Convention Information

36th Annual Missouri Taxidermist Competition and Convention
August 5th, 6th, and 7th 2016

In order to keep T-Shirt costs down, we have to have our order in by June 30th! Please order your shirt by
emailing me at cole@timberlandtaxidermy.net. (Or send me a message on Facebook)
Prices are S-XL $12, 2XL $14, 3XL $16
Pre-ordered shirts will be available to pick up at the show.

Hotel reservations must be made by JULY 12th, Please mention that you are with the MO Taxidermists to get the reduced room rate of $89.00

Due to higher than normal room sales at the host resort, our block of rooms that had been set aside for the Missouri Taxidermist Association sold out very quickly. The Resort is offering the same rooms at a higher rate of $149.00, and this amount must be paid up front and is non refundable. These rooms are open to us for reservation until July 12th, 2016. You must tell them you are with the MTA in order for the MTA to pay your resort fee for you. This fee includes all of the resort amenities including free wifi throughout the resort.

Due to the extreme increase in room price, the MTA has secured a block of rooms at an alternate hotel at a rate of $85.00. These rooms are at the Quality Inn, just 5 miles down the road from the Lodge of Four Seasons. The Quality Inn features an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, and hot breakfast. To make reservations please call (573) 365-2700 and let them know you are with the MTA. The Quality Inn is holding these rooms for us until July 22nd, based on availability.

Meet Our Judges
Mark Gonnering - WhitetailsMany of you Once again Mark Gonnering will be judging whitetails at the MO show. Mark was with us for the first time last year, and did such a good job we have invited him back. Mark is no stranger to success in the world of whitetail taxidermy. Some of Mark’s successes in the competition room include 4 Breakthrough awards, National Champion, North American Champion, and won 3rd in World with an open mouth whitetail. Mark has judged many states, including Illinois, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Texas and of course, Missouri last year.
Mike Orthober - Birds & Fish Mike Orthober is one of the most well known taxidermists in the world, and of course one of the most talented. For over 36 years Mike has been producing some of the highest quality taxidermy work in all areas, but his favorite projects are small song birds for museums. His experience in the competition room is quite impressive. Multiple State Championships, Best of Show in IA and WI, National Champion, North American Champion, Nationals Best of Show, Taxidermist of the Year, several WASCO awards, Two Time Master of Masters winner, a Second in World title, and two Best in World medallions. His judging experience is equally impressive having judged several state shows, Nationals, the World Taxidermy Championships, European Show, Russian Show, and the New Zealand show. It is an honor to have him back in MO sharing his knowledge with us.
Brian Olson - Gameheads/Mammals Brian has been a taxidermist for 33 years. Brian enjoys working on mammals, gameheads, whitetails, and base work/habitats in his shop in WI. He is considered an expert among his peers at all mammals and gameheads, as well as birds. He has won countless ribbons & awards at the state, national & world levels over the years. In 1999 Brian won a Best in World title at the World Taxidermy Championships held in Springfield IL. Brian is still an active competitor, more recently winning National Champion in 2014. Add to that 3 more best of shows and 5 WASCO awards, Brian has proven to be a worthy competitor. He has judged several shows in the past (IA, IL, WI, and CAN), and his critiques are clear and precise. We are excited to welcome Brian back to MO for a second year.
Garland Lessley - Randy Pike Amateur Division A long time member of the MTA, Garland has been a full time taxidermist since his retirement from the Air Force in 1992. He is well rounded in his ability to portray all types of animals in natural poses and habitats. He has won multiple state championships, several "best of categories", National Champion at the 2011 NTA show, Best International Reproduction at the 2006 IGT, Best of Category and Western Regional Champion in 2002, and a second place ribbon at the 2013 World Taxidermy Championships. Garland's specialty awards include several Polytranspar and Starfish awards, Noonkester Boar award, McKenzie Fish award, RMEF award, MO Trappers Association award, 2 people's choice awards, Art Rocks awards, Best of Category awards for mixed group, Habitat award, and an Old Timer Award. Garland is a perfect fit to judge our Randy Pike Amateur Division.

38 miles on US 54 West, Right on Bagnel Dam Blvd. (US Bus.54W) go 2.5 miles, Right on Horseshoe Bend Pkwy, Lodge 3 miles ahead on left.

100 miles on I70 East, Turn right at exit 101 on MO 5 South go 39 miles, Turn left MO 52 East go 33 miles, Turn right on US 54 W go 7.6 miles, Right on Bagnel Dam Blvd. (US Bus.54W) go 2.5 miles, Right on Horseshoe Bend Pkwy 3 miles, then on left.

45 miles on I-44 East to Lebanon, Turn left at exit 129 Jefferson St. (MO-5 North) go 1.7 miles, Turn right on MO-5 North go 23.7 miles to Camdenton, Turn right on US - 54 east go 13 miles, Turn right onto Osage Beach Pkwy South go 2 miles, Turn left onto Bagnell Dam Blvd (US Bus.54W) go 2.5 miles, Right on Horseshoe Bend Pkwy 3 miles, then on left.