LAST EDITED ON Jan-15-10 AT 08:38AM (MST)[p]Just forwarding on info if anyone is interested.
If any of you guys have dabbled or wanted to try your hand at taxidermy, you ought to go see the seminars. You'll learn more in 3 hours of seminars than you could ever learn in three years trying to teach yourself by book or video. This year they have some of the best of the best mounting a pheasant and deer right there for all to see and ask questions. When I started going to these shows 10 years ago is when my skill and understanding really took off.
I'm not involved with the event organization or even an active memver anymore, I'm just relaying the info because it was such a huge help for me at the time and realtively unknown. Email announcements and details below.
.
.
.
.
Utah Taxidermists Association
Competition Newsletter
January 10, 2010
It seems like just last month we were doing this, and now here we are doing it again! Due to the fact that we changed venues our show has been moved up to February 9th-14th 2010 at the Salt Palace Convention center in downtown Salt Lake City. This year we worked with the folks at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo and they have been generous enough to give us a large space in the expo this year to hold our competition. The lighting will be better making it much nicer to look at and it will also be much safer for the valuable artwork. Security at the show will be very tight and your pieces will closely guarded at night and strictly off limits to grubby little hands during the day. We will also have a big room to hold our seminars in that will be separate from the show. (You need not pay for the expo to get into the seminars) We will also have several venders set up with their wears inside the seminar room, so come out and see what's new. Our awards banquet will be at the Radisson Hotel right next to the Salt Palace. We?re doing the banquet a little different this year to try and fix some of the problems we've had in the past. First, you must sign up and buy your ticket for the banquet no later than 8:00 pm Wednesday night the 10th. The hotel chef needs to know how many people we will have coming and what menu choice you want so he can prepare. If you don't buy a ticket for the banquet and get on the menu list, you WILL NOT get in. Think of it as being run just like a DU banquet. There will be two menu choices and the food will be WAY better than what we've had lately. We will have ALL DAY Tuesday the 9th to set up our competition backdrops and tables. (Volunteers Needed!) Another change we're making this year is there will be no need to pre-register before the show. We will have a very well oiled, well-organized registration table set up ALL DAY on Wednesday the 10th. Competitors can sign up for the competition, pay their membership dues, and buy their banquet tickets all in one place at one time. How nice is that! Anyone with a very big or very heavy piece will be able to drive right into the show on Wednesday morning before noon. After noon it will be foot traffic only with carts available to aid in heavy items.
Judges:
We have a great panel of judges set up this year who will bring a vast variety of know-how and taxidermy Knowledge with them.
I've been trying to hook Mike Orthober to judge our birds and fish for three years now and this year I finally got it done. Mike is from Egg Harbor WI. He has several national and world titles to his name in both birds and fish.
Gary Powell is from Elko NV. He runs a very successful business and is very knowledgeable in the world of big game with one of his specialties being sheep. He will be judging our game heads. Gary is also a great clinician and will no doubt have some great info to share with us.
Judging our life-size mammals will be none other than World Champion Philip Soucy. His expertise on large cats is second to none so mount up your best cat and get ready to learn a ton.
Every year I get calls from folks who have never competed and are a little worried or scared to put their best work forward only to have it get beat up by the judge. These feelings are very normal and I don't think anyone that has competed hasn't done so without a certain level of anxiety. I've even had folks not want to compete for fear that their work will look bad next to someone else?s and it would hurt their business. We all compete for different reasons. Some want to showcase their talent to the public, others might want to see how they stack up against other taxidermists doing similar work, while others yet might just want to come have fun. Whatever the reason, one thing always stands true, Every time we compete, we learn. When you win, you learn about taxidermy and all that goes into making a piece come alive and stand out from the rest. When you lose, you learn about yourself and how your character holds up to criticism. Either way, your attitude will be the deciding factor on weather you walk away with renewed enthusiasm or a bitter heart. We all know someone who wants to compete but is scared to for one reason or another. Try to encourage them to come out and give it a shot. Maybe share your story about your first time with them. By opening our minds to new things and taking helpful criticism from others we can all improve our work, make more money, and help bring taxidermy to the forefront as a recognized and respected art form.
Best Regards, Darin Gardner UTA President
[email protected]
.
.
.
.
Competition Awards
There are three levels or divisions in the competition. Multiple first, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons will be awarded in each division. Competitor chooses which division to compete in.
Novice Division: This division is intended for the beginning taxidermist. It is intended to give the first time competitor a taste of competition without putting to much pressure on the individual. It is the easiest division to win a ribbon in. If you have never competed before it is not necessary for you to enter the novice division. Especially if you are an experienced taxidermist. Once you receive a first place ribbon in this category you will need to compete in the Professional division thereafter. All entries in this division compete for Best of Novice Award.
Professional Division: This division is for experienced taxidermists to compete in. There are multiple categories in this division and the highest scoring blue ribbon mount in each category will receive the Best of Professional Category ribbon.
Masters Division: This division is the toughest to compete in. It is for those who are experienced competitors. Those who have won Best of Professional category ribbons in the past are expected to compete in the Masters division.
There are eight categories in the Masters division. The highest scoring blue ribbon in each category will win the Best of Masters ribbon.
All competitors are eligible to compete for the following awards:
Best Base: Awarded for the best habitat base at the show.
Natural History Award: Awarded to the best portrayal of a natural history subject.
Beast All Around Taxidermist: Awarded to the taxidermist who has the best average combined score of a game head, life-size mammal, bird, and fish/reptile/amphibian.
Competitors Award: Awarded to the taxidermist in who has the highest combined average score on any four pieces in any four categories.
Research Manikins: $50 gift certificates to the four taxidermists with the highest scoring entries in the novice division.
Van Dykes: Most original and creative.
Trufitt Award: Best mule deer on a Trufitt head form.
Polytranspar Award: For the best fish reproduction.
WASCO Award: Chosen by the judges to be the most artistic taxidermy entry of the show.
McKenzie Award: Voted on by the members for distinguished service to the UTA.
McKenzie Taxidermists Choice: Best bird, fish, mammal, and whitetail of the show.
Peoples Choice: Voted on by the viewing public for their favorite piece of the show.
Taxidermists Choice Best Of Show: Voted on by participating taxidermists.
Breakthrough Award: Voted on by all judges as Judges Choice Best of Show
Delta Waterfowl Habitat Award: Chosen by members of Delta Waterfowl to be the best habitat portrayal in a waterfowl setting.
Three Hour Pheasant Challenge: This years three hour challenge will be any Pheasant in any pose.. Each person will need to bring a fleshed, washed, prepped, dried pheasant skin and mount it on the spot in three hours. You may have an artificial head ready and you may use artificial feet if you want. You may also bring pre-made base to place the bird on after mounting. No pre-formed bodies will be allowed You?ll need to carve or wrap one on sight. A small ?milk crate? size box with the appropriate tools needed will be allowed. Do not bring a skin with wet feathers. Unless you get there early and want to dry it before 9:00am. We will not allow blowers to be going during the class. After three hours mounting time will be up and we'll take a lunch break. After lunch the people in attendance and the individual competitors will judge the entries. The piece with the most votes will win a ribbon, and that person will get to choose next years challenge.
Three Hour Mule Deer Challenge: Just like the Pheasant Challenge but with a mule deer head. Bring a mounting stand, a form, the antlers, and a prepped cape with all the stuff you'll need to mount it in a small mobile crate and put it together in three hours. You may have the antlers pre-attached to the form but that's it. Ear liners, eye set, sculpting, form alterations, etc must be done on the spot. So dig one of your customer?s deer out of the freezer and bring it down. We will provide a small compressor and air hose. It will be standing by for those who need it. Should be interesting!
There may be other awards available sponsored by other organizations from our community such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever.
How to get there
The Salt Palace Convention Center will have two entrances. The one you'll come to enter the show and set up is on the west side of the convention center on 100 West between South Temple and 100 South. The public entrance is on the east side of the building.
If you need to book a hotel room please go to the Hunting Expo?s web sight to do so. There are discount rates available by booking on line. www.huntexpo.com
.
.
.
.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday February 9th
8:00 am ? 6:00 pm Competition display area set up and construction. We will need help setting up the backdrop panels; tables and display areas so if you can volunteer your time please call and let me know you can help.
Wednesday February 10th
8:00 am ? 8:00 pm Competition area open to bring in entries. The floor will be open to large trucks until noon for those who might have a very large or very heavy entry. After noon it will be foot traffic only with the use of carts that will be available. As mentioned before, we will have a very well organized speedy registration table set up to aid in making this step effortless and pain free. Just bring your entries and your checkbook. Bring your entries to the loading docks on the west side of the Salt Palace on 100West between South Temple and 100 South. This Is a HUGE show. There will be lots of folks running in and out all day. Plan to spend a little time getting in and out. Once inside just come to the UTA area to register and place your entries. (See attached map) The show floor area will close down right at 8:00 pm and we will be ushered out immediately so please be aware of this when making time to bring in your entries and work on final grooming. There will be no competitors allowed in the competition area on Thursday except UTA officials and the judges. All grooming and final prep MUST be done on Wednesday before 8:00 pm. Wednesday is also the day to set up if you are a vendor in our seminar room. (254B)
Thursday February 11th
8:00 am ? 6:00 pm Judging begins on competition floor. No one accept UTA officials and judges will be allowed in the competition area during the judging. At 10:00 am the floor will be open to the public. We will have UTA officials there on hand to field questions and keep the judges from being bothered.
9:00 am ? 7:00 pm Seminar/Vendor room open. Vendors will be there to show off their taxidermy supplies, fish replicas, tanning, etc.
9:00 am ? 12:00 pm Three-hour Pheasant challenge. This will take place in the seminar room. (254B) Competitors will have three hours to mount a pheasant in any pose they wish using a prepped skin and all the tools they can fit into a milk crate. Anyone can participate and anyone including the public can come watch. This is always a fun event. Don?t be late! The contest will start right at 9:00.
12:00 pm Lunch Break.
1:00 pm Judging of the pheasant challenge. All those who watched and competed will be judging all the finished birds. The person with the winning bird will earn a ribbon and get to choose next years specimen.
2:00 pm ? 5:00 pm Mule Deer mounting seminar in the seminar room (254B) Tracey Jacobsen will be giving a very in depth and comprehensive seminar on mounting this deer species. If any of you know this man you'll know he is a mule deer genius. I think they truly are his specialty. Come, watch, learn.
5:00 pm Happy hour and socializing at Radisson Hotel.
7:00 pm Judges Dinner.
Friday February 12th
8:00 am ? 12:00 pm Judging continued. Only UTA officials and judges allowed in competition area.
9:00 am ? 12:00 pm Mule Deer head Challenge. Just like the three-hour pheasant challenge, but with a mule deer head. Anyone can compete. Bring the antlers, a prepped cape, form, stand, and all the tools you'll need to mount a mule deer and let the hair fly! You can have the antlers pre attached to the form but that's it. Ear liners, eye setting, clay work, sculpting, form alteration, etc will have to be done on the spot. We will provide a compressor with an air hose for use during this contest. Should be super fun to watch!
12:00 pm ? 1:00 pm Lunch break
1:00 pm ? 2:00 pm Judging of the three hour Mule Deer Challenge. Participants and people in attendance will vote on the best head using a score sheet to identify points of interest. The winner will earn a nice ribbon and have the distinct honor of being the best speedy-deer-head-mounter.
1:00 pm ? 2:00 pm Ribbons will be placed on winning entries.
2:00 pm ?5:00 pm Competition area open. Score sheets will be available at the UTA official?s desk inside the competition area. All three Judges will be on hand to give critiques at this time.
Vote on Taxidermist Choice Best of Show!!!
6:00 pm ? 7:00 pm Banquet room open for happy hour and socialization. The awards banquet will be held at the Radisson Hotel right next to the convention center.
7:00 pm ? 10:00 pm Awards banquet and live auction.
Remember, you must make your menu choice and buy your banquet tickets no later than Wednesday the 10th at 8:00pm.
Saturday February 13th
All judges will be on hand throughout the day to give critiques and help answer any questions.
8:00 am UTA membership meeting in room 254B
9:30 am ? 12:00 pm Mike Orthober will give a clinic on mounting a songbird. If any of you have ever tried to mount a really small bird you no doubt know how challenging this can be. Come learn from Mike as he tackles this difficult subject. (Room 254B)
12:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm ? 3:30 pm Philip Soucy will be giving a seminar on mounting a Cougar. Philips knowledge on cats is very deep. Come learn the finer points of mastering this difficult animal with a world champion.
4:00 pm ? 6:30 pm Seminar with Gary Powell. Gary will share his insights and knowledge with us for two and a half hours. Come listen and learn while he shares his vast taxidermy knowledge.
7:00 pm Happy hour and socializing at Radisson Hotel.
Sunday February 14th
Show will be open to the public from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. We will have from 4:00 pm till 10:00 pm to tear down and leave the building. All entries must stay in the competition area until 4:00 pm. Last year we had WAY too many people take their stuff and go home right after the banquet. This WILL NOT happen this year. Part of the agreement with the people running the show is that our display must stay up throughout the entire show. After all, they are GIVING us a $30.000 booth space, the least we can do is keep it full of nice things to look at. If you decide to enter the show, your pieces will be there for the duration of the show. If you're from out of town and have travel issues see me in advance and we'll work it out. Thank you all in advance for your cooperation on this matter.
On behalf of John, Grant and myself we thank you and are looking forward to a fantastic show this year! Hope to see you all there!
Best Regards,
Darin Gardner President UTA 801-xxx-xxxx
Grant Willborn Vice President UTA 801-xxx-xxxx
John Glezos Secretary/treasurer UTA 801-xxx-xxxx
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Competition/Banquet fees
UTA Membership Dues $35.00
Registration Fee (All seminars and 1 entry) $60.00
Registration Fee (No seminars and 1 entry) $40.00
All seminars Only, No Entries $30.00
Additional entries $15.00 ea
Three Hour Pheasant Challenge $10.00
Three Hour Mule Deer Challenge $10.00
Awards Banquet (Per Plate) $22.00
The tentative menu for this years banquet will be either a chicken dish or a salmon dish with all the trimmings and desert. I'll have a complete menu list at the registration table when I get the word from the chef.
If any of you guys have dabbled or wanted to try your hand at taxidermy, you ought to go see the seminars. You'll learn more in 3 hours of seminars than you could ever learn in three years trying to teach yourself by book or video. This year they have some of the best of the best mounting a pheasant and deer right there for all to see and ask questions. When I started going to these shows 10 years ago is when my skill and understanding really took off.
I'm not involved with the event organization or even an active memver anymore, I'm just relaying the info because it was such a huge help for me at the time and realtively unknown. Email announcements and details below.
.
.
.
.
Utah Taxidermists Association
Competition Newsletter
January 10, 2010
It seems like just last month we were doing this, and now here we are doing it again! Due to the fact that we changed venues our show has been moved up to February 9th-14th 2010 at the Salt Palace Convention center in downtown Salt Lake City. This year we worked with the folks at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo and they have been generous enough to give us a large space in the expo this year to hold our competition. The lighting will be better making it much nicer to look at and it will also be much safer for the valuable artwork. Security at the show will be very tight and your pieces will closely guarded at night and strictly off limits to grubby little hands during the day. We will also have a big room to hold our seminars in that will be separate from the show. (You need not pay for the expo to get into the seminars) We will also have several venders set up with their wears inside the seminar room, so come out and see what's new. Our awards banquet will be at the Radisson Hotel right next to the Salt Palace. We?re doing the banquet a little different this year to try and fix some of the problems we've had in the past. First, you must sign up and buy your ticket for the banquet no later than 8:00 pm Wednesday night the 10th. The hotel chef needs to know how many people we will have coming and what menu choice you want so he can prepare. If you don't buy a ticket for the banquet and get on the menu list, you WILL NOT get in. Think of it as being run just like a DU banquet. There will be two menu choices and the food will be WAY better than what we've had lately. We will have ALL DAY Tuesday the 9th to set up our competition backdrops and tables. (Volunteers Needed!) Another change we're making this year is there will be no need to pre-register before the show. We will have a very well oiled, well-organized registration table set up ALL DAY on Wednesday the 10th. Competitors can sign up for the competition, pay their membership dues, and buy their banquet tickets all in one place at one time. How nice is that! Anyone with a very big or very heavy piece will be able to drive right into the show on Wednesday morning before noon. After noon it will be foot traffic only with carts available to aid in heavy items.
Judges:
We have a great panel of judges set up this year who will bring a vast variety of know-how and taxidermy Knowledge with them.
I've been trying to hook Mike Orthober to judge our birds and fish for three years now and this year I finally got it done. Mike is from Egg Harbor WI. He has several national and world titles to his name in both birds and fish.
Gary Powell is from Elko NV. He runs a very successful business and is very knowledgeable in the world of big game with one of his specialties being sheep. He will be judging our game heads. Gary is also a great clinician and will no doubt have some great info to share with us.
Judging our life-size mammals will be none other than World Champion Philip Soucy. His expertise on large cats is second to none so mount up your best cat and get ready to learn a ton.
Every year I get calls from folks who have never competed and are a little worried or scared to put their best work forward only to have it get beat up by the judge. These feelings are very normal and I don't think anyone that has competed hasn't done so without a certain level of anxiety. I've even had folks not want to compete for fear that their work will look bad next to someone else?s and it would hurt their business. We all compete for different reasons. Some want to showcase their talent to the public, others might want to see how they stack up against other taxidermists doing similar work, while others yet might just want to come have fun. Whatever the reason, one thing always stands true, Every time we compete, we learn. When you win, you learn about taxidermy and all that goes into making a piece come alive and stand out from the rest. When you lose, you learn about yourself and how your character holds up to criticism. Either way, your attitude will be the deciding factor on weather you walk away with renewed enthusiasm or a bitter heart. We all know someone who wants to compete but is scared to for one reason or another. Try to encourage them to come out and give it a shot. Maybe share your story about your first time with them. By opening our minds to new things and taking helpful criticism from others we can all improve our work, make more money, and help bring taxidermy to the forefront as a recognized and respected art form.
Best Regards, Darin Gardner UTA President
[email protected]
.
.
.
.
Competition Awards
There are three levels or divisions in the competition. Multiple first, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons will be awarded in each division. Competitor chooses which division to compete in.
Novice Division: This division is intended for the beginning taxidermist. It is intended to give the first time competitor a taste of competition without putting to much pressure on the individual. It is the easiest division to win a ribbon in. If you have never competed before it is not necessary for you to enter the novice division. Especially if you are an experienced taxidermist. Once you receive a first place ribbon in this category you will need to compete in the Professional division thereafter. All entries in this division compete for Best of Novice Award.
Professional Division: This division is for experienced taxidermists to compete in. There are multiple categories in this division and the highest scoring blue ribbon mount in each category will receive the Best of Professional Category ribbon.
Masters Division: This division is the toughest to compete in. It is for those who are experienced competitors. Those who have won Best of Professional category ribbons in the past are expected to compete in the Masters division.
There are eight categories in the Masters division. The highest scoring blue ribbon in each category will win the Best of Masters ribbon.
All competitors are eligible to compete for the following awards:
Best Base: Awarded for the best habitat base at the show.
Natural History Award: Awarded to the best portrayal of a natural history subject.
Beast All Around Taxidermist: Awarded to the taxidermist who has the best average combined score of a game head, life-size mammal, bird, and fish/reptile/amphibian.
Competitors Award: Awarded to the taxidermist in who has the highest combined average score on any four pieces in any four categories.
Research Manikins: $50 gift certificates to the four taxidermists with the highest scoring entries in the novice division.
Van Dykes: Most original and creative.
Trufitt Award: Best mule deer on a Trufitt head form.
Polytranspar Award: For the best fish reproduction.
WASCO Award: Chosen by the judges to be the most artistic taxidermy entry of the show.
McKenzie Award: Voted on by the members for distinguished service to the UTA.
McKenzie Taxidermists Choice: Best bird, fish, mammal, and whitetail of the show.
Peoples Choice: Voted on by the viewing public for their favorite piece of the show.
Taxidermists Choice Best Of Show: Voted on by participating taxidermists.
Breakthrough Award: Voted on by all judges as Judges Choice Best of Show
Delta Waterfowl Habitat Award: Chosen by members of Delta Waterfowl to be the best habitat portrayal in a waterfowl setting.
Three Hour Pheasant Challenge: This years three hour challenge will be any Pheasant in any pose.. Each person will need to bring a fleshed, washed, prepped, dried pheasant skin and mount it on the spot in three hours. You may have an artificial head ready and you may use artificial feet if you want. You may also bring pre-made base to place the bird on after mounting. No pre-formed bodies will be allowed You?ll need to carve or wrap one on sight. A small ?milk crate? size box with the appropriate tools needed will be allowed. Do not bring a skin with wet feathers. Unless you get there early and want to dry it before 9:00am. We will not allow blowers to be going during the class. After three hours mounting time will be up and we'll take a lunch break. After lunch the people in attendance and the individual competitors will judge the entries. The piece with the most votes will win a ribbon, and that person will get to choose next years challenge.
Three Hour Mule Deer Challenge: Just like the Pheasant Challenge but with a mule deer head. Bring a mounting stand, a form, the antlers, and a prepped cape with all the stuff you'll need to mount it in a small mobile crate and put it together in three hours. You may have the antlers pre-attached to the form but that's it. Ear liners, eye set, sculpting, form alterations, etc must be done on the spot. So dig one of your customer?s deer out of the freezer and bring it down. We will provide a small compressor and air hose. It will be standing by for those who need it. Should be interesting!
There may be other awards available sponsored by other organizations from our community such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever.
How to get there
The Salt Palace Convention Center will have two entrances. The one you'll come to enter the show and set up is on the west side of the convention center on 100 West between South Temple and 100 South. The public entrance is on the east side of the building.
If you need to book a hotel room please go to the Hunting Expo?s web sight to do so. There are discount rates available by booking on line. www.huntexpo.com
.
.
.
.
Schedule of Events
Tuesday February 9th
8:00 am ? 6:00 pm Competition display area set up and construction. We will need help setting up the backdrop panels; tables and display areas so if you can volunteer your time please call and let me know you can help.
Wednesday February 10th
8:00 am ? 8:00 pm Competition area open to bring in entries. The floor will be open to large trucks until noon for those who might have a very large or very heavy entry. After noon it will be foot traffic only with the use of carts that will be available. As mentioned before, we will have a very well organized speedy registration table set up to aid in making this step effortless and pain free. Just bring your entries and your checkbook. Bring your entries to the loading docks on the west side of the Salt Palace on 100West between South Temple and 100 South. This Is a HUGE show. There will be lots of folks running in and out all day. Plan to spend a little time getting in and out. Once inside just come to the UTA area to register and place your entries. (See attached map) The show floor area will close down right at 8:00 pm and we will be ushered out immediately so please be aware of this when making time to bring in your entries and work on final grooming. There will be no competitors allowed in the competition area on Thursday except UTA officials and the judges. All grooming and final prep MUST be done on Wednesday before 8:00 pm. Wednesday is also the day to set up if you are a vendor in our seminar room. (254B)
Thursday February 11th
8:00 am ? 6:00 pm Judging begins on competition floor. No one accept UTA officials and judges will be allowed in the competition area during the judging. At 10:00 am the floor will be open to the public. We will have UTA officials there on hand to field questions and keep the judges from being bothered.
9:00 am ? 7:00 pm Seminar/Vendor room open. Vendors will be there to show off their taxidermy supplies, fish replicas, tanning, etc.
9:00 am ? 12:00 pm Three-hour Pheasant challenge. This will take place in the seminar room. (254B) Competitors will have three hours to mount a pheasant in any pose they wish using a prepped skin and all the tools they can fit into a milk crate. Anyone can participate and anyone including the public can come watch. This is always a fun event. Don?t be late! The contest will start right at 9:00.
12:00 pm Lunch Break.
1:00 pm Judging of the pheasant challenge. All those who watched and competed will be judging all the finished birds. The person with the winning bird will earn a ribbon and get to choose next years specimen.
2:00 pm ? 5:00 pm Mule Deer mounting seminar in the seminar room (254B) Tracey Jacobsen will be giving a very in depth and comprehensive seminar on mounting this deer species. If any of you know this man you'll know he is a mule deer genius. I think they truly are his specialty. Come, watch, learn.
5:00 pm Happy hour and socializing at Radisson Hotel.
7:00 pm Judges Dinner.
Friday February 12th
8:00 am ? 12:00 pm Judging continued. Only UTA officials and judges allowed in competition area.
9:00 am ? 12:00 pm Mule Deer head Challenge. Just like the three-hour pheasant challenge, but with a mule deer head. Anyone can compete. Bring the antlers, a prepped cape, form, stand, and all the tools you'll need to mount a mule deer and let the hair fly! You can have the antlers pre attached to the form but that's it. Ear liners, eye setting, clay work, sculpting, form alteration, etc will have to be done on the spot. We will provide a compressor with an air hose for use during this contest. Should be super fun to watch!
12:00 pm ? 1:00 pm Lunch break
1:00 pm ? 2:00 pm Judging of the three hour Mule Deer Challenge. Participants and people in attendance will vote on the best head using a score sheet to identify points of interest. The winner will earn a nice ribbon and have the distinct honor of being the best speedy-deer-head-mounter.
1:00 pm ? 2:00 pm Ribbons will be placed on winning entries.
2:00 pm ?5:00 pm Competition area open. Score sheets will be available at the UTA official?s desk inside the competition area. All three Judges will be on hand to give critiques at this time.
Vote on Taxidermist Choice Best of Show!!!
6:00 pm ? 7:00 pm Banquet room open for happy hour and socialization. The awards banquet will be held at the Radisson Hotel right next to the convention center.
7:00 pm ? 10:00 pm Awards banquet and live auction.
Remember, you must make your menu choice and buy your banquet tickets no later than Wednesday the 10th at 8:00pm.
Saturday February 13th
All judges will be on hand throughout the day to give critiques and help answer any questions.
8:00 am UTA membership meeting in room 254B
9:30 am ? 12:00 pm Mike Orthober will give a clinic on mounting a songbird. If any of you have ever tried to mount a really small bird you no doubt know how challenging this can be. Come learn from Mike as he tackles this difficult subject. (Room 254B)
12:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 pm ? 3:30 pm Philip Soucy will be giving a seminar on mounting a Cougar. Philips knowledge on cats is very deep. Come learn the finer points of mastering this difficult animal with a world champion.
4:00 pm ? 6:30 pm Seminar with Gary Powell. Gary will share his insights and knowledge with us for two and a half hours. Come listen and learn while he shares his vast taxidermy knowledge.
7:00 pm Happy hour and socializing at Radisson Hotel.
Sunday February 14th
Show will be open to the public from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. We will have from 4:00 pm till 10:00 pm to tear down and leave the building. All entries must stay in the competition area until 4:00 pm. Last year we had WAY too many people take their stuff and go home right after the banquet. This WILL NOT happen this year. Part of the agreement with the people running the show is that our display must stay up throughout the entire show. After all, they are GIVING us a $30.000 booth space, the least we can do is keep it full of nice things to look at. If you decide to enter the show, your pieces will be there for the duration of the show. If you're from out of town and have travel issues see me in advance and we'll work it out. Thank you all in advance for your cooperation on this matter.
On behalf of John, Grant and myself we thank you and are looking forward to a fantastic show this year! Hope to see you all there!
Best Regards,
Darin Gardner President UTA 801-xxx-xxxx
Grant Willborn Vice President UTA 801-xxx-xxxx
John Glezos Secretary/treasurer UTA 801-xxx-xxxx
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Competition/Banquet fees
UTA Membership Dues $35.00
Registration Fee (All seminars and 1 entry) $60.00
Registration Fee (No seminars and 1 entry) $40.00
All seminars Only, No Entries $30.00
Additional entries $15.00 ea
Three Hour Pheasant Challenge $10.00
Three Hour Mule Deer Challenge $10.00
Awards Banquet (Per Plate) $22.00
The tentative menu for this years banquet will be either a chicken dish or a salmon dish with all the trimmings and desert. I'll have a complete menu list at the registration table when I get the word from the chef.
