Craftsmanship is born out of pride, passion, and attention to detail. It is developed and refined over the course of one’s career. A large portion of taxidermists will never become taxidermy artists and even fewer will come to exhibit excellent craftsmanship. I suspect that if you have subscribed to Breakthrough magazine and have taken the time to read this article, that you aspire to do just that. Congratulations on taking the initiative. Craftsmanship takes time, effort, and patience. It requires the utmost knowledge of all aspects of taxidermy. For a skilled craftsman, good enough is never good enough. Most competitors at the higher levels understand anatomy and can recreate it well, but the craftsmanship and overall quality of the mount is the difference maker in the competition arena.

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This story will give you insight into Wes Mote’s quest seeking a World Title for Whitetail Deer Heads. I should note early in this story that Wes captured the Second in World title for whitetail deer head at the 2019 World Show, and because of the pandemic, the next show was three years later in 2022 when he won the title of Best in World Whitetail Deer.  Wes and I had talked after the 2022 show and I asked him to send me his photos he offered as documentation of originality for the judges. After receiving them, I thought, “Wow, this would sure make for a very interesting article in the future!” Well, the future is now here. This interview with Wes was recorded this past May at the National Taxidermists Association convention and competition in Columbia, Missouri. Because Wes had previously won a Best in World with this whitetail, he was eligible to compete at the NTA for the Distinguished Taxidermist of the Year and won that award at the 2024 NTA. He made a few changes with the habitat in the composition of the piece.

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Last October many of you may have learn of the passing of Lannie Ballard, a man of many talents and a long time friend of mine. Lannie lived 84 productive years and even during his final battle with breast cancer (rare for men) and liver cancer, he decided to donate his body to the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in the hope that he could contribute to research of the human body and cancer as well as other diseases. That was Lannie, always doing what he could in helping others at schools, community functions, his church, and the many associations he served.

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For the next couple issues we will bring you some bird reference and information on quail of the Americas with a strong focus on the North American species. According to the Quail Forever website, there are six native species of quail that are found in North America, and all of them benefit from the work of Quail Forever. Although these six species are similar in size, quail species throughout the United States differ greatly in their native habitat conditions.

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Before skinning a snake I find it necessary to measure it, carve a custom form, and mold the head. Keep the snake refrigerated when not needed for any of these processes. Skin and tan/cure the skin as soon as possible and freeze it. When all is prepared and ready and the time is right mount the snake. These are my processes, but there are many ways to mount a snake. You can buy a commercial form, make a death cast mold and cast a body mannikin, carve a form, use a commercial head, or mold the head yourself. You can even make a rubber mold for detailed casting and paint the artificial reproduction. It is your choice, but enjoy the process, and have fun doing it.

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