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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WE ARE EXTREMELY HAPPY and beholden to announce that FSI, a major vendor of polyurethane foam to the taxidermy industry, has come forward as the title sponsor of the 2024 World Taxidermy & Fish Carving Championships®. Of course polyurethane foam is the principal component of the forms we mount on, use for alterations, building habitats, and numerous other projects we encounter in taxidermy. I would hate to think where we would be without ridged foam. Since the late 1950s and early 1960s when urethane foam was first introduced to the taxidermy shops and supply companies, the product itself has evolved and improved for our use. Much of this evolution was because of new government regulations by the EPA, but most recently it’s because of improvements for use in specific industries like taxidermy, providing a better product for taxidermists and taxidermy supply companies. Improved products and strong interest from the taxidermy supply industry was FSI’s major reason for making a substantial donation to the WTC, taxidermy’s largest gathering, competition, and trade show. It’s their way of continuing and developing  relations with both taxidermy suppliers and taxidermists using a high-performance product. They feel the FSI foam is a superior product to any other offered, being specifically formulated for the taxidermy industry by their chemists.

FSI started as a humble at-home operation in 1968, just like many of our taxidermy studios. From their home in Creve Coeur, Missouri, David Keske and his wife Karen launched FSI in 1972. FSI is now a major supplier of polyurethane systems, but what sets FSI apart is their unrivaled technical support. I visited their main office in St. Charles, Missouri, in February and was very impressed by their management staff, facility, and of utmost importance, their polyurethane foam product for taxidermy.

They will have a very visible presence at the 2024 World Shows and you will be able to meet their sales staff and see and learn more about their products. Their space will be available to visit throughout the show located in the main walkway leading to the trade show, competition, and registration. Visit their website for more information about FSI - https://fsi.co •

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