Location
Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center
2100 Arrowwood Ln
Alexandria, MN 56308
| Thursday, April 9 | |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Backboard and table setup (Volunteers Welcome) Many hands make light work |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Board Meeting - in the showroom |
| 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS All mounts will have a photo taken without the taxidermist prior to being placed in the showroom by the competition committee. |
| 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Seminar #1 - Lexie Neff - Ergonomics for *Every* Body |
| Friday, April 10 | |
| 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | MOUNT REGISTRATION OPENS Competition pieces accepted until noon only. If you can’t make it on time, please call Aaron Reiling at 218-443-1401. |
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Seminar #2 - Brad Domangue - Mounting a Standing Eurasion Wigeon. Tips and tricks to bring your birds to the next level. |
| 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM | New member Meeting Get oriented with the show and find out what the MTG is all about. Get all your questions answered. |
| 11:30 PM - 12:30 PM | Potluck Lunch Grab a bite to eat on us. Potluck items, snacks, and beverages provided in Hospitality room 221. Anyone willing to bring an item to share for the potluck, please contact Aaron Reiling 218-443-1401 |
| 12:00 - 3:00 PM | Supply/Vendor Room Open Located directly below the showroom. Get great deals on products at the show and place a supply order with the vendors with the show discount. |
| 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Seminar #3 - Marty Wiley - Habitat Bases |
| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Seminar #4 - Bill Neuman - "Tuesday Tips Q&A" Bring your questions! |
| 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Competition Area Open To Members Taxidermist choice voting at this time. |
| 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Ladies Wine & Bingo Night Signup at the registration desk for an evening of fun with the ladies. Wine and bingo will be provided as well as noncash prizes for the bingo winners. Held in hospitality suite # 221 |
| 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Ice Breaker Party/Happy Hour Catch up with old and new friends, cash bar provided. |
| 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | AUCTION NIGHT Enjoy a great time helping to support the MTG with a fundraising auction. Items for everyone, not only limited to taxidermy items. We are always in need of auction items, all items donated are greatly appreciated. Cash bar available. |
| 9:30 PM - 12:00 AM | Happy Hour Time for more fellowship and perhaps a few beverages. Will be held in the banquet/Auction room after cash bar closes. |
| Saturday, April 11 | |
| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | NEW - Live Mounting competition. Make sure to register! |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Supply/Vendor Room Open |
| 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | PUBLIC VIEWING/SHOWROOM OPEN Showroom will be open to all members as well as the public. A small fee will be required for all nonmembers. All children 12 and under are free. Ladies Choice and People’s Choice voting done at this time as well. |
| 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM | MOUNT CRITIQUES Signup at the registration desk for your time with the judge to get your critique. |
| 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Seminar #5 - Justin Bach- "Eye Rotation Done Right" |
| 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Children’s Arts & Crafts TBD, signup at registration desk. |
| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | SEMINAR #6 - Tyler Erickson- "The Finer Points of Fish Taxidermy" |
| 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Competition area is closed for ribbon placement. |
| 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Happy Hour Come hang with new and old friends Cash Bar provided. |
| 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Banquet Dinner Prime Rib (pre-buy only) |
| 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Awards Presentation. Dress to impress. No t-shirt or sweatshirts please. Competition room will be open immediately following the awards banquet for ribbon viewing. |
| 9:00 PM - 12:00 AM | SHOWROOM OPEN Ribbon Viewing & Critiques |
| Sunday, April 12 | |
| 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Showroom Open to members and families |
| 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Board Meeting & Elections. General membership meeting and elections. Members please attend. We want your input and votes for new board members and officers. |
| 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Mounts Released following meeting. Thanks for coming! Safe Travels!! |
| Thursday, April 9 | |
|---|---|
| 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Seminar #1 - Lexie Neff - Ergonomics for *Every* Body |
| Friday, April 10 | |
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Seminar #2 - Brad Domangue - Mounting a Standing Eurasion Wigeon - Tips and tricks to bring your birds to the next level. |
| 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Seminar #3 - Marty Wiley - Habitat Bases |
| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Seminar #4 - Bill Neuman - Tuesday Tips Q&A - Bring your questions! |
| Saturday, April 11 | |
| 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Live Mounting Competition - If you're not competing, you are encouraged to come watch the live mounting competition. Please be respectful and just observe. |
| 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM | Seminar #5 - Justin Bach- "Eye Rotation Done Right" |
| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Seminar #6 - Tyler Erickson- "The Finer Points of Fish Taxidermy" |
Bill Neuman is a native MInnesotan and has been involved in taxidermy for 30 years this May. While he started his taxidermy career doing everything, like most he has refined his skills in mammal taxidermy. With many state and national BOC’s. He also now holds 3 world Titles in 3 different categories along with 11 Best of Shows. His love of mammals got him into sculpting. Manikins sculpted by Bill are sold by McKenzie under Neumannikins. His New symmetrically designed ear liners can also be found at McKenzie under NeuLiners. He continues to add new innovative technology and items with McKenzie while working for Judkins Taxidermy in Salt Lake UT as a wholesaler. Join him for a packed full seminar of tips and tricks he has learned and is willing to share with his fellow Minnesotans.
Hi, my name is Brad Domangue and I'm from Puris, MS. I am the owner of Relentless Waterfowl Studio.
Growing up, I always had a love for hunting and fishing. In my late teens, I began Taxidermy as a hobby. I mounted birds of my own and for close friends and family. When the oil field went down again, I was laid off from being a machinist. Machine work was all I knew. While in between jobs, I decided it was time to make a move. I turned my hobby into my career. At the beginning I mounted anything that came through my shop. My goal was to be strictly waterfowl. Although times were not always easy, I am proud to say I have surpassed my goal.
Over the years of my career, I have competed in numerous state Taxidermy shows. It has been a big part of me growing as a taxidermist. I have been judged by and competed against some of the best in the game, many taxidermists that I have looked up to along my career. I am honored to have been asked to be the waterfowl judge for the Minnesota 2026 Taxidermy show. I have been blessed in this profession and look forward to sharing my knowledge with other great taxidermists.
2023 Alabama Masters Waterfowl State Champion
2022 Texas Masters Waterfowl State Champion
My name is Tyler Erickson. I am driven by the desire to produce the most realistic and artistic taxidermy available. I have attended many competitions and seminars in my pursuit to improve. I grew up near Fox Lake, MN. As a young boy, I was introduced to the outdoors by my father and fell in love with God's creation. I landed my first trophy walleye when I was four and still remember trying to reel it in. I am an avid hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman. I have been blessed to win many top awards at the state and world level including World Champion (reproductions) in 2017, North American Champion, and National Champion in 2018. Second in the World (reproductions, 2015), 4 Best of Shows, 2 Wasco Awards, along with multiple state champion titles.
It is a privilege to serve as the White-Tail Deer judge at this year's Minnesota Taxidermy Show. The category is a favorite of mine, and I’m excited to share my expertise with the competitors. For 14 years, I have worked as a taxidermist and have been an active member of the South Dakota Taxidermy Association. I own and operate Bach Taxidermy in Watertown, South Dakota, where I enjoy working on a variety of species brought in by my customers. Their support and trust have allowed me to refine and diversify my skills. My wife and I live with our two young sons on an acreage in rural Florence, South Dakota.
Contestants will have three hours to finish their mounts, late starts will still be judged at the completion of the three hour time alotted. Pieces will be judged from 5+ feet away at the end of the allotted time. No more than 10 minutes to judge each piece. The judge(s) will pick the top three mounts based on level of completion, difficulty, proper anatomy, aesthetics, and grooming.
Prize: 50% of the live mounting competition entry fees will be added to the prize money, along with an additional $300 supplied by the guild. The payout will be 50% for first place, 30% for second place, and 20% for third place. Winners will be announced at the awards banquet.
All competitors must bring a tarp to work on. Participants are responsible for providing the specimen and all tools and supplies. Participants are responsible for ensuring that specimens comply with legal requirements and have all documentation necessary for posession. Participants must opt-in during registration. Participant must complete the preparation work and work during the live mounting competition unassisted. Competitors should remain in the competition area for a photo with their mount.
GAMEHEAD & MAMMAL RULES:
-Contestant will bring all supplies needed (including mounting stand)
-Manikin can be fully prepped with antlers set. Artificial hooves, mouths, earbutts, and noses may be installed and painted in advance.
-Habitat bases may be prepared in advance
-Skin can be fully prepped, washed, and blow dried if desired
-All clay work will be done during competition; IE setting eyes
-Ears, whether glueing liners or bondo, will be done during competition
BIRD RULES:
-Contestant will bring all supplies needed (including mounting stand)
-Feet may be wired, injected, and painted prior to the competition
-Heads may be painted and eyes may be set prior to the competition
-Competitors are strongly encouraged to blow dry their birds prior to the competition
-Neck and wing wiring must occur during the competition
-Habitat bases may be prepared in advance
FISH/REPTILE RULES:
-Contestant will bring all supplies needed (including mounting stand and air compressor)
-Fins, head, and eyes on a replica may be installed in advance
-Please be considerate of the safety of yourself and others when selecting paint methods for replicas. There is not filtration/extra ventillation in the live mounting area.
-Skin mount fish should skinned, fleshed and tanned/preserved in advance.
-Skin mount fish bodies may be carved in advance.
-Habitat bases may be prepared in advance
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 Mammal
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring lifesized mammal in the Jr novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
Best Jr. Novice Fish/Reptile
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring fish or reptile in the Jr novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
Best Jr. Novice Bird
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring bird in the Jr novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
Best Jr. Novice Gamehead
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring gamehead (including whitetails) in the Jr novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
Best Novice Mammal
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring lifesized mammal in the novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
Best Novice Fish/Reptile
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring fish or reptile in the novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
Best Novice Bird
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring bird in the novice division. This entry must score a 90 or higher to qualify.
Best Novice Gamehead
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring gamehead (including whitetails) 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 Game Head
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size small game head in the professional division. This category excludes whitetail and is for game heads coyotes and smaller. 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 Small Waterfowl
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring small waterfowl (mallard and smaller) 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 Turkey
A ribbon presented to the highest scoring turkey in the professional division. Must score a 90 or higher to be eligible. Freeze dried heads are ok but must be painted by competitor.
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 Open-Mouth 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 Professional Closed-Mouth 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 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 Judge’s Choice Best of Show.
State Champion Reproduction Fish
A plaque given to the highest scoring reproduction fish. Fish don’t have to be an original reproduction made by the competitor, although bonus points may be given for original reproductions. Must score a 90 or higher to win state champion. Best of category will be eligible for 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 Game Head
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring shoulder mount, pedestal or one half life-size small game head (coyote and smaller) in the masters division. 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 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 Small Waterfowl
A Plaque presented to the highest scoring small waterfowl (mallard and smaller) 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 Turkey
A plaque awarded to the highest scoring turkey in the master’s division. Entry must score a 90 or higher to be eligible. Freeze dried heads are ok but must be painted by competitor.
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 Open-Mouth 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.
State Champion Closed-Mouth 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.
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 plaque 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.
DNR Choice
Chosen by a local DNR Conservation Officer.
Ladies Choice
A pink and white ribbon will be awarded to the piece voted on by all the female attendees at the show. All entries are eligible.
People’s Choice
A maroon/ white ribbon presented to the entry with the most public votes. Any entry is eligible.
These specialty plaques are fully donated by the company listed.
ALS Awareness Award
The ALS Awareness Award is given out in memory of Jason Hatz to raise awareness about the disease. It is chosen by Jason’s wife Heather and their four kids.
Avian Challenge
Avian challenge species can be found in the newsletter. Any pose you want. Judge picks their favorite one, the winner is not based on score or division. . Winner will pick the bird species for next show. Should be a species that is easily attainable for most.
Best Bear
Best Bear award. Judges Choice best bear. Open to all divisions.
Best Elk
sponsored by the Minnesota Chapters of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Judges Choice Award for best elk. open to all divisions.
Best Gamehead
A plaque presented to the entry with the most taxidermist votes. Any gamehead entry is eligible.
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.
Ichthy Award
The Ichthy Award (For Ichthyology or the study of fish) will celebrate the art of fish taxidermy and the challenges associated with it. For The Ichthy challenge can be found in the newsletter. Judge picks their favorite one, the winner is not based on score or division. The winner will decide what the challenge will be for next year and will be unable to compete for the award the following year.
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.
Kids Choice Award
Given to the piece with the most votes by all the kids attending the show. All pieces are eligible.
People’s Service Award
This plaque is chosen by a government officer to the mount they 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.
Pheasant choice award
Sponsors choice favorite pheasant mount. Open to any division. Winner chosen by Clay County Pheasants Forever.
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.
PRO-1 AWARD (Professional and Masters each get an award)
This is a Judges Choice for the best mount using PRO-1 Hide Paste and/or PRO-1 Tans Opt-in during registration.
Species Challenge
The species challenge can be found in the newsletter. This is a Judges Choice for the best mount entered into the Species Challenge. Judge picks their favorite one, the winner is not based on score or division. The winner will choose the species for the next show and will be unable to compete for the award the following year. Should be a species that is easily attainable for most. Opt-in during registration.
Walnut Creek Hardwood Endearing Award
This award will be chosen by a Walnut Creek Representative (if attending show) or Judges, from a feminine point of view, “What would a woman love to have in her home!” It is open to any division but MUST BE ON A WALNUT CREEK BASE! Winner will also receive a $50 Walnut Creek Hardwood gift card!! Opt-in during registration.
Minnesota School of Taxidermy Award
A plaque given to the mount chosen by the Minnesota School of Taxidermy.
Runner Up Best of Show Award
Donated by Ledford Tannery. This award is presented to the runner up for best in show.
Mammal: Any Fox
Avian: Pintail
Ichthy: Best paired fin pockets on a largemouth bass
