Congratulations to the 2026 Most Artistic Taxidermists! The WASCO Most Artistic Entry Award is presented to the most artistic piece in a taxidermy competition. The winner is chosen collectively by all of the judges from the entire competition. WASCO Award winners receive a polished acrylic award and a gift certificate from WASCO (Wildlife Artist Supply Company). The following taxidermists have been recognized by their peers for their innovation, skill, artistic talent and high quality. Clicking on entries highlighted in blue will display a photograph of the winning entry.

Trapper Miklos, Arlington, South Dakota – Yellow Perch
March 15th, 2026 - South Dakota Taxidermy Association

Dale Manning, Missoula, Montana – Black Scoter
March 28th, 2026 - Montana Taxidermists Association

Doug Brincks, Coucil Bluffs, Iowa – Coyote
March 28th, 2026 - Iowa Taxidermists Association

Andrew Faul, Tappen, North Dakota – Whitetail Deer
April 11th, 2026 - Minnesota Taxidermy Guild

Donny Paul, Cody, Wyoming – Bighorn Sheep
April 17th, 2026 - Wyoming Association of Taxidermy Artists

Steve Kinker, Greensburg, Indiana – Ruffed Grouse
April 17th, 2026 - Association of Indiana Taxidermists

Ryan Cordova - Peralta, New Mexico –
Chris Meadors - Las Cruces, New Mexico – Bighorn Sheep
April 25th, 2026 - New Mexico Taxidermy Association

Robert Schmac, Morrison, Colorado – Chum Salmon
May 29th, 2026 - Colorado Taxidermist Association

Matt Welsh, Arcadia, Kansas – White Crappie Reproduction
June 6th, 2026 - Oklahoma Taxidermists Association

Nathan Mixson, Walterboro, South Carolina – Mandarin Drake
June 6th, 2026 - South Carolina Association of Taxidermists

Ron Hawkins, Blackfoot, Idaho – Hungarian Partridge
June 20th, 2026 - Oregon Taxidermy Association