After canceling the scheduled 2020 convention due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NTA came roaring back to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the 50th annual National Taxidermists Association convention, competition, and trade show. The NTA had been at this facility three times before: in 2005, 2011, and 2019, at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. There were 233 competition...

This is a paint schedule for a flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris) or what some folks call an opelousas or yellow cat. Like all fish, these catfish vary in coloration from a yellow to brown and almost black at times. They are a fun and profitable fish to do as they cannot be conventionally mounted very well, so a good replica will save you a lot of grief. I learned...

Taxidermists are a creative lot, and it was only a matter of time before pack mounts gained in popularity and customer appeal. This concept is not new, however, with the explosion in the many facets of social media, taxidermists and their customers are being exposed to the concept of pack mounts on a near daily occurrence. At first glance, some people would say what a waste...

When envisioning a position for your next competition or private collection piece, do you imagine in species or grouping? Perhaps you have a certain skin you wish to use or a scene that comes to mind. Capturing the essence of the species is paramount, but its essence is so much more than its silhouette. If we captured the basic silhouette, we are halfway there. What...