"A few years ago I started to experiment with static fibers, and I applied them in different ways with an applicator to enhance taxidermy habitats and take them to the next level. I was amazed at the realistic look this added to my habitats and started to educate myself more about the product and its uses. While experimenting, I heard of a new and improved static applicator called a Static King. In many ways, this product is what helped me reach that next level I was aiming for. I contacted Woodland, the company that produces and sells these applicators as well as other products for hobbyists. They didn’t even realize their product had potential in such a market as the taxidermy industry and were very intrigued by the news.

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"In this third part of the whitetail mounting series with Gene Smith, he will finalize his procedure for preparing the skin and form before applying the cape in the final mounting procedure. Gene, like any experienced professional taxidermist, will tell you that if the skin is properly prepared and sized for the form, the final mounting process will go together with no problems. Having witnessed and filmed this entire procedure, I can tell you it did just that."

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Award Winners and All Fish Carving Entries from the 2019 World Fish Carving Championships.

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"For some period of time I had been saving a large, thick rectangular piece of mahogany for a special carving. After finding my new lease on life after a lengthy bout with my health, and a new strong desire to rejuvenate my love for art, it was time to carve again. After choosing the section of mahogany I felt would work best, I begin to plot out my carving. Although I am doing a three-dimensional carving I’ve chosen to redo in wood one of my paintings, so my composition was already worked out. My biggest obstacle now would be perspective to have the viewers so engaged that their minds can become fixated enough to change their visual perception, and so I began."

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I first met Gene Smith when he was 17 years old. He had entered a whitetail in the Novice Division of the 1987 World Taxidermy Championships®. I had the pleasure of judging that deer and awarding him with a first-place ribbon. It was easy to see that young man had talent, but I had no idea he also had the desire and drive that I would see in the years ahead. He won his first World Title 8 years later in 1995 at age 25.

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