top of page

Michigan Taxidermist Association Mount Off

Join us for an adrenaline-filled, 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:

  • 3rd Place: Receives an MTA T-shirt.

  • 2nd Place: Receives an MTA Hoodie.

  • 1st Place: Takes home all entry fees that are received by the MTA.

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

  1. Time Limit:

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

  3. Stage Requirements:

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

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

  6. Pre-Painted Parts:

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

  8. Replacement Parts:

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

  10. Specimens:

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

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

  13. Habitat Displays:

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

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

  16. Safety Guidelines:

  17. All participants must handle tools and materials safely.

  18.       8.  Tools  : Competitors must bring their own mounting stands, and required tools and supplies

  19.      9. Final Submission:

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

  21.      10. Judging and Decisions:

  22. The judges’ evaluations and decisions are final.

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

  • Event will take place Friday April 10, 2025 in our main dining area [ bar will be open at 4 ]

  • Individual competitors will start at 3:00 pm and finish at 7:00 pm, cost for individuals is $40

  • Teams of 2 will start at 3:00 pm and finish at 7:00 pm, cost for teams is $80 

  • Judging will begin at 7:15 pm Friday April 10. 

  • Judging this event will be World Champion Mike Doyle.

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

bottom of page