Every Day's A Gift - California Assocation of Taxidermists

CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF TAXIDERMISTS NEWSLETTER
Ev Ever Ev er ery er y Da Day’ Da y’ y’s y’ s a
a
Gif Gift Gif
by Ken Taylor
Every day’s a gift. But, some gifts
are better than others. Some gifts
are gifts of a lifetime!
Late January 2007 I got a phone
call from my son in Arizona. Troy
is the owner-operator of Taylor
Mt. Outfitters, Inc. “Hey Dad, I
need a favor.” How many of us
have heard those words? But, the
favor, turned out he wanted me to
go on a Coues Deer hunt with him
in Mexico. Being the dad, I asked,
“How much is it going to cost
me?” Nothing except your air
fare to get to Arizona was the
reply! Stunned, I asked when?
That’s the tough part dad, we
leave in three days!!! For the
second time that day, I was stunned
to learn my request to take off
from work on such short notice
was granted.
Bring cold weather gear, it will be
a rough hunt with rain and snow
in tough country.
Ignoring the fact that I had knee
surgery in October, the chance to
go on a Coues hunt in Mexico
with my son blanked out any
logical thought process.
I spotted the buck in the rain at
somewhere over 1,500 yards. I
told my son, you need to look at
this buck. How big is he? I said,
“I think a big four point with really
big eye guards.” Troy looked
through my binoculars mounted
on a tripod and said, “He is good.
I want to look at him with a spotting
scope.” After 60 seconds, Troy
said, “Grab your pack, we need to
go.” Three ridges later, rain mixed
with snow…my knee was not
happy. Four hours later, lying on a
ridge in a hard rain; glassing and no
sign of the buck, we were not happy.
Instinct said he was still there
somewhere. Our minds gave into
CA
A T
the what-ifs. What if…he went over the next ridge…if he
went out the top…if…if! Finally I found the buck bedded
in a mesquite thicket 300 yards across the canyon — 45
more minutes went by before he moved. The shot was true
and the buck was down. Then it began to rain harder, as if
trying to keep pace with my heart that was pounding harder.
An hour later I was looking at the buck of a lifetime, “The
Gift” of a lifetime. Father-son moments don’t get any
better than that!
Truly a World Class, Record Book Coues — A 22-point
Whitetail, 11 points on each side, an unbelievable, giant of
a Coues Deer Buck. Green Score 132¾. To put it into
perspective, it is the equivalent of taking a 40-inch Mule
Deer Buck or killing a Bull Elk that scores over 400. Coues
Deer, also known as “The Gray Ghost of the Desert”, at 500
yards they look like coyotes — small, tough and hard to get
close too. My buck measured 29 inches from the bottom of
his front hoof to the top of his shoulder and 33 inches chest
to tail. Good optics (good knees recommended), good rifle
(long ranges i.e. 350-500 yards normal), good physical
shape (and did I mention good knees?) Good Luck and
Happy Hunting.
Remember, every day is a gift. Enjoy family and life….it’s
your lifetime!
For hunt information in Mexico (Mule Deer and Coues
Deer) contact Troy Taylor at:
Taylor Mountain Outfitters, Inc.
1-888-828-1551
P.O. Box 1412
Springerville, AZ 85938
L
E
S
Volume 19
Number 1
Pre Show
2007
ss

C.A C.A.T C.A .T .T. .T
Board of
Directors
President
Steve Stassi
(530) 741-0843
Vice President
Jim Burton
(530) 258-3206
Secretary
Bob Edelmann
(916) 652-0925
b.edelmann@att.net
Treasurer
Chuck Testa
(805) 646-7482
ojaivalleytaxidermy
@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor
Bill Graves
(530) 342-0181
bnrgraves@sbcglobal.net
Directors
Al Baken
(760) 961-2434
alstaxidermy@yahoo.com
Don Covert
(530) 246-4888
fourseasons@snowcrest.net
Mark Dias
(831) 636-3649
Chad Hornbuckle
(530) 669-3699
Jim Marieiro
(925) 228-8258
Gary McDaniel
(707) 224-7335
macnsons74@aol.com
Ed Rude
(530) 246-2246
edbuckstaxidermy@cs.com
President’s Message
Well folks, what’s the definition of a newsletter? Yep, it’s
about my letter to you and all the news. We’ve got tons of
it! Sadly, my first bit of news is that due to family
obligations, Alan Dowdy has chosen to resign as our
president. It was a difficult decision for both Alan and the
board, but we wish him well.
Bob Edelmann checked the association by-laws and, as a
result, I have become the new president. The board is also
in the process of nominating and selecting one additional board member to bring us
back to the proper number. At our next show there will be six vacancies for director
positions. The association is always seeking new ideas and talent. Therefore, we
encourage new and long time members to submit a letter of intent.
UPDATE: Bob Edelmann continues to improve and expand our association
website. Our new web address is www.caltaxidermy.net. Just change the .com to .net
in your favorites list. Make sure to check it out, Bob’s done a great job.
If you haven’t heard, for the first time ever, the World Show was held “Out West”.
The show was April 17-21 in Reno. California taxidermists made a great showing
at the World Show and I want to congratulate those that took part. I think our
competitions are just as impressive as the “big leagues”. The timing of the World
Show required that we change the dates of our show from early to late spring.
Our show is fast approaching. Once again, there will be three days of judging and
seminars, an all members meeting and our show will close with our annual awards
banquet on Sunday evening. We have secured a great group of judges representing
a wide range of expertise. School will be out, so make this a family event. Redding
offers a wide variety of outdoor activities and recreation. So mark your calendar for
June 22-24, 2007, at the Red Lion Inn in Redding. Please reserve your rooms now
to guarantee the show rate!
I will be sponsoring the PRESIDENT’S RAFFLE at our show this year. Every
current member who brings a new member to the show will receive a raffle ticket for
a cash prize. To qualify you may also bring a previous member who did not join at
our last competition. Don’t miss out on this new tradition.
I want to remind any active member with a young one or a grandchild that would like
to try for this year’s scholarship, essays can be turned in until the 8 pm deadline on
Friday evening of the show. The theme of the essay is, “The Role of Taxidermy in
Today’s Society.”
I am looking forward to a great time with everyone at our show in June. Look for more
news in Billy Goat’s Notebook. Your Board of Directors is dedicated to making this
meeting and your association stronger than ever.
2
Steve Stassi

Roll up
“yer”
sleeves
OK…before I
lay a little
inspiration on
you, I’d like to
Editor, Bill Graves
apologize for
the delay and what may seem like neglect
of my “duties”. Actually, I’ve been
talking to quite a few of the members
this year and everyone seems to be in
the same boat — We’re all swamped!
That’s not a good place to be when
you’re in a boat. Anyway, I don’t want
to bore you or waste the space telling
you all how busy I am or how bad I feel.
Those are just excuses. Very shortly
we’ll all be seeing each other again and
you can chew me out then. What I do
want you to know however, is this —
Steve, myself and others have been
discussing what needs to be done so that
it won’t happen in the future. Next year
we’re hoping the newsletter will be
more of a group effort. It’s nearly
impossible for one person to know
everything that’s going on and also be
responsible for three-fourths of the
content of the publication. I’ve always
said, this is your newsletter and I need
to hear from the membership. It has
always been my wish that each month I
would hear from the members and have
new input for all to enjoy. That’s not to
say everyone has neglected me, but if
you have a story or tip to share, why
don’t you send it in next time? Anyway,
please be thinking about it. The help is
appreciated and it’s what makes C.A.T.
work. If you can help out by sending in
your thoughts, it will really be a big help
in making for a more refreshing
newsletter. Thanks guys!
Bill Billy Bill y Goat Goat’s Goat s N NNotebook
N ebook
Moving on…. It’s time to roll up your
sleeves and get to work on those last
minute projects before the show.
There’s still time and I know the board
members that I’ve talked to are all
excited about the show and how it’s
coming together. We’ve got a great
lineup of judges. Check out their bio’s
on pages 8 and 9 — very impressive.
This is as good a spot as any to remind
you about the 2007 scholarship, which
is competition open to the offspring or
grandchildren of current members. We
would need an essay turned in during
the first day of the competition. For the
exact details, check out Steve’s
president’s message on the inside cover.
Secondly, we would like to see lots of
participation in the California
Challenges and Team competition this
year. Both are lots of fun and are great
venues for a little extra recognition for
your efforts. Just call up some of your
taxidermy buds and one guy can do a
fish or reptile, another a gamehead, yet
another a life-size mammal, while the
fourth does a bird of some kind. If you
want to work alone then try one of the
“challenge” pieces. This year you
should do a raccoon for the life-size
mammal, any teal for the bird or any
“reproduction” fish for the fish
competition. Lastly, if you’re a
gamehead guy, the Challenge gamehead
winner will be chosen from those who
submit a mule deer head. I know most
of you can come up with a mule deer, so
the competition should be awesome!
And yes, there still is the time to do it!
Rolling up my sleeves a little further,
we’re going to have quite a bit going on
at this year’s show. Now don’t quote
me, because I may not have this totally
right, but I believe we have about six
officers on the board that are up for reelection.
If you have ever considered
3
running for the board please submit
your thoughts on paper or at least be
ready to express your willingness to
serve at the general members meeting
on Saturday night at the show. I think
some of the ones that are up for reelection
and would still like to serve are
Chuck Testa, Gary McDaniel, Steve
Stassi, Mark Dias, Jim Burton and
myself, Bill Graves. I am unsure of the
status of Jim Mariero and Al Baken
but I know the rest of the guys would
like to stay active. Mark Dias was just
recently appointed on the board because
of the need for a replacement. All the
men mentioned above have expressed
to me that they hope you consider this
core group of guys when you vote. I
apologize if I left anyone out, but I think
that’s the way it stands right now.
I heard the competition in Reno was a
really great show and the guys from
C.A.T. did very well. I wanted to share
my congratulations with Steve on a
super job to all those that went. Now
we are really looking forward to our
show. Stassi said we sold lots of C.A.T.
hats and shirts in Reno. Just so you
know, we have reordered more in some
new styles and colors so bring your
checkbooks to Redding too. That’s
another of my responsibilities
(merchandise for C.A.T.). So if you
can help out at the show by selling
shirts for even just a couple of hours,
please let me know at the show.
Otherwise I’ll have to ask you.
OK, I’m running out of space here,
but I want to say the mid year seminar
at Steve’s was fabulous. Check out
the photo here in the newsletter, if
you don’t believe me. As you can
see, everyone had a great time. Phil
put on a great lunch and everyone
learned a whole bunch about how to
continued on page 7

E
UPC PC PCOMIN PC OMIN OMING OMIN EEVENT
EVENT
VENT VENTS VENT
Idaho Taxidermists Association
May 31-June 2, 2007 — Pocatello, ID
Contact: Dino or Amy Hugon
(208) 462-3686
e-mail: dinostaxidermy@cs.com
California Association of Taxidermists
June 22-24, 2007 — Redding, CA
Contact: Steve Stassi
(530) 741-0843
National Taxidermists Association
July 18-22, 2007 — Louisville, KY
Contact: Greg Crain
(985) 641-4-NTA
e-mail: ntahq@aol.com
Taxidermist of the Year
Specific Requirements
A “Taxidermist Of The Year” contestant must have four
entries. One entry in four (4) standard competition
categories. One in Birds; One in Game Heads; One in Life-
Size Mammals; One in Fish or in Reptiles. The contestant
receiving the highest total score for their four entries can
qualify as the winner.
Please Note: To qualify as “Taxidermist of the Year”, at least two
of your four entries must be awarded First Place Ribbons.
Win in a a C.A C.A.T. C.A
T-Shir -Shir -Shirt -Shir t & & Hat
Hat
Look for your name enclosed in a box in this
issue of C.A.T. TALES. If you find your name,
give Bill Graves a call at (530) 342-0181 and
he will send you a coupon which can be redeemed
for a free T-shirt and hat at any workshop or at
the next convention. Two names will be drawn
for each newsletter. Good luck!
4
2007
California Challenge
Birds Any Teal
Game Heads Mule Deer
Life-Size Mammals Raccoon
Fish Any Reproduction
PLEASE NOTE: California Challenge entries MAY
NOT be entered in any Standard Category (1-27). Also,
California Challenge entries MAY NOT share a base.
Western States Team
Challenge Specific
Requirements
There may be up to four members per team. There must be
four entries per team, one entry in four standard competition
categories: One in Birds; One in Game Heads; One in Lifesize
Mammals; One in Fish or in Reptiles. The team
receiving the highest total score for the four entries is the
winner. Ribbons are presented to each team member and
their names will be engraved on the perpetual “Western
States Team Challenge Trophy”.
New w Member Members Member
C.A.T. welcomes the following new members:
Kevin Burdick — Auburn, CA
Greg Capshew — Fresno, CA
Catrina Curry — Pine Grove, CA
Tony Davidson — Big Pine, CA
Calen Davis — Marysville, CA
Anna Dominguez — Oakley, CA
Jonathan M. Fowles — Hollister, CA
Robert Louis Gagnebin — Irvine, CA
Dale Griffin — Kelseyville, CA
Serina Minami Haynes — Woodland Hills, CA
Tim Linquist — Wilder, ID
Mel Long — Sacramento, CA
John Marasco — So. San Francisco, CA
Grady Miller — Marysville, CA
Rafik Petrosian — Glendale, CA
Ben Tarap — Napa, CA

Frida ida iday ida
Regis egis egistr egis tr tration tr ation
Req eq equir eq uir uired uir ed
In past years, we have had logistic
problems arise over late registration
so the Board of Directors has
decided that again this year there
will be NO SATURDAY
REGISTRATION. Registration
will begin no later than noon on
Friday and will close at 7:00 p.m.
that evening. ALL registration
forms must be in the hands of
Registrar, Bob Edelmann, at the
close of registration.
Judging will start at 9:00 p.m.
on Friday and the judges must
have all the competition
paperwork available to them
when they begin. Second day
registration is not an option.
If you need special assistance in
registering your entries, contact
Bob immediately by phone at
(916) 652-0925 and make
arrangements. We will attempt
to accommodate members who
cannot arrive by the close of
registration, but all paperwork,
including payment, HAS to be
in the Registrar’s hands by
Friday, June 22, at 7:00 p.m.
We’ve included a registration
form in this newsletter for any
members who would like to go
ahead and get their registration
taken care of in advance of
arriving at the show. Please
complete the form and mail it,
along with your check made
payable to C.A.T. to cover the
registration fees and 2007 dues,
to Bob Edelmann, P.O. Box 123,
Loomis, CA 95650.
To Reserve a Hotel Room for Our Show
Place: Red Lion Hotel
1830 Hilltop Drive
Redding, California 96002
Date: June 22-24, 2007
Reservation Phone: 1-800-RED LION
Deadline for special rates is June 8, 2007.
5
See page 7 for details.
C.A C.A.T C.A .T .T. .T . A AAuction
A uction P PPolicy
P olicy
C.A.T. is a non-profit organization made up of taxidermists and conservationists
who hunt and fish. The primary purpose of the Association is, as stated in our
Bylaws, “to unite those persons interested in the taxidermy industry into an
organization for the advancement of the art of taxidermy...and to provide
educational opportunities in taxidermy techniques...through newsletters,
product reviews, seminars, competitions and taxidermy art show conventions.”
This takes money, much of which we raise during the auction at the Awards
Banquet held as part of our annual Art Show.
Due to problems in past years, the Board of Directors has found it necessary to
establish the following policies:
1. C.A.T. offers hunts, fishing trips, art and other tangible items for sale in a live
auction during its annual Art Show. All items are sold “as is”. C.A.T. does not
make implied or expressed warranties or representations of any kind or nature
with respect to the items and in no way shall C.A.T. be held responsible for the
accuracy, description or value of said items. Any written warranty with respect
to the items purchased are those solely and expressly supplied by the manufacturer
or donor of that item, hunt or fishing trip.
2. All sales are final. There will be no exchanges or refunds. We cannot guarantee
the satisfaction of the donor or the purchaser. With respect to hunting or fishing
donations, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to contact the donor and make all
necessary arrangements for dates and for any necessary paperwork, licenses
and/or permits.
3. Purchasers must pay for items on which they were the winning bidder prior to
leaving the annual Art Show.
4. Amounts paid to C.A.T. as purchase of auction items do not automatically
qualify as charitable donations. Please refer to IRS Publication 1391,
“Deductibility of Payments Made to Charities Conducting Fund Raising
Events” and/or consult your tax advisor.

Annual
Annual
Adminis dminis dministr dminis tr trativ tr ativ ative ativ
Boar Board Boar d Election
Election
Because of the confluence of
various circumstances during these
past few years, the terms of six (6)
C.A.T. Administrative Board members
will expire at the 2007 Taxidermy Art Show Convention.
The C.A.T. membership will be asked to elect three (3) of
their fellow C.A.T. members to each serve a two (2) year
term on the C.A.T. Administrative Board. Also, the C.A.T.
membership will be asked to elect three (3) of their fellow
members to each serve a three (3) year term on the C.A.T.
Administrative Board.
This convoluted election will effectively rectify the awkward
situation created by not having an election in 2006. Because
of the aforementioned various circumstances, no C.A.T.
Administrative Board member’s terms expired in 2006. The
outcome of this 2007 election will establish C.A.T.
Administrative Board member term expiration dates of
2008, 2009, and 2010, which will again synchronize with bylaw
requirements. .
All C.A.T. members in good standing are eligible to run for election
to the C.A.T. Administrative Board. Current C.A.T. members,
who are in attendance at the 2007 Art Show Convention, will
elect Administrative Board members. The election will be by
secret ballot during the annual Member’s Meeting.
If you wish to have your name placed in nomination for one
of these six (6) Administrative Board positions, please
contact the C.A.T. Secretary before June 20, 2007. Or, you
may have your name placed in nomination, from the floor,
during the annualmember’s meeting. Please indicate whether
you wish to run for a two (2) year term or a three (3) year term.
Remember: To be elected to a position on the C.A.T.
Administrative Board, at the 2007 C.A.T. Taxidermy Art
Show Convention, your C.A.T. dues must be current for
2007/2008. And, once elected to the C.A.T. Administrative
Board you must maintain your individual C.A.T. membership
in full force at all times.
200 2007 200 7 Dues
Dues
If you will not be attending the 2007 Show in Redding, please use
the enclosed form to take care of your dues renewal right now.
The first post-show newsletter will contain many color
photos of the competition entries and will have an insert with
all of the show scores and awards. You won’t want you to
miss receiving it!
6
4 Levels Of Competition
Masters Taxidermists who have achieved the
“Masters Award”, from C.A.T., in the
applicable category.
Open Taxidermists who have not achieved
the “Masters Award”, from C.A.T., in
the applicable category.
Novice Taxidermists who have never entered
in the “Open” level, and have not
received a first place ribbon in the
“Novice” level.
Junior Taxidermists 15 years old and younger.
27 Standard Competition
Categories
Birds 6 Sub Categories
Game Heads 5 Sub Categories
Life-Size Mammals 3 Sub Categories
Fish 8 Sub Categories
Reptiles 1 Sub Category
Unique Entries 4 Sub Categories
Unique Entries — Freeze Dry; Crustaceans &
Invertebrates; Novelty; Wood Carvings Fish
11 Additional Fee
Competition Categories
Western States Specific
Team Challenge Requirements
Best Of Category Habitat Birds
Best Of Category Habitat Game Heads
Best Of Category Habitat Life-Size Mammals
Best Of Category Habitat Fish
Best Of Category Habitat Reptiles
California Challenge Birds
California Challenge Fish
California Challenge Game Heads
California Challenge Life-Size Mammals
Taxidermist Of The Year Specific
Requirements

Fishing ishing in in Alask Alaska Alask
An Alaskan vacation was planned by Ed and Bonnie
Rude last December. They planned to take their
daughter Kari with them and meet Ed’s brother,
Terry, and wife Cheryl in Anchorage. Terry’s oldest
son lives in Copper Center.
Wednesday before they left, Ed took Bonnie to the
hospital. There goes the trip Ed thought (oops, wrong
thought). Bonnie told him too much money and
planning had gone into this trip to cancel it. Her sister
came up to be with her (thanks Carol).
After arriving in Anchorage and hooking up with brother and wife, a four-hour
trip to Copper Center was in store. We arrived in Copper Center at 3:00 a.m.
(it’s still light). That afternoon we packed our bags and headed for the
Gulkana River for an overnight float trip. My sister-in-law and daughter
caught fish that trip. The rest of the time we drifted
and camped on the Klutina and fished the good holes.
The Klutina River is the second fastest natural flowing
river in the world. On the third day I finally caught
a fish, a 40-inch Hen. There was no stopping now. I
hooked and landed five fish. I even took a rest and
picked up a fly rod and caught some Reds (Sockeyes),
6-12 pounds. What a blast!
The next to the last day, we camped on the edge of the
Toilet Bowl. That morning I caught a 47-inch Buck
and released a 40-inch Hen (I wonder how they will taste). The last day we
landed four fish (Ed, Kari, Cheryl and Paul’s son Tristan).
Thanks to my nephew and wife for putting up with us. And, to nephew Paul
for taking us out on the rivers fishing, it was great. You can put 16 days fishing
into 8 days. You never know what time it is — oh well, it’s still light let’s go
fishing. Thanks Bonnie, I love you very much — you are going next time.
by Ed Rude
Bill Billy Bill y Goat Goat’s Goat s N NNotebook
N ebook
mount a life-size sheep. If you guys are missing these off-season workshops,
you are really making a mistake. They are worth the price of your membership
alone. Speaking of seminars, man I am excited about the seminars that are
coming up at the show this year! Just you wait.
Lastly, please book your room as quickly as possible to insure the savings that
C.A.T. receives on the convention hall. Rooms should be booked before the
8th continued from page 3
of June for the special rates. Just call (800) RED LION and mention you
are with C.A.T. It will save you on your rooms and will save the association
on the money we pay for use of the halls. We all benefit, so lock in those
rooms. NOW! Man I can’t wait.
See ya there,
Billy Goat
7
Red ed Lion Lion Ho Hotel Ho el
The Red Lion Hotel in Redding, CA, is the
host facility again this year for the C.A.T.
Taxidermy Art Show Convention. As usual,
C.A.T. is required to pay for the use of this
facility and associated accoutrements. The
Red Lion Hotel allows C.A.T. a credit,
towards the total costs, for every guest
room that is rented by convention attendees.
More rooms rented, more credit, lower costs
for C.A.T.
So, please consider staying at the Red Lion
Hotel this year. You will be helping C.A.T.
to lower the costs of the Taxidermy Art
Show Convention.
Convention guest room rental rates per
night plus tax:
1 or 2 People – 1 Queen Bed $87.95
2 People – 2 Queen Beds $97.95
2 People – 1 King Bed $104.95
Children younger than 18 years old, stay
free in their parent’s room, providing no
additional beds are required.
Please phone 1-800-RED-LION (1-800-
733-5466) to make your reservations. Be
sure to ask for the California Association of
Taxidermists’ special guest room rates.
These special rates are available thru
June 8, 2007. So, reserve your rooms
early and experience the convenience of
staying in the host facility.
C.A.T. LOGO
Nino Teresi
T-shirts & camo hats
are available @ $12.00 for
embroidered hats and 15.00
for logo T-shirts. Discount
coupons are available through the
mail. Hats and shirts will be at
most workshop seminars and, of
course, at the convention.
C.A.T. no longer ships.
Contact Bill Graves
(530) 342-0181

Igor Caragodin — Upland Birds
Igor Caragodin began to fall in love with nature
and the animal world when at age 10 his mom
took him to the museum in their hometown of
Kishinev, Moldova, a Republic of the former
Soviet Union. Very soon, the young Igor met
Daniel Bistrykov a taxidermist who worked at
the university in Kishinev. Bistrykov helped Igor skin his very first
bird and ultimately Igor became his apprentice.
Igor went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry and
biology plus a Master’s Degree in ornithology or the study of
birds. I wish I had the space to list all of Igor’s accomplishments,
but by the time he was in his twenties, Igor had become a
taxidermist for the State Darwin Museum in Moscow and the
Moscow Museum. In those days he spent evenings scavenging
wire and woodchips anywhere he could to fill the hollows
inside of his bird, reptile and mammal mounts.
Soon Igor went on some birding expeditions, joining a scientific
cooperative with Americans and worked with others from the
University of Washington’s Burke Museum. He has also helped
with research for both the University of Alaska and the University
of Minnesota.
By now many experts began to turn to Igor for his valued opinions.
The International Guild of Taxidermy has long recognized his
artistry in pieces ranging in size from insects and hummingbirds to
700 pound Polar Bears.
Igor moved to the U.S. in 1998 at the age of 36. His exceptional skill
has lead to his receiving an “Award of Excellence” from the
National Taxidermy Association and the designation of “Golden
Master” from the International Guild of Taxidermy. Plaques,
ribbons and gold trophies too many to mention have been earned by
Igor. He recently won a second place in the Master of Masters at
the World Taxidermy Show with an Osprey.
Although a fully capable and well rounded taxidermist, Igor says of
himself, “Birds are my specialty; they take more skill to do
properly.” You don’t want to miss his Upland Bird seminar or the
chance to have your upland piece critiqued by Igor. This one
seminar could be worth the price of your membership.
Joe Kish — Life-Size Mammals
Sometimes when you ask someone for a bio,
the outpouring of information is unbelievable.
With others however, especially the great
ones, they are frequently more humble. Such
is true of Joe Kish.
Joe is from Texas and was dealing with the
loss of his mother in Pittsburg while I was
pestering him for information. We at C.A.T. extend our
condolences and our apologies.
2007 JUDGES
8
We are indeed fortunate to have Joe as a mammal judge this year.
During the Western States Competition he will give a seminar to
the membership on altering life-size forms. There are few people
in the industry as qualified as Joe to give such a seminar. Mr. Kish
is currently a sculptor and model maker for several major taxidermy
supply companies. He also acts as a consultant to the industry for
many large and specialty projects.
Joe apprenticed at Carnegie Museum of Natural History and was
a staff taxidermist at the Denver Museum of Natural History for
four years. Joe’ s commercial experience spans nearly four decades
and includes employment at Jonas Brothers in Denver and work with
three of the largest studios in Texas.
Joe published Taxidermy Review Magazine for nine years and
helped establish taxidermy competitions as early as 1976. He has
written two books on taxidermy and has more than one hundred
published articles relating to taxidermy, hunting, and various other
topics. Mr. Kish has been a keynote speaker for European
International Safari Club Convention, New Zealand, and Australia
International Safari Club Conventions just to name a few.
Even with all this work, Joe has given dozens of seminars and has
been a frequent judge at numerous competitions. He is credited
with mentoring many of the industry’s leading sculptors and
taxidermists. Joe takes pride in their achievements.
Nevertheless, Joe still considers himself a student of
taxidermy in all its branches and aspires to mount one good
elephant in his lifetime.
Greg Koehl — Gameheads
Greg Koehl started his taxidermy career 34
years ago when he went to work for De Jon’s
Taxidermy Studio in San Gabriel, California.
Studying under owner Tom Radoumis, Greg
quickly learned the art of taxidermy paying
close attention to anatomy and fine details on
mammals and birds. He was fortunate to have
studied ornithology for three years under Dr. Hawkins at the Loma
Linda University in Riverside, California. After living in Southern
California for 25 years he decided to move to Northern California
and worked briefly for another studio before deciding to open his
own studio, in Reno, Nevada, where his studio is today.
He has hunted species around the world and is well known for his
quality work and attention to detail in North American, Asian and
African animals.
Greg has been competing in taxidermy since the 1980’s and is one
of the original competitors at the start of the California association.
He has numerous awards, First Place, Best of Category, Judges’
Choice and Best of Shows from throughout the western states. He
has a Master rating in mammals and birds as well. His attention to
the details of anatomy has made him a top competitor and judge.

Case in point, he entered the California show in 1996 and won Best
of Show, Judges’ Choice, Taxidermist Choice, and more. In 2006
he returned to the California show with the same results.
Greg has been instrumental in the development of numerous
taxidermists over the years instructing and sharing his knowledge
and knows many professional taxidermists throughout the country.
He talks daily with other artists who call the shop for advice on
various subjects. Greg’s son, Tony Koehl, is also a well known
artist who produces album covers for famous metal and rock bands,
too many to list. His work can be seen across the music industry on
CD’s, websites and Billboard Magazine’s covers. He follows in his
father’s foot steps only in a different medium. It’s well worth a look
at www.tonykoehl.com.
We are indeed fortunate to have Greg judge this year. Be sure to
take advantage of his critiques and glean some valuable knowledge
from one of the top names in the industry.
Ed Moore — Fish and Reptiles
Ed Moore and his wife, Michele White, live
and work in Fort Bragg on the beautiful Northern
California coast.
Ed has been a lifelong fisherman and hunter and
has been involved in fish & wildlife related
projects and organizations for more than 20
years, just retiring after more than 15 years from
the Mendocino County Fish & Game Commission. He also taught
hunter safety courses for 12 years and has served on the board of the
Salmon Restoration Association. For several years Ed also managed
two hatcheries that trapped, spawned and raised Chinook Salmon,
Coho Salmon and Steelhead.
Ed has always been interested in the art of taxidermy, probably
stemming from his childhood living along the Ten Mile River in
Mendocino County and collecting specimens, drying skulls and
skinning birds and mammals.
Ed enjoys all aspects of taxidermy but has focused on fish in his
business, the Wildlife Workshop, because of his past history and his
love for fishing. Ed’s work has become internationally-acclaimed
as he has done many pieces for fishing lodges and their customers
from Venezuela to Alaska.
Although he had been working as a taxidermist for many years, he
was first talked into competing 10 years ago. He earned C.A.T.’s
Master Taxidemist in Fish status in 2001. His list of awards
includes: Taxidermists’ Choice, Spouses’ Choice, People’s Choice,
two from Polystranspar, three from Chem Oddities, the Safari Club,
the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the California Sportsmen’s
Lobby, four from Starfish, three Lauren Johnson Memorial awards,
several California Challenge awards, three Western States Team
Challenges and many first place and best of category ribbons.
Ed is a true artist, not only accomplished in the taxidermy field but
2007 JUDGES
9
as a flat artist as well. He’s conducted seminars at several C.A.T.
shows and has judged both taxidermy and woodcarving competitions.
Ed has also judged art exhibits for the Mendocino Art Center’s
annual Marine Wildlife Art Show. Ed is always happy to talk
taxidermy and help his fellow taxidermists any way he can.
Kent Reedy — Waterfowl
Kent Reedy is a World Champion
Taxidermist with over 30 years of
experience in Bird Taxidermy.
He offers courses out of his studio in Dixon,
Iowa. His courses can be customized to
meet your specific needs.
Kent also judges major taxidermy
competitions year-round. Make sure to check
out his website at www.kentreedy.com to
see what venues he will be attending.
Kent is a native to the Midwestern United States. He became
involved in Taxidermy at the age of 16. An outdoor enthusiast and
his intense interest in his “hobby” led him to self-taught techniques
and artistry of Taxidermy.
He was first drawn to waterfowl and upland birds by the natural
beauty, intricate animation, and presentation in their natural
surroundings. His initial ten years of developmental study focused
on bird anatomy and development of artificial products for
methodological application in Bird Taxidermy. This eventually led
Kent to the Iowa State Taxidermy Competition held in 1985. The
competition was the first of many others that held great significance
in Kent’s career.
Since his competitive career began, he has judged numerous state
shows, the European World show as well as national, international,
and world competitions.
Kent’s Accolades include:
1985 - ITA Best of Show
1987 - ITA Best of Show
1987 - Best In World: Bird
1987 - Best of Show World Competition
1989 - IGT Best of Show
1990 - NTA Best Bird
1995 - Master of Master World Competition
2005 - ITA Best of Show

Glass Glass Cases
Cases
The Board has decided on the following procedures in order to
make the entries accessible to the judges and protect them from
possible damage from our visitors:
1. There is a place on the registration form for
members to indicate whether an entry is in a
glass case. Be sure to fill out the form correctly
to assist the Registrar in the following steps.
2. The Show Registrar will place these entries on
special lists with instructions to the judges to score
these entries first.
3. Members will have to remove the glass cases
THEMSELVES prior to 9:00 p.m. on Friday
evening when the judges begin their work.
Members will be responsible for replacing the glass cases
over their entries THEMSELVES prior to the exhibit area
opening to the public at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Mo Moving? Mo ving?
Nononon-Atton tt ttendee tt endee endee’s endee s Entr Entries Entr ies
Again this year we have arranged for members who will not
be able to attend the 2007 Show to be able to enter their
taxidermy pieces into the competition.
Members wanting to avail themselves of this option should
contact Registrar, Bob Edelmann (916) 652-0925 to make
arrangements. Registration will need to be done by mail,
with all payment and registration information forms in
Bob’s hands no later than Wednesday, June 20. The fee
for non-attendee entries will be $25.00 per piece, in
addition to the 2007 dues.
Members will be responsible for all transportation, receipt
& delivery and crating & uncrating of pieces, and all other
liabilities for any pieces entered under this option.
Be sure to call or send any change of address to
C.A.T. Secretary, Bob Edelmann, so that you
do not miss future issues of this newsletter.
Bob Edelmann
P.O. Box 123
Loomis, CA 95650
(916) 652-0925
10
200 2007 200 7 C.A C.A.T C.A .T .T. .T . A AAWARDS
A ARDS
Jim Barrango Memorial Award: The winner is chosen by
the C.A.T. Administrative Board.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and Honorable Mention Ribbons:
Awarded in the Open Class. Master, Novice and Junior
Classes only have 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons, NO
Honorable Mention.
Best of Category Habitat: One ribbon is awarded in each
of 5 major competition categories (Birds, Game Heads,
Mammals, Fish and Reptiles). The winning entries will be
chosen by the competition judge of the particular category.
Best Presentation of a Fish Carving: The winning entry
is chosen by the Fish judge.
SPECIAL SPECIAL A AAWARDS
A ARDS
Van Van Dyke’s Dyke’s Most Most Most Original Original Original & & & Creative Creative Creative Presentation
Presentation
Award Award + + $100 $100 $100 Van Van Van Dyke Dyke Gift Gift Gift Certificate.
Certificate.
McKenzie Supply Taxidermist Choice Awards: Best
Bird; Best Whitetail Head; Best Life-Size Mammal; and
Best Fish.
California Waterfowl Association Duck Hunters Choice
Awards: Masters Class; Open Class; Novice Class; and
Junior Class.
200 2007 200 7 MAS MASTERS MAS TERS
AWARDS ARDS
John Avalos — Birds
Tereza Casimiro — Birds
Harry Pelton — Heads
Richard Sawaske — Heads
Do you have something
interesting to share???
Please send any articles, taxidermy tips,
pictures or suggestions for future issues of
C.A.T. TALES to:
Bill Graves
1704 Oak Way
Chico, CA 95926
bnrgraves@sbcglobal.net

200 2007 200 7 C.A C.A.T C.A .T .T. .T . A AAWARDS
A ARDS
Judges’ Choice Best of Show: Trophy and ribbon,
determined by a consensus of the competition judges.
Winner will be featured on the cover of the postshow
issue of C.A.T. Tales.
Taxidermists’ Choice Best of Show: Trophy and
ribbon, determined by ballots cast by attending
taxidermist C.A.T. members.
People’s Choice Best of Show: Trophy and ribbon,
determined by ballots cast by members of the public
attending the Show.
Spouses’ Choice Best of Show: Trophy and
ribbon, determined by ballots cast by spouses of
attending C.A.T. members.
Lauren Johnson Memorial Awards: Best of Show
ribbons presented for best overall piece in each of the
five standard competition categories — Birds,
Gameheads, Life-Size Mammals, Fish and Reptiles.
Winner determined by judge for each category.
Taxidermist of the Year: Trophy and ribbon, for the
highest total score for pieces in 4 of the 5 standard
categories - Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Gameheads and Life-
Size Mammals.
Highest Scoring Entry: Plaques for the highest scoring
entry in each of the four C.A.T. classes — Master,
Open, Novice and Junior.
Best of Category: Ribbons for highest scoring 1st Place
entry in each category for Master and Open Class entries.
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place and Honorable Mention:
Ribbons will be awarded in Open, Novice and Junior
Classes in all categories — Master has 1st, 2nd & 3rd
place only, NO Honorable Mention.
C.A.T. C.A.T. Master Taxidermist Award: Plaques awarded
to members who attained Master status after 2005
entries were tabulated. Awarded in the 5 standard
competition categories — Fish, Birds, Reptiles, Life-
Size Mammals and Gameheads.
California Challenge: Plaques and ribbons awarded
to the highest scoring entry in each of the Challenge
categories — Bird — Rooster Pheasant, Fish —
Largemouth Bass, Life-Size Mammal — Squirrel,
Gamehead — Any Exotic Game.
Western States Team Challenge: Ribbons
presented to each member and winning team members
names engraved on the perpetual trophy. Awarded
to the team with the highest combined point total for
4 entries in the 5 standard competition categories.
Vice President’s Award for Best Bird in Flight
11
Best of Category Habitat: Only one ribbon is awarded
in each of the 4 major categories,(birds, gamheads,
mammals, and fish or reptiles). Those paying the entry
fee to have their habitat judged will be the only ones
judged in the 4 major categories. There is NO score
sheet; the judge for that particular category decides
amongst the entries who he believes has the best habitat.
SPECIAL SPECIAL AW AWARDS AW ARDS
As this newsletter goes to press, the Board has not confirmed
all of the special awards that will be available this year. We
are anticipating awards from:
Shasta Valley Archery Bow Hunter’s Choice Award
for Outstanding Taxidermy
Star*Fish Award — goes to highest scoring fish
reproduction entry (with gift certificate)
Van Dyke’s Most Original & Creative Presentation
Awards — Open and Master Classes
WASCO Polytranspar Award
WASCO Most Artistic Entry Award
McKenzie Supply Distinguished Service Award
WESCO Enterprises “Master Line” Award for
highest scoring Gamehead on a Master Line form
(includes cash prize)
California Waterfowl Association Duck Hunters
Choice Awards in Junior and Open Classes
Troutman’s Horizon Awards — for first time
competitors in Open, Novice and Junior Classes
Research Mannikins Blacktail Award — for highest
scoring Blacktail on a Research form
Research Mannikins First Honest Whitetail Award
— for highest scoring, FIRST PLACE, Whitetail on a
Research form ($500 credit)
California Wood Duck Project — most artistic
Wood Duck entry
California Department of Fish & Game Awards
for best presentation of Warmwater Fish, Coldwater
Fish and Habitat
California Wildlife Federation Artistic
Creativity Award
Safari Club International Award for Outstanding
Taxidermy & Presentation
Chem Oddities Award for highest scoring fish entry
(with gift certificate)

“THE SWAP SHOP”
Use the “Swap Shop” to buy, sell or trade. This section of our newsletter is a free service for C.A.T. MEMBERS
ONLY. Ads will run for the current year of the newsletter.
ARTIFICIAL BIRD AND
WATERFOWL HEADS
FOR SALE
Free shipping for C.A.T.
members, just ask.
Tony Finazzo
(909) 234-3648
(909) 886-8640
RED GOLDEN
PHEASANTS
Chicks and Adults
Al Baken
(760) 961 - 2434
(530) 673-3067
Lawrence Brothers
OUTDOOR & WILDLIFE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Fred Esber
6070 Hwy 18
San Bernardino, CA 92404
fredmon69@aol.com
Left to Right: Mark Dias, Steve Stassi and Chuck Testa with the
life-size ram that was mounted at this year’s mid-year seminar.
Sorry if you missed the seminar, what a learning experience!
12
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6369 North Cedar
Fresno, CA 93710
davidchesmore@comcast.net

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13
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14

Please
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• Tony Finazzo Bird Heads
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(916) 635-1270

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