President's message

By: Steve Stassi

Once again we had a fabulous show. These things always put me on pins and needles. Between trying to get my own competition pieces ready, ongoing customer work, as well as putting the show together, well, combined it just brings on the stress. When it all comes together though, and everyone is there enjoying themselves and the wonderful creativity, then it’s all worth it! The really special part of this particular show was that there has been a big surge in novice entries and that’s very exciting. There were over twenty novice pieces and the work was exceptional. Our future as an association lies in the work and participation of our beginners, yet I know it was exciting for them too, as they always pick up tips and techniques from the judges and membership. If you are one of those novices, you may be reading a CAT newsletter for the first time. I welcome you and wish to stress the importance of competitions. If you continue to attend our shows and pay attention at the seminars you will become a great taxidermist too and well on your way to being a master. Not everyone has the desire or the ability to become a taxidermist, but after the work I saw at our show, you are past that hurdle and well on your way! Keep ‘em coming!

Finally I hope that your deer and waterfowl seasons are fairly productive this year. I know with all the wild fires that hunting may be down somewhat this year and could be fairly tough on those of us that are full time taxidermists. I also pray that the wildfires have not endangered or harmed any of our members.

Thank you members!

Thanks for your participation. Thanks for coming from long distances, even with the price of fuel. I know it seems expensive, but you all make it so special. Thanks for your help each year. But most of all, Thanks for making CAT everything it is. Each and every one of you is why CAT is able to provide such a fabulous learning experience.