Michigan Taxidermists that Want More Business

[Kerby Ross]

Well, there is a taxidermist (Dan Lee) down the road from me who does not compete, probably charges more for taxidermy than anyone in the nation.  In the mid 1990's he was at $900 or so on deer shoulder mounts.  I don't know what he charges now.  The first time I met him in 1990 he had a mentor that he was studying under, someone you might be familar with....Henry Inchumuk.  So Dan Lee doesn't compete, but he is in an elite group.  In the mid 1970's Harold Cyphers from Junction City, KS was a good all-around taxidermist but was way ahead of his time in fish taxidermy......in fact he did a lot of Jim Hall's fish.  Harold might have competed once, and I talked to him last year and he is getting on in age and hasn't done taxidermy in quite some time.

There are "some" taxidermists that don't compete that are better than those that are winning the big awards............but generally speaking taxidermy associations are the best way to improve your taxidermy skills and for the majority of taxidermists that don't participate in taxidermy associations are being left behind in their quality of work.  Just an opinion of course........



Kerby...

[Trophy Specialist]

I never said that we have the best taxidermist in the world I said some of the BEST whitetail Taxidermists in world Apparently you have never talked to one if you did you would know what the MTA has to offer you. Their is not one person in the MTA that I know of that would tell you no if you asked for help or had a question. We keep our members posted on new laws that come in affect for the taxidermy industry

And Mr T is one of the nicest person's I know you would be lucky to call him a friend as I do. And a good Taxidermist  and in fact the same goes for Mike, Doug and Rick
But you dont know them so don't judge until you do

And I was lucky to meet Micheal P very nice guy

They may be genuinely nice people, but when they come on here and start throwing insults at people, it doesn't come off that nice to me.  This thread was about me passing off some of my excess business to people that are open to helping me with my charter business.  There are some members on here that value some additional business enough to take advantage, so mission accomplished.       

[Wildside]

As a proud member of the MTA, I find it hard to believe when people say they don't have time for our association.  When you can learn to improve your quality so you can charge more.  When you can learn how to improve your productivity and get more work done.  When you can learn new business techniques to save time and money.  When you can buy products at a discount and save money.  

So, who doesn't have time to improve their business, get paid more and take less time to get their work done?

As for competing, we have many members that do not compete.  In fact, some do not even do taxidermy.

Also to hear someone bash the MTA when they admit they have never been involved.  Those on here you are speaking of are not representing the MTA when they make comments, so please don't make their personal comments and feelings out that way.  They are not saying all of the Michigan Charter Boat Association members are a certain way because of the comments you are making.  You CHOSE to be a member of that association, you have the chance to choose the MTA before making judgement please.

Why The MTA
By joining the MTA, you will have the opportunity to invest in your personnel skills and talents through the wide range of opportunities and people as part of your membership.  
As a member of the Michigan Taxidermist Association, you will have the opportunity to meet and work with world renowned experts and taxidermists. Our membership includes world champion taxidermists, sculptors for the major taxidermy suppliers, taxidermists that have supplied mounts for the Smithsonian Museum, industry experts in molding and casting, world leaders in habitat creation and many, many outstanding taxidermists. Every meeting is an opportunity to learn from the best.

Winter Meeting
Fall Meeting
Summer picnic
Hands on seminars at low cost
Auctions at meetings
Convention Auction
Auction seminars by best of best
Seminars at meetings by top in business from state to national
Networking with some of most knowledgeable
MTA Dream makers
Veteran Mounting
Communication with MDNR
Taxidermy Insurance rates for members
Woodcarving instruction
Booth Space at many outdoor events



One of top state conventions
Awesome awards banquet
Show with over 70,000 visitors
Admission to the entire sports show for 4 days
Five seminars by the show judges
Seminars by top people in the business
Suppliers on site for deals and no shipping costs
Get work judged by some of the best
Get a one on one critique from the judges
Division for Parent child
Division for youth

[Mill Creek Taxidermy (fozzie)]

Hey Joe ,where can I find out about the Taxidermy insurance rates for members, also what do you mean Booth space at most of the outdoor shows? I've been thinking about doin a few of the local outdoor shows but havent yet due to finding someone to help me that knows anything about taxidermy lol, I did find someone yesterday but its too late for our local show now.  Do we as members get a discounted rate for booth space ?.......... or am I wishing up the wrong tree here lol Thanks Rick

[Trophy Specialist]

As a proud member of the MTA, I find it hard to believe when people say they don't have time for our association.  When you can learn to improve your quality so you can charge more.  When you can learn how to improve your productivity and get more work done.  When you can learn new business techniques to save time and money.  When you can buy products at a discount and save money.  

So, who doesn't have time to improve their business, get paid more and take less time to get their work done?

As for competing, we have many members that do not compete.  In fact, some do not even do taxidermy.

Also to hear someone bash the MTA when they admit they have never been involved.  Those on here you are speaking of are not representing the MTA when they make comments, so please don't make their personal comments and feelings out that way.  They are not saying all of the Michigan Charter Boat Association members are a certain way because of the comments you are making.  You CHOSE to be a member of that association, you have the chance to choose the MTA before making judgement please.

Why The MTA
By joining the MTA, you will have the opportunity to invest in your personnel skills and talents through the wide range of opportunities and people as part of your membership.  
As a member of the Michigan Taxidermist Association, you will have the opportunity to meet and work with world renowned experts and taxidermists. Our membership includes world champion taxidermists, sculptors for the major taxidermy suppliers, taxidermists that have supplied mounts for the Smithsonian Museum, industry experts in molding and casting, world leaders in habitat creation and many, many outstanding taxidermists. Every meeting is an opportunity to learn from the best.

Winter Meeting
Fall Meeting
Summer picnic
Hands on seminars at low cost
Auctions at meetings
Convention Auction
Auction seminars by best of best
Seminars at meetings by top in business from state to national
Networking with some of most knowledgeable
MTA Dream makers
Veteran Mounting
Communication with MDNR
Taxidermy Insurance rates for members
Woodcarving instruction
Booth Space at many outdoor events



One of top state conventions
Awesome awards banquet
Show with over 70,000 visitors
Admission to the entire sports show for 4 days
Five seminars by the show judges
Seminars by top people in the business
Suppliers on site for deals and no shipping costs
Get work judged by some of the best
Get a one on one critique from the judges
Division for Parent child
Division for youth

I'm sorry if I may have came across as bashing MTA, that was not my intent.  Thank you for that information.  

Does MTA get involved with taxidermy political/law issues?  For instance, a couple years ago, when the DNR doubled our license fee and also burdened us with more regulations, paperwork and other BS.  

[Mill Creek Taxidermy (fozzie)]

Mike from time to time we have a couple DNR reps come to our meetings to do a Q&A for us to ask anything thats on our minds at the time. Also I think we have one board member that works closely with the DNR  and gets us updates on a changes for us.  Rick

[Trophy Specialist]

Hey Joe ,where can I find out about the Taxidermy insurance rates for members, also what do you mean Booth space at most of the outdoor shows? I've been thinking about doin a few of the local outdoor shows but havent yet due to finding someone to help me that knows anything about taxidermy lol, I did find someone yesterday but its too late for our local show now.  Do we as members get a discounted rate for booth space ?.......... or am I wishing up the wrong tree here lol Thanks Rick

Yes, please provide more info on that one so I can compare it to the rates I'm currently paying.

[Wildside]

Freemont Insurance has supported our association and designed a plan for MTA members at a reduced rate.  They will customize your plan so it fits your needs.  They will also cover replacement cost of trophys.  Many companies won't insure a taxidermy business at all.  Some home policies will not cover your building or house if they find out you are doing taxidermy in the building.

As far as booth space.  We have different venues and shows that offer the MTA booth space.  Some are festivals, outdoor shows and businesses.  We have done public mounting and helped educate the public about the art of taxidermy.  Those members working the booth have taken mounts, handed out business cards and spoke with many people about the MTA and their business.  Some of the places in the past have been Cabelas and bass Pro Shops.  Two places you would have a hard time getting in to set up a table to promote your business.  We have been guests and those working got a discount voucher from the store also.  We have had other offers as well but have not found people wanting to participate.

[Mill Creek Taxidermy (fozzie)]

Super, thanks for the info Joe, I never knew bout the insurance.......If my mouth would shut long enough at a meeting I might hear stuff like this ya think lol  Rick

[RTtaxidermy]

That's true Rick you are a gabby abby

[Brian Jones]

Rick, if your mouth was shut and eyes open at the convention, you would see the Fremont reps in the suppliers room

[Mill Creek Taxidermy (fozzie)]

ouch ! Lol but true

Rick, if your mouth was shut and eyes open at the convention, you would see the Fremont reps in the suppliers room