting youth and veterans with hunting and Taxidermy related activities.

Scrable image showing the word TAXIDERMY.jpeg
bottom of page