Whether or not a state is 100% affiliated to the NTA is very important as far as forming a lobby is concerned. The issues that face Indiana are of no personal concern to me but will set a precedent. Other disorganized and unrepresented organizations need to ban together. If you are a Taxidermist in the United States you need to become affiliated with other members of your state and on a National level. the NTA is a start. If you can not accept that simple fact your cause will have little voice and be lost. Of that I am certain. Indiana is a case in point. The reason that the National Rifle Association is as powerful and feared as it is is because its members are loyal, recruit new members and most importantly, Vote. Isolated examples of how "we get along" did not ring true under King George, over 200 years ago and they will not ring true under any enforcement branch whose strings are being pulled by liberal "My way or the Highway" Politicians. The assault on other states is more subtle and draws little attention. If all Taxidermists do not ban together on a national level more of our rights will be infringed upon until such time as that your occupation, hobby, passion becomes against the law. I'm happy that taxidermists in Indiana are singing the blues everyday on this site because If you haven't been listening until now you should! Unfortunately I have yet to hear one of them call for unification. Everyone just seems to be saying to one another I can't believe its happening and did it happen to anyone else?
Our liberal "we know better than you whats good for you" opponents revel when we bitch, moan, complain and do nothing. Our opponents are counting on us not to unify as a lobby with a unified voice. They think we're all a bunch of hill-billy schmucks! and that there isn't enough of us around to put up much of a fight.
George or Bill! Whichever one of you are fortunate enough to be elected president, your first order of business should a recruitment push that has never been seen before. Other organizations and its members must relize that if we do not stand united together we will fall silently alone.
If you have opposing points of view! that's great! If you don't like the NTA, Then let's find out why and work through it. If its political, put it aside and join, if for no other reason then the right to do Taxidermy.
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supported by arms manufacturers-$$$$$$. do you propose a taxidermy lobby?
MJD said if very well and it went right over your head. So the firearms manufacturers support the NRA? Excuse me? Tell me just how powerful Remington, Winchester, Colt and (though it gave sufficient proof once when taken over by anti-gun people) Smith and Wesson would be without people buying their guns. They got to be powerful because GUN OWNERS BOUGHT THEIR EQUIPMENT. Had no one bought their guns, they wouldn't have been powerful, so it should be obvious to one and all that one hand feeds the other. This is a which came first: the chicken or the egg.
In the last few years I've heard thousands of reasons why a person refused to join the NTA, but not a single one of them listed that the NTA in and of itself was the cause. Oh, I heard more than my share of "good old boys club", the executive director/president/board of directors/whoever, runs the outfit. I just saw an imbecile who actually sits on the board complain that the president ran the NTA. Now I've sat on that board and I've seen limp whistles come and go, take their ball and go home, or just plain sit on their asses while complaining that "someone" should do something. I've been at conventions and worked 16 and 18 hour days while other board members visited local museums or took their kids to the pool. So don't tell me too much about what you may THINK the NTA doesn't do for you. We are a VOLUNTEER organization, and believe me, if possible, I'm absolutely positive that we could go places and do exceptional things if ONLY we had an agressive and active board of directors who did THEIR jobs and then helped others do theres. Like everything else in life, however, 10% of the board does 100% of the work. The NTA is actually RUN by that board of directors whether they accept the responsibility or not. There are 13 board members sitting there an each one of them gets ONE VOTE. When an issue is decided 7 to 6 in any democratic (or republic in this case) it should be the obligation of the 6 to accept the mandate of the 7 and then get the job done. Instead, petty jealousies pop up and we create a chasm on that board. Who suffers? Not the board. It's the 2000 NTA members. And do they ever hear the real story? RIGHT! We only get personal preceptions and opinions.
Many of you aren't old enough to know what this industry was like before the associations were created and the NTA was formed. Believe me, you wouldn't have liked it. It was every person for themselves in those days. The trouble is, that attitude still pervades our industy. How many times on this forum have you heard "I'd never belong to the NTA because of George Roof"? And you still wonder why I say taxidermists are stupid. Why would one loud mouth, obnoxious, hack like me keep anyone from being a member of a group that represented THEIR interests. Who the hell is George Roof? Why would any of you artistically blessed, independent minded people ever be intimidated by another person who shared your field and who enjoyed the life it had given him? We need YOU to join us. We aren't a union and we don't have any "good old boys" who aren't just like you at heart. There's some very exciting things coming about in the NTA and we'd love for you to be an active part in it.
How many times have I heard "what does the NTA to for me?" By banding together, we show a united fromt to the extremists who have been trying to discredit the NTA for years. Each time a state joins the 100% affiliation, it adds ammo to our cause.
How many times have I read on this very forum,"why doesn't the NTA do something?". The NTA cannot do anything without everyone pulling together for a common cause. Anyone who depend on their artistic ability to earn a living has to contribute to the only viable association in existance that stands up for that person. For the states that are not affiliated,you members must demand that your officers do something to remedy this.
I forget which of our founding fathers said this: "If we don' hang together, we will all hang seperately". Or, as they say now,"Pay me now, or pay me later".
MJD also said he's glad that taxidermists in Indiana are now singing the blues too. MJD's group isn't for me evidently because I feel bad for the good taxidermists in Indiana. No thanks.
People like mjd OBVIOUSLY have no idea what some of us have gone through with this recent little episode. The rules were changed after we were issued our permits and we were given no notice of changes until they were at our doors,like little swat teams, writing warnings. Even on things that we may have legally obtained with our own hunting/fishing licences to mount must have everything in the paperwork and on tags. I'm afriad to buy a box of fish sticks from the grocer unless I can obtain a cites tag with it.
And as far as "unification" goes in Indiana, that comes down to one word, MONEY! Money for attorneys, and people with LOTS of spare time. Something you don't hear a lot of in the taxidermy world. And that's not even getting into the fact that Indiana is an IGT state and therefore will not reep many of the benefits that could come from a full unification with the NTA. Taxidermy is becoming a big political ring and I'm DAMN glad it's not my full time job. I love it but I'm not sure how much more of this I can take. And thats not "crying the blues". Thats coming from a man who works his ass off but just doesn't have the money(or time) it takes to fight "the man". Peace!
by joining you just give more power to them to continue floundering.
i consider this forum a micronism of nta--- not pretty. seldom do i see a true concern for the basics of taxidermy. there IS a good old boy network pushing THEIR agenda.
why didn't nta contact indiana fish and game? not their turf? i thought nta was NATIONAL taxidermy assn.
what are all the EXCITING things that are going to happen with nta? why so vague?
Did you know that 99% of all statistics are made up on the spot? Well, your ignorance about the NTA being "floundering" (the proper word is "foundering" is just that. We're hardly "floundering" either by definition or by practice. NO ONE IS "GLAD" Indiana taxidermists are being targeted, and the sad thing, from commentary here on this forum that you say represents the NTA, none of you taxidermists from Indiana really care. I've seen several of you telling others it's no big deal and all that you need to do is tag everything. Some grand plan you have going for you! Instead of having a united voice to complain to this discriminating action, each of you is content to watch his peers go up in flame as long as it's not in your backyard. Right? And just WHO is going to represent these people in court if it comes down to that? Doesn't matter to you, right? It's not your problem.
Reed, your ignorance is almost as galling as your stupidity. "why didn't the NTA represent Indiana" you ask. Well, the NTA has a pro-bono lawyer that works FOR the NTA. Indiana has not affiliated and your legal system would hardly find reason to accept any attorney who was not representing Indianan since the NTA has no legal standings in your state. The lawyer might well provide legal assistance to individuals who are NTA members, but to represent someone such as you who ridicules our very existence is just about as smart as you are.
You should know a lot about "good old boys" as it seems you're one of the grand pooh bahs. I guess it would be an insult for you to be a member of the Elks Foundation, the NRA, or DU as they're probably good old boys clubs as well. The rest of us see you for what you are: a freeloader, just along for the ride.
i also like the image of a flounder mucking on the bottom with 2 eyes only on ONE SIDE of its head.
So the NTA is just turning its back on this because Indiana is not affiliated-
"Flounder" in that concept is a combination of "founder" and "blunder", in other words a concocted word much like "gay" has become tied to homosexuality. The dictionary is written for people like you and you'll find lots of words that are used. That doesn't mean their correct. Some of them can't be typed on this forum as you might have noticed with deletion or captioned.
The NTA will assist any NTA member PERIOD. It cannot take on your state for YOU, Dilbert.
The sad thing is that the first word out of the mouths of ignoramuses like this is: "Where's the NTA when you need them?" Remember the Little Red Hen? Again, I would ask you, what have YOU contributed to the NTA to make them feel an obligation to you personally?
A few short years ago, a similar situation took place in another state. They had sent a very nasty letter to the NTA when queried as to their desires for affiliation. Then the wardens showed up. An actual letter to the NTA stated that IF the NTA would assist them in fighting this battle, THEY, in return would "consider" affiliating. Hows that for gall. And none of you nitwits who parrot these words ever consider that whatever money the NTA has to fight issues such as these has been contributed by NTA MEMBERS. Would you take your kid's PTA money to fight this battle? Then why is it so far fetched for you to comprehend this issue that we don't use our members money wantonly.
I am upset for all Indianans in this case. But even if Indiana HAD been an affiliate, how would they have envisioned this happening or predicted when it was going to take place? The NTA can be nothing other than reactionary to any scenario involving bureaucrats. It just happened last week there and already, it's the NTA's fault nothing has been done? And people like Reed here is telling you, "Well it's your own fault. If you'd tagged everything you wouldn't have a problem."
The NTA Convention is next month in Sioux Falls, SD. I'd invite all our Indiana members and those of you who don't see us as "floundering" to join and attend the meeting. Bring this issue up at the membership meeting, and speak face to face with our attorney at that time. The NTA will do what it can considering the constraints, but it might be able to do a lot more with more of you becoming actively involved in ongoing issues rather than reacting to brush fires set randomly like this one has been.
George and others. I am no expert in the political arena of Taxidermy, and I do believe there is a problem in Indiana.
My thought was after reading this is, has the NTA ever thought of teaming up with the NRA? Since they have the big bucks to get things done why not get them to be our big brother. Strength in unity.
I would think that hunters and fishermen would be concerned about this if it was going to affect them. They are probably unaware of any problems. Like the prices of their precious trophies going up because of extra fees the local Taxidermist has to accept for misc. reasons. Just a thought. Thanks.
It's been thought of, but to be effective, the NRA would have to agree. We are "associated" with them but not legally bound or united with them. The NRA and DU in particular are quite protective of their individuality and don't align with other organizations. We are, however, members of Conservation Force which is a lobby group fighting for our rights (The NRA and DU have their own lobbists and anyone who knows about that, knows that maintaining a personal lobbyist is well beyond expensive.)
I've come to the conclusion that the three of you can't read or have grave reading comprehension issues. Explaining myself any further to you would be pointless, you obviously don't want to understand. I guess its best to keep your heads in the sand so that you can blame someone else for what ever happens to you. Please... God forbid you take on any responsibility for what happens in your lives. Unfortunately, you will get it when they come and close you down. That is a shame. But it seems to me that you three are content with that. After all, misery loves company. For the rest of you, who are willing to fight, organize yourselves and stop making excuses. Neither the NTA nor anyone else, for that matter, can help you if you refuse to help yourselves. Join the NTA, unify with other Taxidermists in your state and fight back. Most importantly, stop feeling sorry for yourselves and turn this thing around!
Unfortunately, Ive been away from Taxidermy for a couple of years. When my wife and I recently made the decision to return to the States and to taxidermy, my first order of business was to renew my membership with the NTA. I can remember the stir that was caused duing the NTA/State affiliation campaign back a few short years back and I was very disappointed to hear our state board members back then making cases against affiliation. I believed in it then and I do now...If we were able to unite under the NTA and state associations affiliate and begin to promote their associations under one body, we could be a pretty strong influence in any state or against any federal agency.I heard Bill Haynes make a strong case for it then and short of a few others, everyone else believed otherwise...primarily because the leaders in the group were satisfied with their own personal and professional successes and were able to be influential enough to detur affiliation. That happens alot...Thats too bad.
Its a no brainer for me and should be for you. The NTA never has and never will be able to reach its potential without members...our power as an organizationa and ability to affect those things which affect our industry are directly proportionate to the amount of effort that we put into it. If you dont like something about it or its leadership, get in there and do something about it...get involved, vote, voice your opinion about the issues, offer solutions or suggestions...do something!
Or... sit there...run your mouth (or keyboard) and do nothing...that seems to be what most of us are best at...
You pro-NTA guys are painting a picture like the world of taxidermy is coming to an end and we are all screwed, therefore we all have to join the NTA.
Seriously, what does the NTA do? I am a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation because they take my money, send me a free gift, and use the rest to produce and awesome magazine and buy land to keep it from developers. They also fix up the land for wildlife.
I am a member of the Colorado Bowhunters Association because they lobby the DNR for pro-bowhunter based seasons etc. This is vital because the DNR (DOW) has a bunch of morons that don't care about hunting or hunters, just money.
I am a member of the NRA because they are fighting the liberals to protect the 2nd Amendment of the Bill of Rights. They are vital because who else is going to fight the government to allow gun ownership? It takes millions of dollars to launch legal battles, and we need them. And they also send me a great magazine.
I was a member of the Colorado Trapper's Association because they fought the DNR and spent a lot of money to try and keep trapping legal in Colorado, and they really needed the money for a pro-trapping campaign, and us trappers needed the help. Unfortunately we lost that battle in 1996. They also sent me a great magazine.
But what does the NTA do? I really don't think the taxidermy industry is in dire straights. I have not seen any changes in the last 12 years that I have been involved. Only changes I have seen is companies like McKenzie buying everyone out. I think most people just want to join taxidermy associations to meet people, have some group to organize shows and seminars, not because taxidermy is in major trouble.
That sucks what happened to the guys in Indiana, how could the NTA have prevented that? Did they get involved? How many members do they have? Do you produce and annual statement to show members where the money is going?
I think trapping is doomed, and I think gun ownership is doomed, but I do not think taxidermy is directly doomed. Sure, if those other things like hunting get restricted, then we are sure to feel the affect, but does the NTA lobby for hunters and gun ownership?
Please enlighten me, I am really curious. If you convince me, I will send you my hard earned $50.
I just tried to join the Colorado because I wanted to attend the show, and meet some people. And I figured since they were sponsoring the show, I should pitch in. So i get my application and there were two boxes to select membership. One box was for the Colorado at $45, the other box was for the NTA at $50. So I sent in my check for $45 wanting to join the Colorado. I never heard from them, they never cashed my check and finally they returned one of my emails. They told me that the Colorado decided through a vote that you must join the NTA also to be a member of the CTA. They told me I only sent in money for the Colorado. It is retarded that they put two boxes and no where on the application stated you had to join both at almost $100 for a year! A year of what? I just wanted to meet some people and attend the show! So they sent me my check back and I have never looked back.
"What do they do?" is not the right question. "What could they do if they had more support?" is a more viable question. All of the organizations you mentioned send you a magazine...so does the NTA. All of those organizations produce an annual report...so does the NTA. Organizations like the NWTF, RMEF, and the NRA, with a massive membership and enormous revenue and budgets can stand alone in the fight to preserve such a vital part of our national interests. Smaller more focused organizations like the NTA must align themselves more directly with other bodies like the Conservation Force and the Congressional Sportsman Caucus. In your reference, you said it takes millions of $ to launch legal battles...and the NRA is evidently going to win this fight alone...The NTA wont ever have a budget like that Im afraid, however, being a part of a coalition multiplies the force we can apply and lets those who would step on us know that we have friends in higher places. We need this national organization ...who else is going to fight the goverment when your rights as a taxidermist are infringed on or explain to economic impact of over regulated hunting/fishing legislation. Make no mistake about it...everything those other groups fight for affects the future of taxidermists, whether it affects you here and now or taxidermists in another state or someone else in the future. It is nice to know that we have an active voice for our profession but it would be nicer to know that we were a stronger more viable voice in the hunting and fishing industry. As long as there are attitudes such as what Ive read here, we wont be. Sounds like this is a case of grudge...maybe that situation wasnt handled correctly, but get your facts in order.
NTA membership provides alot of "gifts" as well. Got to the NTA website and check it out and stop by the Conservation Force site as well.