After canceling the scheduled 2020 convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NTA came roaring back to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the 50th annual National Taxidermists Association convention, competition, and trade show. The NTA had been at this facility three times before: in 2005, 2011, and 2019, at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. There were 233 competition entries, 110 registrations, 196 banquet attendees, and 27 states represented.

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This is a paint schedule for a flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris) or what some folks call an opelousas or yellow cat.

Like all fish, these catfish vary in coloration from a yellow to brown and almost black at times. They are a fun and profitable fish to do as they cannot be conventionally mounted very well, so a good replica will save you a lot of grief. I learned this technique from my good friend and fellow “fishhead” taxidermist Don Frank. It has come to be known as sponge painting. I apply the basic colors and then add the detailing with a coarse sea sponge. The effect is very accurate and a lot better than trying to do the pattern with an airbrush.

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Taxidermists are a creative lot, and it was only a matter of time before pack mounts gained in popularity and customer appeal. This concept is not new, however, with the explosion in the many facets of social media, taxidermists and their customers are being exposed to the concept of pack mounts on a near daily occurrence. At first glance, some people would say what a waste of a nice cape and antlers just to tie it to an old pack frame for a wall hanging. And yes, a pack mount can be exactly that… or with a little artistic design, combining color and assorted elements of interest, a talented person can turn a somewhat lesser trophy, combined with a collection of related gear, into a captivating story.

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When envisioning a position for your next competition or private collection piece, do you imagine in species or grouping? Perhaps you have a certain skin you wish to use or a scene that comes to mind.

Capturing the essence of the species is paramount, but its essence is so much more than its silhouette. If we captured the basic silhouette, we are halfway there. What about the other half? That other half has much to do with the tendons, ligaments, and muscles being in concert with the skeleton.

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We recently received a black bear mount requiring restoration. This more than 20-year-old mount was the first bear ever taken by this Missouri hunter and holds a special place in his heart. He killed it while bow hunting for elk with his dad. As the living room’s main attraction, this mount has been present for years of family get-togethers and holidays. The bear had accumulated additional injuries over the years, mostly at the hands of four young, rowdy boys. Odds are the youngsters rode on its back from time to time. BBs were also found in the base of the mount. This evidence proved at least some of the damage was a result of multiple living room BB gun ambushes, likely from behind the couch.

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