Breakthrough Magazine | Taxidermy's Leading Magazine

Latest Issue

20
Sep
2024

Mounting a Rattlesnake, Part 4

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. To...

Quail Reference Pat 2

In Part 2 of a four-part series on quail I will provide information and photo reference on the Northern bobwhite quail. Last issue in Part 1 I gave a brief review of the 9 species of “New World Quail” found in North, Central, and South America. Like all species of animals, there are some recognized subspecies of each and there is debate that some species should...

September 20, 2024 0 Comments

Making and Installing Artificial Hooves for Competition Work and High-End Commercial Work

I have been in many trophy rooms over the years and have seen many distorted hooves on ungulates. Those of you who have worked on ungulates know the frustrations and challenges to get the hooves cleaned out properly. If you have done your fair share of these, I’m sure you have noticed from time to time the pinkish and raw looking flesh you remove from the interior of...

June 13, 2024 0 Comments

Sticks and Stones Part 1: A Rock and Dirt Base

There was a saying I often heard as a child, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” I don’t know about that, but I do know those sticks and stones can make or break a good mount. In this article I will go over some techniques for making realistic habitat parts such as rocks, grass, lichens, and dirt. At the risk of sounding...

June 13, 2024 0 Comments

2024 National Champions: NTA 53rd Convention and Competition

2024 National Champions: NTA 53rd Convention and Competition May 2–4, 2024 Holiday Inn Convention Center Columbia, Missouri National Championships Division National Championships Division Birds Gold Ben LeNoble Quail Waterfowl Gold Paul Burczycki Canada Goose Turkeys Gold Jeremiah Brinson Eastern...

June 13, 2024 0 Comments

Part 4, Competition Fish Taxidermy

Craftsmanship is born out of pride, passion, and attention to detail. It is developed and refined over the course of one’s career. A large portion of taxidermists will never become taxidermy artists and even fewer will come to exhibit excellent craftsmanship. I suspect that if you have...

June 13, 2024 0 Comments

Wes Mote’s Quest for Gold

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...

June 13, 2024 0 Comments

Obituary for Lannie Ballard

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...

Quail Reference Study

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...

Part 3 Rattlesnake: Carving a Mannikin

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...

RSS

Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next Last

Theme picker

Taxidermy Positioning System Products

Winter 2025 Issue 156

Breakthrough Magazine is a taxidermy trade journal, featuring technique articles, wildlife reference, and related wildlife art subjects, such as fish carving. Our taxidermy magazine offers taxidermists access to wildlife reference books, video tapes, and information to learn taxidermy.

Back Issue Index Issues 1-156 (Click below to download)

(Click above to visit website)

Click here for 2024 World Show Brochure