Dear Members:

 

I hope all is well and everyone is busy.  Well it's that time of year again, the GSTA Competition and Convention.  This year is coming toether and it is looking like it is going to be one our best shows yet. 

 

New this year we have 9 new sponsored awards, plus GSTA sponsored 1st, 2nd & 3rd place cash awards for three entries with the total highest score.  We also have this year a Collective Artist Division.  The entry can be mounted by 2 or more taxidermists or by a shop.  There also is a new category for this year.  As discussed at last year's membership meeting and at our board meeting we will have a Division of Excellence Award.  Those members who compete in the Award of Excellence will be automatically placing in the DOFE.  Those in the Masters Division who have met the criteria of the awards won in the past will be elevated to the Division of Excellence.  A certificate will be given to the Taxidermists who have reached this highest level of competition.

 

We are also going to have a little bit of fun this year, we are going to have an Arrogant SOB contest.  The criteria is; enter a small mammal (for instance a squirrel or bird), even if you have an old mount laying around collecting dust, clean it up and enter it for a small entry fee.  The winner will destroy ALL losers mounts however he or she see fit.

 

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance will sponsor a Best of Black Bear Award this year.  So if you have a Bear to mount from this past years hunt "Get er Done". 

 

There also will be our normal auction, lets get our donations in. 

 

We will also be having a suppliers area this year.  McKenzie Taxidermy Supply and East Coast Tannery are among those attending.  (Lets make it worth their while to come to our show). 

 

In closing, our convention can be as good as we want it to be.  But we need all of our members help.  If you know someone that is willing to donate an item to our auction or you know of a new taxidermist just starting out, bring him or her to our show. I am looking forward to having our biggest show ever.  (I hope we have room for all the mounts), JUST KIDDING!!!

 

Also, please remember, if you can register early even if you do not know how many pieces you are bringing.  It makes life alot easier if we at least know who is attending the show/and or banquet.

 

I look forward to seeing all of you this year. 

 

Paul Bacskoczky