TRADE SHOW SEASON IS HERE!



Why Join Your Local Taxidermy Association?



Joining a taxidermy association, whether you are new to the trade or a seasoned professional, offers numerous benefits to enhance your skills, expand your network, and grow your business. Among the most compelling advantages is the opportunity to participate in trade shows, which are commonly organized by associations. These events provide invaluable experiences for attendees.



• Networking and Community Building
Trade shows serve as a platform to engage with fellow taxidermists, fostering connections and exchanging insights. The opportunity to share experiences, stories, and professional tips can reinvigorate your passion for the craft and provide fresh perspectives to apply in your studio.



• Educational Opportunities
Trade shows typically feature seminars designed to advance your expertise. These sessions showcase the latest techniques and innovations, helping you refine your skills and work more efficiently. By attending, you gain knowledge that can directly enhance the quality of your craft.



• Vendor Interaction and Product Insights
The ability to examine products firsthand and interact with vendors adds a valuable dimension to understanding tools and materials beyond catalog descriptions. Renowned suppliers, such as McKenzie Taxidermy Supply, often provide special show discounts on their products during these events. Building personal relationships with vendors and their teams can also prove beneficial for future collaborations.



• Professional Development Through Competition
Entering a taxidermy piece into a competition allows you to receive constructive feedback from judges, offering insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. This process not only sharpens your craft but also builds your reputation as a skilled professional in the field.



• Commitment to Excellence
By joining a taxidermy association, you gain access to resources and opportunities that contribute to your development as a professional. Enhanced skills and knowledge lead to greater customer satisfaction and a deeper appreciation for your work.



For those who have not yet joined their state or local taxidermy association, membership presents a meaningful opportunity to elevate your craft and establish a stronger presence in the industry. Consider becoming a member today to take advantage of these valuable benefits.

 


Below is the state association contact information and the
2025 taxidermy show dates that we are aware of at this time.


Alabama - June 19-22: Alabama Taxidermists Association Convention & Competition. Lake Guntersville State Park, 1155 Lodge Dr. in Guntersville, Alabama. Contact President Josh Stone at (205) 533-0414. Also contact Secretary Tonya O’Tinger at (217) 440-6294 or avianaddictiontaxidermy@gmail.com


Alaska


Arkansas - July 11-13: Arkansas Taxidermists Association Annual Convention. Holiday Inn Conference Center-Airport, 3201 Bankhead Drive in Little Rock, Arkansas. Contact President Sean Henderson at (591) 605-4187 or Lonewolftaxidermy718@gmail.com


California - May 1-3: California Wildlife Art & Taxidermy Competition Show will be held at the Shasta District Fair & Event Center, Hwy 273 & Briggs Street, Anderson, California. Contact C.A.T. President Kevin Tedder at (530) 227-7060


Colorado - May 29-31: Colorado State Taxidermy Championships. Western Heritage Center, 275 S. Spruce Street, Gunnison, Colorado 81230 (970) 641-8561. For more informion contact association President, Cliff Carney (970) 234-0262


Connecticut - May 31 - June 2: The New England Regional Convention and Competition. Hosted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, in Windsor Locks, CT. For more information contact Wayne Rodd at (413) 562-1993 or cell (413) 896-4661


Delaware - May 31 - June 2: The New England Regional Convention and Competition. Hosted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, in Windsor Locks, CT. For more information contact Wayne Rodd at (413) 562-1993 or cell (413) 896-4661


Florida - February 6-8: Florida Taxidermists Association Annual Convention and Competition. Best Western Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Blvd, Gainesville, Fl 32606. Contact Theresa Durham at (386) 546-7353 ortheresadurhamfsta@yahoo.com


Georgia - February 27 - March 1: The Georgia Taxidermy Association Annual Convention and Competition. SportsTowne Christ Chapel in Macon Georgia. Contact Christie Yawn, GTA Secretary, at gataxidermyassociation@gmail.com


Hawaii


Idaho


Illinois - March 13-16: Illinois Taxidermists Association Annual Convention and Competition. Northfield Inn and Suites in Springfield, Illinois. Contact Ryan Patterson at rlpatterson78@yahoo.com


Indiana - May 30-June 1: 2025 Indiana Taxidermy Championships. Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel, 9625 North Meridian Street in Indianapolis, IN 46290. Contact Aaron Miller AIT President at finalfinishtax@gmail.com or (260) 215-3542


Iowa - March 14-16: Iowa Taxidermy Association Annual Show and Competition. Sheraton West Des Moines Hotel, 1800 50th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Contact Tim Schroeder, ITA President, at (515) 231-7185 or timschro10@gmail.com


Kansas - March 28-30: The 42nd Annual Kansas Association of Taxidermists Convention and Competition. The Double Tree by Hilton in Wichita KS. Contact Wes Becker at (316) 706-7645 or mnwtaxidermy@gmail.com


Kentucky - June 12-15


Louisiana - May 15-18: Louisiana Taxidermists Association Convention and Competition. Randolf River Center in Alexandria, LA. Contact Mike Brignac at (985) 688-1561 or ltapres@yahoo.com


Maine - May 15-17: Maine Association of Taxidermists. Contact Sam Cassida at (207) 975-2257


Maryland - March 6-9 - Maryland Taxidermists Association


Massachusetts - May 31 - June 2: The New England Regional Convention and Competition. Hosted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, in Windsor Locks, CT. For more information contact Wayne Rodd at (413) 562-1993 or cell (413) 896-4661


Michigan - April 10-13: Michigan Taxidermists Association Annual Convention and Competition. Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant,  MI. Contact Marc Skutt at (810) 287-5919  or mwskutt@gmail.com


Minnesota - April 3-6: Minnesota Taxidermy Guild Competition & Convention. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center in Alexandria Minnesota. Contact Aaron Reiling, MTG President, at (218) 443-1401 or wildfurtaxidermy@gmail.com


Mississippi - April 10-12: Mississippi State Taxidermist Association Convention and Competition. Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond, Mississippi . Contact Dan Beasley at (601) 259-7826 


Missouri - July 31 - August 3 - Missouri Taxidermist Association


Montana - March 13-15: Montana Taxidermists Association Convention and Competition. Billings Hotel and Convention Center in Billings, Montana. Contact Rich White at ricwhi@gmail.com


Nebraska - June 12-15


New England - May 30 - June 2: The New England Regional Convention and Competition. Hosted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, in Windsor Locks, CT. For more information contact Wayne Rodd at (413) 562-1993 or cell (413) 896-4661


New Hampshire - May 31 - June 2: The New England Regional Convention and Competition. Hosted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, in Windsor Locks, CT. For more information contact Wayne Rodd at (413) 562-1993 or cell (413) 896-4661


New Jersey


New Mexico


New York - April 3 - 6: The United Taxidermists of New York Annual Show and Convention. Holiday Inn in Auburn, New York. Contact Jerry St.Pierre at (607) 761-9709  or gtstpierre@gmail.com


North Carolina - July 31 - August 2: NC Taxidermists Association Convention. Greensboro-High Point Marriott Airport, 1 Marriott Drive, Greensboro, NC 27409. Contact Ryan Garrison at (910) 723-9029 or ryangarrison1@yahoo.com


North Dakota - March 6-8 - North Dakota Taxidermists Association


NTA - August 14-16: National Taxidermists Association 54th Convention and Competition. Embassy Suites in East Peoria, Illinois. Call Garvice Thomas, President, at (706) 499-7245


Ohio - July 11-13


Oklahoma - June 5-7: Oklahoma Taxidermy Convention and Competition. Reed Center in Moore, OK. Contact Travis Bullen at (580) 747-0096 or tbuller03@gmail.com


Oregon - June 26-28 - Oregon Association of Taxidermists


Pennsylvania - March 19-23: Pennsylvania Taxidermists Association State Taxidermy Show. Kovalchick Center in Indiana, PA. Contact Jens Jorgensen at (724) 699-0187


Rhode Island - May 31 - June 2: The New England Regional Convention and Competition. Hosted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, in Windsor Locks, CT. For more information contact Wayne Rodd at (413) 562-1993 or cell (413) 896-4661


South Carolina - June 26-28: South Carolina Association of Taxidermists. Embassy Suites in North Charleston at the Coliseum, 5055 International Blvd., Charleston, SC


South Dakota - March 13-16: South Dakota Taxidermist Association. Ramkota Motel and Events Center in Watertown, SD. Contact Michyl Cahoy (605) 252-0221 or michyl.cahoy@k12.sd.us


Tennessee - July 31-August 2 - Tennessee Taxidermists Association


Texas - June 25-29: Texas Taxidermists Association Annual Convention and Competition. Killeen Civic Center in Killeen, TX. Contact Keeley Busbee-Smith at (830) 377-1359 or kbusbee-smith@outlook.com


Utah - March 19-22: Utah Taxidermy Association. Golden Spike Arena, 1000 N 1200 W St, Ogden, Utah 84404. Contact Dave Ferguson (801) 791-6617 or infoutahtaxidermyassociation@gmail.com


Vermont - May 30 - June 1: The New England Regional Convention and Competition. Hosted by the New England Association of Taxidermists (NEAT) at the Double Tree Hotel by Hilton, in Windsor Locks, CT. For more information contact Wayne Rodd at (413) 562-1993 or cell (413) 896-4661


Virginia - March 6-8: Virginia Taxidermists Association Annual Convention & Competition. Best Western, 109 Appletree Lane in Waynesboro, VA. Contact President Matt Jones at (804) 445-3832 or Mjones0508@gmail.com


West Virginia - June 13-15: The West Virginia Taxidermists Association Convention and Competition. Days Inn Conference Center in Flatwoods, WV. Contact President Jeremy Simon at (304) 591-5024


Wisconsin - April 3-6: 2025 Wisconsin Taxidermist Association State Championships. Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay, 2040 Airport Drive, Green Bay, WI, 54313. Contact Olivia Herrick (Membership) at (920) 602-7977 or wisconsintaxidermists@gmail.com


Wyoming - May 15-17 - Wyoming Association of Taxidermy Artists


Below is a list of National and International Associations:

National Taxidermists Association (May 2024 - TBA) L'association de Taxidermie du Québec Association of Commercial Taxidermists and Game Skin Tanners
Finnish Taxidermy Association Swedish Taxidermy Association United Taxidermist Association
Eupropean Taxidermy Federation The Taxidermy Association of South Africa French Taxidermists Syndicate
Belgian Association of Taxidermists Canadian Taxidermists Association The UK Guild of Taxidermists
New Zealand Taxidermy Association German Taxidermists Association Italian Taxidermists Association
British Columbia Taxidermy Artistry Association British Historical Taxidermy Society Japan Taxidermy Association
Spanish National Taxidermy Association Taxidermists Association of Switzerland AssociationTaxidermie Du Quebec ATQ

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