Skulls Unlimited International, Inc., has been the leading provider of osteological material in the United States since 1986, but did you know that we provide custom skull cleaning and mounting services to taxidermists and hunters? Our professional services ensure an attractive and sanitary trophy or display piece for your home or office. If this is the first you’ve heard of us, you may be a little curious about not only what we do, but who we are as a company. 

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The first and most important step in tanning is to start with a hide or skin that has received proper care. A well cared-for hide will later eliminate bacteria growth and/or hair slippage. Proper salting should be done as soon as possible after the hide has been removed from the animal.

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Gene will tell you that with each competition deer you mount, you will learn something new and these experiences will carry forward into all phases of your taxidermy, including commercial work. Gene stresses the importance of knowing and incorporating accurate anatomy, correct sizing, and proper preparation of the skin and form. When the complete process is planned and done right, the mounting procedure will go together like putting on a perfectly fitting glove. Hide paste is an important part of the mounting process because you must have a strong bond of the skin with the form and earliners to prevent drumming. Gene’s choice of hide paste came by accident one day when he was mounting gameheads and realized he was low on hide paste.

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In the USA there are 45 state and regional taxidermy associations, plus the National Taxidermists Association and the United Taxidermists Association. There are many others in Europe, Russia, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, and Central and South America  These associations give members the opportunity to focus on local issues and to connect with regional peers.

International organizations give us the opportunity to meet other taxidermists from around the world and expand our thinking to industry-wide issues. Think they are expensive? In 2015 an average membership cost $46.25. Today, it’s only $46.45, a mere 20-cent increase.

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With 240 competition entries (ALL ARE PICTURED), this was by far the biggest show in the past 12 years for the NTA. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was the location for the 48th annual National Taxidermists Association convention, competition, and trade show. The NTA had been at this facility twice before, in 2005 and 2011. It was a great place to host the 2019 National Taxidermy Championships, and the NTA will be returning to the same facility for the 2020 convention July 23–25. For more information call Dale Manning (president) at (406) 721-1214.

 To subscribe or renew, call 800-783-7266 or order online at www.breakthroughmagazine.com.