Members of the Michigan Taxidermist Association have access to a variety of valuable educational OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES that enhance their skills and their PAYCHECKS!
Taxidermy, like everything else, is an ever evolving industry.
The MTA has been serving the people of Michigan for over 40 years helping to uphold industry standards, providing training and higher learning to members and non members, and dedicating time to local communities through volunteering in the teaching of conservation, hunters safety, other training programs.
Michigan Taxidermist Association Competition & Convention
Join Us For The Michigan Taxidermist Association Competition & Convention on April 13th- April 16th of 2023
Please, Print & Fill Out The Competition Packet for 2023
Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan
The Michigan Taxidermist Association Annual Competition & Convention
APRIL 13th-16th 2023
6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd
Mt. Pleasant, MI
AT SOARING EAGLE CASINO AND RESORT!
SHOW REGISTRANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO ENTER A MOUNT IN THE COMPETITION; HOWEVER, YOU MUST BE REGISTERED OR PURCHASE A DAY PASS TO ATTEND SEMINARS
YOUR MTA MEMBERSHIP GETS YOU INTO THE SHOW FOR BROWSING MOUNTS AND SUPPLIERS ONLY ALL ATTENDEES MUST CHECK IN AT THE REGISTRATION DESK.
PRE-REGISTRATION IS HIGHLY APPRECIATED AND ENCOURAGED!
BANQUET TICKETS MUST BE PRE PURCHASED
NEW MOUNT CHECK IN & REGISTRATION TIMES!!
Here is a video from our 2019 MTA Competition at Devos
The MTA competition reflects the beauty of nature and the exceptional talents of our members. Members may enter taxidermy, wildlife art and or fish carving. Each piece is judged by a master in their given field. Multiple ribbons are given in each division.
Members may enter their birds, reptiles, fish, mammals or game heads in the following divisions:
Youth - Young and upcoming Taxidermist ages 18 and under
Novice- For the newer Taxidermist to get a feel for the taxidermy competition. Commercial- judged for aesthetics, not mechanics.
Professional- The Professional Division is for the Taxidermist advancing in their art.
Accrues AOE points
Masters- The Masters Division is to show your skills above the Professional Division.
You will be competing against the best of the best. Accrues AOE points. Masters of Masters (AOE Required)- This division is the most prestigious one in the M.T.A. It is mandatory that all body work, bird bill casts and parts be done by the participant. Nothing should be bought except eyes.
See competition rules for more information
*NEW Starting in 2021*
Open- We have reorganized and created the new open division along with some new categories
Mounts may be entered in Open Division Categories that do not adhere to other “division categories/rules”. Categories now in the open division: Habitat, Manikin, Skeletal Articulations, Collective Artists, Freeze Dry, Interpretive, Recreation and Interactive Group.
In addition to ribbons there is a long list of awards presented that provide trophies, plaques and or monetary prizes!
Photography of your mounts is included in your show registration fees for 2023
2023 MTA Seminar Schedule List
This is our current list of vendors that are attending our show in April. Almost at our Goal of 65 Tables!
- Kurt Ainsworth
- Rug-be-Bears
- Mckenzie
- K and K Tannery
- Precision Tanning Co.
- H and H Fur Dressing
- Commemorative Bucks
- Huron River Replicas
- Tads Taxidermy
- Back 40 Taxidermy Tannery
- Wildlife Gallery
- Country Roads Metal Arts
- Innovative Polymers
- Wildside Outdoors
- Hilton Eppley Supply
- Scenes-N-Nature
- Steamboat Sharpeners
- Fatheree Stands
- Bears Den Freeze Drying
- Michigan Mounts
- O.T.S
- Klei
- Northern Pines
- Buck Jaw Blades
- Ingles Woodworking
- Ryan's Outdoor Media
- Skullworks
- Wolverine Fur Dressing
- Trubond
2022 BEST OF SHOW
DESERT BIG HORN SHEEP BY OWEN ELDRED
The Michigan Taxidermist Association is on YouTube!
The Michigan Taxidermist Association is a 501c non profit organization dedicated to promoting the art of Taxidermy, education of conservation, hunters safety, and assisting youth and veterans with hunting and Taxidermy related activities.
