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Michigan Taxidermist Association Mount Off

Join us for an adrenaline-filled, three and 4 hour competition that will challenge participants' mastery of taxidermy techniques, time management, and creativity! This live event offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the artistry of taxidermy in real-time.

Competition Details:

  • Live Mount Assembly: All mounts will be created on-site during the event.

  • Habitat Presentation: Competitors are encouraged to bring a pre-prepared habitat to showcase their specimens.

  • Display & Judging: After assembly, mounts will be displayed in our showroom for public viewing. Judging will be conducted in a commercial style, with evaluations performed from a six-foot distance.

Judging Criteria:

  • Proper Anatomy

  • Overall Aesthetics

  • Grooming

  • Visual Appeal

Payout Structure:
This is a 100% payout event based on entry fees:

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  • Example Payout: Five participants contribute a $60 entry fee each, for a total pot of $300.

  • 3rd Place: Receives half of an entry fee ($30).

  • 2nd Place: Receives one full entry fee ($60).

  • 1st Place: Take home the remainder of the pot ($210), [ more if there are more than 5 entering.]

Prepare for a dynamic and thrilling showcase of talent—where artistry meets competition.

  1. Time Limit:

  • All mounts must be completed within the allotted competition window. No exceptions.

  1. Stage Requirements:

  • All taxidermy work,  setting eyes,clay work, earliners, etc. must be performed live and on the designated stage during the competition.

Exception: Hides and forms may be prepped and pre-fitted before the event.

  1. Pre-Painted Parts:

  • Competitors are allowed to use pre-painted heads and feet for turkeys, waterfowl, or game birds.

  1. Replacement Parts:

  • Competitors may use replacement noses, jawsets, feet, tails, and other similar parts for mammals.

  • Minimum Competitor Requirement:

  • A minimum of five competitors  in each division is required to hold the event, for each division.

  1. Specimens:

  • Participants are responsible for bringing their own specimen(s).

  • All specimens must comply with legal requirements and ethical standards.

  1. Habitat Displays:

  • Pre-prepared habitats are allowed and encouraged to enhance presentations.

  • Habitats must not include any pre-assembled mounted elements.

  1. Safety Guidelines:

  • All participants must handle tools and materials safely.

      9.  Tools  : 

  • Competitors must bring their own mounting stands, and required tools and supplies

     10. Final Submission:

  • Mounts must be presented for judging at the end of the allotted time. Late entries will not be accepted.

     11. Judging and Decisions:

  • The judges’ evaluations and decisions are final.

By entering, all participants agree to abide by these rules and respect the spirit of the competition.

  • The event will take place on Thursday, April 10th, 2025 in one of our seminar rooms [TBD]

  • Individual competitors will start at 5:30 pm and finish at 9:30 pm, cost for individuals is $60

  • Teams of 2 will start at 6:30 pm and finish at 9:30 pm, cost for teams is $100

  • All participants will have from 9 am to 9:15 am on Friday, April 11, for final grooming, 

  • Judging will begin at 9:30 am Friday, April 11. 

  • Judging this event will be World Champion Owen Eldred

  • Winners will be announced at our Friday night social hour! 

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