KTA Pre Convention Newsletter 2010
President Tony Johnson
Vice President Wade Calvert
Secretary Denny LaCompt
Treasurer Brain Bleise
Board Members
Gerry Wethington
Jamie Elkins
Damon Kustes Newsletter
Mathew Maddux
William Elstun
Shane Adams
Benjamin Maddux
R.B. Griffin
President’s message:
Before you pitch this in the trash, please read this letter in its entirety! The Kentucky Taxidermist Association
has spent a quit a bit of money sending this to every licensed taxidermist in Kentucky.
The KTA has really moved forward in the last year. The Legislative Committee went to Frankfort, and put forth
a big effort to make some changes that affect every Taxidermist, and meat processor. The issue I am speaking
of is, Chronic Wasting Disease. (CWD) Damon Kustes, is one of our board members and is also on our
Legislative Committee. He will go more in-depth on this matter later in this letter.
Our Convention and Competition was bigger last year, than it has been in years. We had about 6 families from
out of state and over 100 mounts in the competition area. This year is shaping up to be even better! Wade
Calvert, our Vice-President will go into more detail on the convention.
Now more than ever the KTA needs you as much as you need the KTA. With the economy down, you may
need an edge over your competitors. You will gain that edge from constantly improving the quality of your work.
There is no better place to learn, and to tweak the quality of your commercial mounts than your State’s
Taxidermy Association Convention. Joining the association provides huge benefits for you and your association.
The KTA is currently working with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife to improve CWD handling
issues that will benefit all KY taxidermists.. In the past the KTA lobbied in Frankfort and had several laws
changed, one of which was the buying and selling of inedible animal parts. Yep, you can thank the elders of the
KTA for that. We are now in a time where the animal rights people are trying to shut everything down that
involves animals, from Kentucky Fried Chicken, to recreational fishing. The KTA will continue to grow and have a
voice as long as we have numbers. There is power in numbers.
In short, don’t let another year go by without attending our Convention. There will be seminars put on by some
of the best Taxidermists in our great nation. A number of Taxidermy Suppliers at the convention will have
discounts for members along with the auction of Taxidermy Supplies and materials after the Awards ceremony.
There are also two meeting per year which is centrally located in the state. There is a seminar, food and
fellowship at these meetings. Until you become a member, you don't really know what you’re missing.
Check out our website at www.kytaxidermy.com, there you will find the KTA by-laws, competition rules,
categories, the awards list, members contact list, past convention pictures, a printable registration form, and a
lot more information about the KTA. If you don't have Internet, have a family member or a friend look up our
website for you. It will be worth your time.
I hope to see you at the show! We always need help setting up the backboards and getting organized. We will
be at the Crown Plaza at 12:00 noon on Friday August 6th. Any and all help will be much appreciated!
Thank You,
Tony Johnson- President- Kentucky Taxidermist Association
Campton KY........1-(606)668-9392
Vice President’s message
Hello KTA members and all State Taxidermists. I really hope you are making plans for our 2010 Convention. It is
in Lexington again this year at the Crown Plaza at the Campbell House on August 6-8. We have great judges
this year with Tommy Hall judging Whitetail Deer, Chris Barnhart judging Game Heads and Life size, and J.W.
Fuches judging Birds and Fish. We are working on many special awards from different Wildlife Conservation
groups such as Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and National Wild Turkey Federation, just to
name a few. Please check our website www.Kytaxidermy.com regularly to see the updates about our convention
and awards as well as vendors.
Speaking of vendors, we should have several this year. If you were at out convention last year you know our
space was limited. This year we have tripled our space so we will have room for everyone. As of now we have
several confirmed vendors. They are McKenzie Supply. Dixieland Supply, Ohio Taxidermy Supply, Owens
Woodworking, Sivco Fur, Harry Whitehead, and Chris Barnhart. I am sure we will have others as well. The
convention is always a great place to get your supplies with no shipping. If you know of something specific you
need from one of the companies attending, give them a call and tell them what you need. Many times they will be
glad to bring it for you and give it to you at the show cost with no shipping.
We really hope to see you at the convention. It is shaping up to be a great year. Last year was one our best but
I really think we can continue to build on it. See you in August.
Wade C. Calvert
Vice President
Rhino223@aol.com
(502) 867-9997
Why Support the KTA?
1. KTA Lobbied the KY legislature allowing licensed taxidermist to sell inedible animal parts and mounts.
2. Provided educational seminars, raised the quality of taxidermy and the standard of living for Ky
Taxidermist.
3. Provides regulatory information to run you business (kytaxidermy.com...regulatory page)
4. Internet exposure on the KTA website (membership map and page)
5. Networking with other taxidermist.
6. Certification Program to improve and promote your quality work.
7. Newsletter provides up to date taxidermy information and news.
8. KTA working with KDFWR to change CWD regulations so KY taxidermist will not lose out of state business.
9. Convention, competition fun and educational seminars.
10. Supplier discounts at conventions
11. Free Classified ads on our website
12. Promotion of your awards with News Releases to 30 Ky Newspapers after the convention.
13. Discounts on Taxidermy Supplies at the Convention Auction
14. Recognition of quality work at convention awards ceremony.
15. Promotion of your shop on our website as a Sponsor.
16. Educational opportunities not offered elsewhere.
CWD Report
On May 22nd Harry Whitehead, Wade Calvert , Mike Ohlmann and Damon Kustes met with KDFWR personnel
Dr. Karen Waldrop (Wildlife Director) , Dr. Tina Brunjes (Deer & Elk Coordinator),
Gabe Jenkins (Deer & Elk Biologist), Major Paul Teague (KDFWR Law Enforcement Major),
Dr. Robert Stout (State Vet for Dept of Ag), Lisa Green (Department of Ag)
To discuss implementing new regulations that would allow Ky Taxidermist to receive Cervids from CWD infected
states. The Dept was concerned that they would have to get the proposal by several affected groups. Cervid
farmers. LKS, RMEF, Law Enforcement, the commission and a few others. Mike Ohlmann has been working
hard talking to sportsman’s group to get their support so as to ease the process. He has already gotten several
groups behind the proposal... The league of Ky Sportsman should support the proposal but the KTA needs to
join the league to show support for them too... When the meeting concluded the Dept personnel figured that
something could be put together by November but then the commission would have to approve it for the 2011
season. We want to speed up the process to get it in place for the 2010 season. If you have any contacts that
may help the process please see what you can get them to do for us.
KTA Proposal to the KDFWR
March 10, 2010
To the KDFWR and the Dept of Agriculture
The Kentucky Taxidermist Association INC is an organization dedicated to the well being of taxidermists and the
taxidermy industry in Kentucky.
Present laws restricting the importation of certain cervid parts are causing our members to lose out of state
trophy business. Our members are
also concerned what the potential damage to hunter participation may be in our state if Kentucky would become
a CWD state...
The KTA contends the best way to help prevent the spread of CWD in our state, is to take an additional step
towards the handing of presently
prohibited cervid parts. Simply implementing laws prohibiting the importation of some parts has helped stop
infection so far but an additional
practical approach is needed.
When a hunter discovers that he or she has unintentionally broken state law by bringing prohibited parts into the
state , their instinct is to avoid
prosecution and dispose of the illegal carcass parts discreetly . In reality the prohibited cervid parts are probably
thrown off a bridge or pitched
into a field where a live deer may come in contact with it
.
Giving our citizens the opportunity to dispose of prohibited parts free of prosecution would be more effective in
containing the disease then the
current Pitch and Run option available to them now.
The states of Illinois, Indiana and Missouri have already implemented procedures that are practical and promote
the proper handling of prohibited
cervid parts. It's time for KY to catch up with its neighbors and implement the same.
The common regulation those states have implemented is below.
* Carcasses or parts of carcasses with the spinal column or head attached may be transported into the state
only if they are reported to an agent
of the department within twenty-four (24) hours of entering the state and then taken to a licensed meat
processor or taxidermist within seventy-two
(72) hours of entry. Licensed meat processors and taxidermists shall dispose of the discarded tissue in a
properly permitted landfill.
Instituting the above would enable KY taxidermist to recover business lost to out of state taxidermist and would
contribute to the prevention of a
CWD infection in our state.
Implementing a program now would have us ready and able to handle CWD if ever discovered in KY..
The Kentucky Taxidermist Association urges the Commissioners and the Dept of Agriculture to amend the
present regulation and catch up to our
border states.
The KTA membership would like to be included in the process of developing a program with state government.
Our Association can be a great asset to KDFWR. We are willing to assist with this and any other issues or
projects that may arise. If we work
together there can be huge strides for the betterment or our states natural resources.
New This Year
Collective Artist Award
Any paid members of the Kentucky Taxidermist Association (KTA), Shall be eligible for the Collective Artist
award. The mount must be
completed by at least two members of the KTA. There will be only one first, one second and one third place
awards given. Awards will be given
to all participants of the winning team. There will be a $30 entry fee for the mount. Entrants may enter as many
mounts as they wish. Multiple
mounts on one base will be considered one piece and be charged only $30. Each entry will be judged on three
criteria. They are as follows: 30
points for craftsmanship and soundness, 30 points for anatomical accuracy, and 40 points for artistic merit. The
mount will not earn certification
points. The Judges decision will be final
Convicted NM poacher ordered to pay $10K
A New Mexico man convicted of poaching a mule deer in 2007 has lost his appeal and was ordered to pay
$10,000 in civil penalties and $914 in court costs and fines. Under state statute, deer with antlers measuring 200
or more inches qualify as trophy-class, and the deer poached by Bradley A. Smith measured 202 3/8 using the
SCI (no deduction) measuring scale.
KY cops use Taser to subdue buck in market
Louisville (KY) Metro Police used Tasers to subdue a whitetail buck after it leapt through a plate glass window of
the Fresh Market store near Middletown on Tuesday and remained in the store for 10 minutes before being
safely dragged outside. "It went all through the store and bled all over the place," said store manager Bob
Scheitzach. Louisville Courier-Journal
Ohio deer poacher ordered to pay $23K in restitution
A Scioto County, Ohio man who pled guilty to four wildlife violations in Adams County Court has been ordered to
pay $23,572.05 to the state under a new law using a trophy formula to determine restitution payment. Johnny B.
Clay, 37, of Minford, was also ordered to pay $1,634 in fines and court costs and will lose his hunting privileges
for life. The whitetail taken illegally by Clay scored 197 2/8 Boone & Crockett, the largest typical deer taken in
North America in 2009. IDNR
Second $200K fine in SC deer smuggling case
A second fine exceeding $200,000 has been handed down in the case of a South Carolina hunting preserve
owner who pleaded guilty in 2008 of illegally transporting 54 whitetail from Ohio. In Ohio federal court yesterday,
James Schaffer was ordered to pay $235,000 for violations of the Lacey Act. In 2009, he paid $250,000 in state
fines and penalties. Charleston Post and Courier
Texas duo faces multiple Lacey Act violations
A federal grand jury in Wichita, Kan. has returned a 23-count felony indictment charging two Texas brothers with
conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act stemming from the illegal sale of guided deer hunts in Kansas. The
indictment alleges that James Bobby Butler Jr., and Marlin Jackson Butler of Martinsville, TX conspired to
knowingly transport and sell in interstate commerce (deer) that were hunted in violation of Kansas game laws. U.
S. Justice Dept. press release
Texas judge: It's OK for hunters to poop in the woods
Ruling on what he considered to be ridiculous charges of environmental law infractions, Limestone (TX) County
Judge Daniel Burkeen responded in writing to allegations that hunters using a cabin without bathroom facilities
were forced to, uh, poop in the woods. "We have had some delay in our investigation of the incidents alleged in
the complaint which you kindly forwarded to us," Judge Burkeen wrote. "The problem is, we have recently had a
rash of reports of cows, horses, sheep and goats defecating at will in pastures throughout the county." The
Southeast Texas Record
2010 Kentucky Taxidermist Association Convention Schedule of Events
Friday August 6th
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Setup Show Room & Supplier Area (Please help)
4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Check in Mounts
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm Supply Area Open
5:00 pm to 7:30 pm Seminar ( Chris Barnhart)
8:00 pm to 10:00pm Share a tip Seminar
8:00 pm to 11:00 pm Family fun by and in the pool (Snacks Provided)
Saturday August 7th
8:00 am to 11:00 am Final Mount Check in
8:00 am to 10:00 am Supply Area Open
9:00 am to 11:30 am Seminar (J. W. Fuches)
11:30 am to 2:00 pm Supply Area Open
2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Seminar (Tommy Hall)
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm Banquet & Awards Ceremony
9:00 pm to 11:00 pm Mount Critiques by Judges
Sunday August 8th
8:00 am to 10:00 am Supply Area Open
8:00 am to 10:00 am Mount Critiques by Judges
7:30 am to 9:30 am Seminar Velma Smith (Altering Forms)
9:30 am to 10:30 am Board Meeting
10:30 am to 12:00 pm General Membership Meeting
11:00 am to 1:00 pm Competition room open to General Public
1:00 pm Breakdown (Everybody’s help is needed. Please
help so everyone can get home early).
All mounts will be available to pick up at 1:00 pm on Sunday. They must remain for the public viewing
until 1:00. Thank you for
The KTA will be Auctioning an African
Hunt for 2011 at the convention donated
by
Leon Small
Thaba Mahaka Safaris
hunt@thaba-mahaka.co.za
www.thaba-mahaka.co.za
African Hunt
The daily rates for 2 rifle hunter for 10
hunting days, animals to share between
two hunters includes a warthog, duiker,
steenbuck, baboon, jackal and impala or
blesbuck.
Daily rates includes:
All Meals
Transportation to/from O.R. Thambo International
Airport
Alcohol in moderation
Skinners & trackers
Field preparation of trophies
Laundry services
Fully equipped hunting vehicle
Licensed Professional Hunter
Hunting licenses & permits
Rated Excludes:
Extra sight seeing tours
Gratuities
Taxidermy fees
Personal curios
Cites permits
International or domestic air travel
for additional info and hunt references go to the KTA website “upcoming events”
See more convention information at the KTA Website
www.kytaxidermy.com