Spring Newsletter 2010
President
Hello Members,
Hope you all are catching up on those deer heads, so you can get some fishing or turkey hunting in. In a few weeks the Morrell Mushrooms will be
out. I am looking forward to finding some. Also, if you get time right now is a great time to wet a line, if you love to fish, there is no better time to
catch a trophy. We had a great turn out at the meeting. We had a wildlife Biologist come and talk to us about CWD. The Dept. seems willing to
work with us to keep CWD out of our great state. The Biologist's name was Gabe Jenkins. He had some good points. The Dept. is interested in
collecting Brain Stem samples from older age class bucks. The Dept. would in turn pay us so much per deer sample for our troubles. Gabe also
said the Dept. was looking at all carcasses and scraps be discarded into an approved landfill. In turn, in the future we could accept cervids from a
CWD state. The rules would be something like the hunter has 72 hours to get the deer/elk to an approved Taxidermist or Meat Processor. The
KTA group that was present for the meeting had a few concerns. First and for most concern was, if a sample came back positive, what
repercussions would it have on the taxidermist that took in the deer. They would want to backtrack to see where the skull and spine went. (Would
they show up in big plastic suits and destroy your shop and parking lot? Would they hand you the bill?) One member said that the Dept. would
have to print in legal terms the release of any responsibility to the taxidermists if a positive sample came through there shop. Gabe seemed like
a great guy. He is looking out for the best interest of our deer herd. He is aware that people are probably bringing deer into the state not knowing
the laws till they call there local taxidermist. Then the remains of that deer are pitched into a field some where.
The meeting went well I think, we have to start somewhere on this CWD thing. Other states have already started working on the problem. CWD
has shown up in several new states last year. We as Taxidermists are at a crucial time in our profession right now. Our future depends on what is
happening now! Our voice will be heard in numbers, numbers is power! There is not a better time to become involved with the Kentucky
Taxidermist Association. We are looking forward to working with the KDFWR, we have a lot to offer them.
A Ballot will go out with this newsletter, please vote and return them to me. I will bring them all to the convention in August. And present them to
the members along with the results. I would like to thank Damon Kustes, he is the man behind the scenes, he always keeps Wade and I informed
on what is going on in the legislative side of taxidermy. Damon keeps up the web site, and prints the newsletters; he is the backbone in this
Association. Last but not least, I would like to thank Gerry for a great seminar. That alone was worth the year membership dues. If you missed the
seminar, you really missed a good one!
Keep an eye on the website; kytaxidermy.com We have some great judges lined out and some really good seminars. This should be the best
show yet!
Thank You,
Tony Johnson - President- KTA
1140 KY 746 Campton, Ky. 41301 1-(606) 668-9392 email- johntaxi35@yahoo.com
Vice President
Hello fellow taxidermists. I hope this newsletter finds you well and with all the work you want. We had a great meeting at Gerry Wethington’s shop in
Columbia. Congratulations to Alisha Love for her winning design for the new State Logo. Congratulations also to those who won the $50 and $25
gift certificates and the three forms from Revolution Taxidermy Supply. I hope you all enjoy those and better luck next time to those who didn’t win.
The seminar we saw was well worth the drive to the meeting. Gerry mounted a squirrel (one of his specialties). He made it look so easy and had
some great techniques. It makes me look forward to my next small mammal.
The convention is coming together. We know a little bit more about what to expect this year so things should run smooth. We have different jobs
assigned to different people who will take a lot of pressure off of Tony and Myself. Our space for vendors has at least tripled and we will be
sending a letter out to them soon. We may try to put our confirmed vendors on the webpage. Our competition room has also at least doubled. This
convention is shaping up to be a great one and we hope you are planning on attending. We are hoping to keep building on what we did last year
so get your mounts ready and let’s have a great show.
New to this years competition we are adding a collective artists division. The rules for this category are as follows:
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. We would like to see several studios compete in this category. You may also team up with another taxidermist and
compete.
I want to remind everyone to send in your ballot to elect the officers for the KTA. Send your ballot to Tony. The address should be on it. Please
exercise your right to vote. It is one way you can have a say in the future of the KTA.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions about any aspect of the Kentucky Taxidermist Association. I can be reached at (502) 867-9997 or
by email at rhino223@aol.com. Again, please feel free to contact me with any concern regarding the KTA or the KTA Convention.
Wade C. Calvert
Vice President.
Follow the KTA on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentucky-Taxidermist-Association/105770949457376?ref=ts&v=wall
or go to the KTA website and click on the link at the bottom of the home page. .Become a fan !
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You can help the KTA
We need hunts or fishing excursions donated for our Convention auction.
Our group should have access to outfitters willing to donate and expose us to their operations
There are no better auction items to raise money for the association.
Please ask any contacts you have that may be willing to donate.
KTA Member loses shop to Fire 12/07/2009
Denny LeCompte watched his business burn to the ground in minutes.LeCompte, owner of Drop Tine Taxidermy, says he had been out to his
barn 30 minutes before flames engulfed it and the attached shop around 7 p.m.“I was putting up my Christmas tree in my house at the time,”
LeCompte said. “I guess that’s why I didn’t notice anything.”He ran out of his house – roughly 100 yards from the barn on 10340 Bald Knob Road
– and watched the fire burn. He says the fire was likely electrical and didn’t start in the shop since he could still see inside the building. Fire
officials haven’t determined the cause of the fire, Franklin County Fire Chief Gary Watts said.Two fire engines and two tankers arrived at 7:10 p.
m., Watts said. Firefighters were there until 11:21 p.m.LeCompte lost all his business contacts, but says he can remember all but three names. He
wants his customers to contact him at 875-9033.LeCompte said he had 13 deer carcasses in the shop.Flames on the barn peaked at about 50
feet, LeCompte said.He isn’t sure when or if he’ll reopen.“At this point, I don’t know,” he said despondently. “I haven’t made up my mind. It costs so
much money to start up a business. I don’t know if it’s something … once I get this
mess cleaned up, I’ll go from there.” (He was at the March meeting and plans to get back in business)
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Updated List of states where CWD has been found
As of March 2010, CWD has been found in 17 states and 2 Canadian Provinces: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana,
Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Virginia, Missouri, North Dakota , Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta,
and Saskatchewan
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More test positive for CWD
West Virginia wildlife officials say they're "not pleased, but not surprised" to learn that 16 additional Hampshire County deer have tested positive
for chronic wasting disease.
West Virginia wildlife officials say they're "not pleased, but not surprised" to learn that 16 additional Hampshire County deer have tested positive
for chronic wasting disease.The infected whitetails were among 1,091 killed during the Hampshire County's 2009 buck-hunting season.
CWD Found in Southwestern North Dakota Deer North Dakota Game and Fish Department officials were notified this morning by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services that a sick-looking mule deer taken last fall in western Sioux County has tested positive for chronic
wasting disease. This is the first time CWD has been detected in a North Dakota animal.
Utah reports first case of CWD in elk Samples taken from deer, elk and moose taken during Utah's fall hunt turned up five cases of chronic
wasting disease in mule deer, and for the first time ever in the state, in a cow elk. "It was not really a surprise," said Leslie McFarlane, wildlife
disease specialist with the DWR. "It came from an area where we have the highest prevalence of CWD in deer in the state. Elk do not have a high
prevalence of the disease." KY received a lot of elk from Utah
The Missouri Departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Health and Senior Services and USDA announced Feb. 25 that a captive white-tailed
deer in Linn County has tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease. CWD is a neurological disease found in deer, elk and moose. "There is no
evidence that CWD poses a risk to domestic animals or humans," said State Veterinarian Dr. Taylor Woods. "We have protocols in place to quickly
and effectively handle these situations." The animal that tested positive for CWD was a white-tailed deer inspected as part of the state's CWD
surveillance and testing program
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Don’t forget you can post an ad to sell your taxidermy, hunting or fishing related items on the KTA website free of charge….email…
ktaxidermy101@yahoo.com
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Frankfort, Ky. – Resolute determination and a timely tip from a local citizen helped Christian County Conservation Sgt. James Nason close a deer
poaching case last week, just three days before the statue of limitations on the charges would have expired.Two Christian County men entered
guilty pleas Monday, Nov. 16, in Christian District Court to charges related to killing a deer on the day prior to the 2008 firearms season opener
and then Telechecking it one day later as if it were a legal kill.Chris Brown, 28, of Hopkinsville, and his father-in-law, Sammy Gilliam, 55, of
Pembroke, pleaded guilty in the poaching of a Boone and Crockett Club trophy class white-tailed buck Brown received a 30-day jail sentence that
was probated for two years. He also forfeited his deer rifle, the mounted deer.
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August 6,7,8 KTA 2010 Annual Convention and Competition
Crowne Plaza Hotel
LEXINGTON -THE CAMPBELL HOUSE
1375 SOUTH BROADWAY
LEXINGTON, KY 40504
The 2010 Convention facility space has been tripled for Competition Entries and Vendor displays
Judges are J.W. Fuches, Chris Barnhart, Tommy Hall
On Friday night there will be a “Share a Tip” and “Swap a Video” event.. Bring your taxidermy or hunting videos you don’t need
anymore and trade it with another member that has one you haven’t seen.
Go to the web address below to see the anticipated list of awards to be presented at the competition this year http:
//kytaxidermy.com/upcoming_events.html
The Kentucky Taxidermist Association
2011 African Hunt Auction on August 7th
By Leon Small
Thaba Mahaka Safaris
hunt@thaba-mahaka.co.za
www.thaba-mahaka.co.za
African Hunt Auction
The daily rates for 2 rifle hunter for 10 hunting days, including a warthog, duiker, steenbuck, baboon, jackal and impala or blesbuck.
For information about additional animals contact convention@kytaxidermy.com
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
Excludes:
Extra sight seeing tours
Gratuities
Taxidermy fees
Personal curios
Cites permits
International or domestic air travel
Hunt References available at KTA website
http://www.kytaxidermy.com/upcoming_events.html
Phone in bids will be accepted 502 295 2812
Even if you can’t buy the hunt……tell a customer……bid for him/her…..
You will get a nice pay check when they return from Safari !!!!!!!!
Post the Hunt announcement in your shop so your customers can see it!
KTA Certification Program
The KTA Certification program is intended to reward those taxidermist who have entered their artwork in state competition
and achieved (11) points or more. Only those points received in competitions sanctioned by and conducted by the KTA will
qualify.
All judging must be done according to the NTA point system. All points earned in KTA’s 1983 state competition will be
given ¼ credits per point value. All points earned in the 1984 KTA State competition will be awarded ½ point value. All
points earned in the 1985 state competition and all future competitions will be given full point value.
There will be a certificate of certification awarded for each category earned at the professional or Masters Division Level..
These categories will be the same as the NTA categories. All (11) points must be achieved by the individual taxidermist.
Two or more taxidermist cannot combine points in a category for certification. Only individual taxidermist will be certified
and NOT the name of a business.
The certificate should be no less than 12 inches high and no less than sixteen inches wide. The certificate should be of
high quality suitable for framing.
The certificate must be signed by the president and witnessed by the secretary, and dated.
The certificate shall only be awarded at the annual awards banquet that follows the state competition, and shall not be
presented at any other time.
Point Values
Fist Place = 3 points Second Place = 2 points Third Place = 1 Point
Eleven (11) points = certification in one category
Current Member Taxidermists that have earned a KTA "State" Certification
Kurt Ainsworth -Independence Ky Carl Anderson California Ky Brian Bliese - Hopkinsville Ky
Jamie Elkins - Clay City Ky Tony Johnson - Campton Ky Damon Kustes - Louisville Ky
Denny LeCompte - Frankfort Ky Mike Ohlmann - Louisville Ky Velma Smith - Calhoun Ky
Chris Stone - Georgetown Ky Brad Sturgeon - Louisville Ky Gerry Wethington - Columbia Ky
Harry Whitehead - Nicholasville Ky
Congrats to Jamie Elkins and Alicia Love for their wins at the NWTF Competition
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At the last convention we mistakenly assumed Earl Smith was sleeping. Velma has informed us that Earl said he was in deep contemplation of the
World’s problems.
We are all so lucky to have such a profound thinker in the KTA family.
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Animal Rights Running amuck
Swiss govt.: No more catch & release, live fish flushing
New animal protection laws implemented in Switzerland Sept. 1 outlaw catch and release fishing and sending live goldfish down toilets to a watery
grave. Under the new legislation, anglers must kill fish when caught and aquarium fish must be stunned and killed before flushing. Angling with live
bait is also a no-no
Swiss voters say no to lawyers for animals
Common sense prevailed at the polls in Switzerland yesterday as voters rejected a referendum that would have required states to appoint lawyers
for animals in alleged abuse cases. With 45 percent of the electorate participating, 70.5 percent cast their ballot against the proposal. But you've
still got to wonder about that 29.5 percent who favored the initiative. Via AP.
New Collective Artist Division Category at Competition this year
See Wade’s newsletter Article above for Rules and on the website at http://kytaxidermy.com/competitionRules.html
Congrats to Alicia Love for the winning entry in our “New Logo Contest”
Alicia won free convention registration for the 2010 convention
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Indiana, Missouri and Illinois now allow Taxidermist to accept deer & elk from CWD States
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. Why not in Kentucky Too !
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KTA Letter to 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.
Please feel free to contact any of our members below
Tony Johnson President 606 668 9392
Wade Calvert Vice President 502 867 9997
Damon Kustes Board member 502 295 2812
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We had a great turnout for the March Meeting at Gerry Wethington’s shop
Gabe Jenkins from the KDFWR spoke to us about participating in their CWD Sampling Program. We presented him with our Concerns of Liability if
a positive sample is found in our shops. (Potential cleanup of contamination) He said they should be able to fix our liability concerns if any of our
members participated. We also discussed changing the current regulations to allow us to handle out of state cervids from CWD states. (see letter
below). Gabe told us the Dept hopes to have the regulation changed for this upcoming Hunting season.
3 Revolution deer Manikins and $100 worth of Dixieland Gift certificates were given away at the March meeting to 6 lucky winners
Thanks to Gerry Wethington and his girl friend for their hospitality at the meeting.
2010 Kentucky Taxidermists Association
Annual Convention and Competition Registration
August 6th , 7th & 8th 2010
Price Qty Total $
Per-registration fee $75.00 _____ $ __________
(Includes one Banquet Ticket and one entry)
Late-Registration fee (after July 25th ) $100.00 _____ ____________
(Includes one Banquet Ticket and one entry)
Best All-Around Professional Taxidermist $15.00 _____ ____________
Best All-Around Master Taxidermist $15.00 _____ ____________
Best Original Creation (Each Mount) $15.00 _____ ____________
Amateur Division (Each Mount) $10.00 _____ ____________
Commercial Division (Each Mount) $10.00 _____ ____________
Professional Division (Each Mount) $10.00 _____ ____________
Masters Division (Each Mount) $10.00 _____ ____________
Collective Artist $30.00 _____ ____________
Membership Fee $60.00 _____ ____________
Additional Banquet Ticket (Each) $20.00 _____ ____________
Total ____________
Name _______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________
Email _______________________________________________
*** Call Wade Calvert for information on awards. (502) 867-9997
I agree to abide by the competition rules established by the Kentucky Taxidermist Association. I am Participating at
the KTA Convention and Competition at my own risk and hereby release KTA Inc. member's and officers of any
Liability as a result of injury or from theft of mounts entered.
Signed:______________________________________________________
All Pre-Registration fees must be postmarked by July 25th. Make checks payable to; KY Taxidermist
Association.
Please send Pre-Registration forms and fees to:
Brian Bliese • 5010 Prosperity Lane • Hopkinsville, KY 42728 • Phone # 270 885-7468
Please write down a description of the mounts you are entering!!!!!
Wall Mount:________________________________________________
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Table or Floor Mount: _______________________________________
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