There are literally hundreds of memories from our 2024 World Show which makes it extremely difficult to start this review. Friends and colleagues from all over the USA and world were there, and it was great to see each of them. We meet so many new friends that we have communicated with, but never the opportunity to meet in person. It will forever be Kathy’s and my most memorable show. Not only because of this camaraderie or the fact it will be the last show that we produce, but also because it was the best and biggest show in so many ways, and that is saying a lot because there have been a lot of great ones. This show broke all of our previous shows records. This show had 709 entries (the most ever) and they were sensational! We had the largest attendance with 1,816 registrations, 790 attending the Friday night awards presentation, and over 1,600 room-nights filled at our host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Coralville, and three adjacent hotels. As we had hoped and expected, the Hyatt Regency and Conference Center exceeded our expectations and the same can be said for the adjacent hotels and business community. Throughout the show, we were constantly told, “We love this facility, the hotel, and the area!”

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Last issue I took you through one of my processes for making a rock and dirt base for many types of taxidermy projects. This issue I will use that base to create a lifelike taxidermy display. This part of the project often hinges on the details that surround the subject; incorporating artificial grass and lichens can elevate your work to a new level of realism. These elements not only provide a natural backdrop but also enhance the overall aesthetic, making the mounted specimen look more at home in its environment. In this article, we’ll explore the techniques and materials needed to craft convincing artificial grass and lichens, offering step-by-step guidance to help you create a stunning foundation for your taxidermy projects. Whether you are a seasoned taxidermist or just a hobbyist, these tips will help you add that perfect touch of nature to your displays.

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In 2023 and the beginning of 2024, I worked on a model of a unique prehistoric fish, a sabertooth salmon! One thing led to another, and the fish finally ended up at the 2024 World Show in Coralville, Iowa. From there, it’s now going on to the World Museum of Natural History at LaSierra University, Riverside, California USA. This article is the story of how I made the model. I have some applications and techniques for making polyurethane foam fish models that I have not seen anywhere else, and I hope that the description of how I do will be to the benefit of someone. But first, I want to tell a fascinating and rather amusing story of a big misunderstanding.

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Even though it might seem like a tricky field to get into for a freshly graduated high school or college student, the Walter Gropius Berufskolleg in Bochum, Germany, does provide a stable start into the art of taxidermy. We would like to give you a bit of an insight into our school life, especially our progress in learning how to create a taxidermy piece, as well as the acquisition of the non-practical and scientific knowledge needed to do so. Aspiring taxidermists of all skill levels are welcome in this institution, ranging from beginners with absolutely no experience in the craft, to amateurs who may have already been working in this field before, or got their know-how elsewhere.

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It is finally time to mount the timber rattlesnake. The skin has been tanned with a simple tanning solution and was then frozen while the custom form was prepared. With the form ready to mount and the skin ready, I will take you through my mounting procedure. Except for the head which will be attached later in the mounting process, the mannikin is ready for the skin.

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