ARTICLE I:         NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION I:        NAME
    The name of this organization shall be the OKLAHOMA
    TAXIDERMISTS ASSOCIATION, hereinafter referred to as
    the Association or The OKTA.

SECTION II:        PURPOSE
    The purpose of the OKTA shall be

    A.        to promote the art of taxidermy and related fields,
    B.        to promote high standards in the art of taxidermy and to strive to
            produce high quality work,
    C.        to foster understanding in the general public about the field of taxidermy and other related fields,
    D.        to assist members of the OKTA and the general public in the understanding of Federal and State and Game Laws,
    E.        to assist in any way possible in the conservation of all our natural resources for future generations,
    F.        to accept funds as shall be necessary to carry out the purposes of the OKTA, and
    G.        to engage in such other civic, charitable, educational, and business
               activities as the OKTA shall deem appropriate.


ARTICLE II:        MEMBERS

SECTION I:        MEMBERSHIP.  A member shall be one who has dues paid current in the OKTA and abides by the OKTA Code of Ethics.

SECTION II:        MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

    A.        INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
            1.        An individual membership shall consist of an individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy.
    B.        FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
            1.        A family membership shall consist of an individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy, and his/her spouse and children living within
the same household. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)

    C.        YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
            1.        In the interest of promoting the art of taxidermy, a youth membership shall be available to individuals 14 years of age and under, who are not
included in a family membership.
    D.        ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
1.        An associate membership shall be available to non-taxidermists, such as guides, hunters, fishermen, trappers, etc., who are interested in promoting
taxidermy.
2.        Any organization requesting associate membership shall not have individual membership rights.
E.        LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
1.        A lifetime membership shall be available to members for a
    one-time fee and shall include his /her immediate family
    members living within the same household.
3.        The fee shall be in proportion to ten times the rate of the family dues.
F.        SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP
1.        A senior citizen membership shall be available to an individual
    60 years of age or older.                                 1/27/07
G.        FAMILY SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP
1.        A senior citizen family membership shall consist of an
individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy,
and his/her spouse and children living within the same
household.                                                 1/27/07

SECTION III:        RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
Each active member over the age of fourteen (14) shall have the right to one (1) vote on all matters affecting the operation of the OKTA, which shall be properly
presented for their consideration at duly constituted meetings of the OKTA.

    A.        An active member shall be one who has dues paid current in the
            OKTA prior to the time at which the voting takes place.
    B.        Associate members shall not be eligible to vote.
    C.        New members beginning their membership at the convention shall be eligible to vote at the first meeting following the convention.

SECTION IV:        PERMITS/LICENSES
    All members shall be encouraged to obtain applicable permits and/or
licenses for taxidermy and related fields from State and Federal authorities.





SECTION V:        DUES
    Membership dues shall be set by the majority vote of the membership.  
There shall be no joint membership.  All dues are payable in advance and are due by convention registration deadline each year.  Any member who has not
renewed membership by the deadline shall automatically lose membership.

A.        Memberships acquired thirty (30) days prior to the annual convention shall be rolled over to the next fiscal year’s membership. (revised, Competition
Committee, 6/26/05)  


SECTION VI:                INCREASE OF DUES
Membership dues may be increased by majority vote of the membership present at an annual meeting following written proposal which includes the proposed
fee.

SECTION VII:                GRIEVANCE
Any member with a grievance shall present such grievance to the Board of Directors at a duly convened meeting of the Board.  If the grievance cannot be
resolved by the Board, it shall be presented to the general membership, whose majority decision will be final.


ARTICLE III:        OFFICERS

SECTION I:        PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
The principal officers of the OKTA shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Reporter, and such additional officers as the OKTA may
from time to time feel necessary.

SECTION II:        TERM OF OFFICE
OKTA officers shall serve a two-year term, with a continuing annual election.  On even-numbered years, the election process shall consist of election for the
President, Reporter, and two Board Members.  In the         same manner, on odd-numbered years, the Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and the remaining two
Board Members shall be elected.

A.        In the event that the President is re-elected, the Board position normally filled by the Past President shall be added to the election process and shall be a
two-year term.




SECTION III:        PRESIDENT
    The President shall be the chief executive of the OKTA.  He/she shall
    preside at all OKTA meetings and perform such other duties as may be
    specified from time to time by the membership, and shall appoint
    chairpersons for committees as deemed necessary.

    A.        A presidential candidate must have prior experience as either a member of the Board of Directors or as an officer.

SECTION IV:        VICE-PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the presidency in the absence of the President, shall chair the Nominating committee, shall chair the Member of
the Year committee and perform such other duties as may be specified from time to time.

SECTION V:        SECRETARY/TREASURER
The Secretary/Treasurer shall have custody of all funds and records of the OKTA, shall maintain accurate record of receipts, disbursements, and membership
thereto and shall render an accounting of same at general business meetings and/or at other times as may be requested. The Secretary/Treasurer shall take and
maintain accurate minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and general business meetings and submit such minutes at the next subsequent meeting of
that group.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall give notice of scheduled meetings to active membership prior to the meeting date and such other notices as may be
required, and shall perform such other duties as may be specified from time to time.

                            A.        A newsletter Editor shall prepare and distribute a periodic newsletter.  This position shall be voluntary.  In the event that there is no
volunteer, these duties shall revert to the Secretary/Treasurer.

SECTION VI:                REPORTER
The Reporter shall assume the responsibility of submitting news releases to various magazines, newspapers, and other organizations as determined necessary by
the membership.

SECTION VII:        REMOVAL
                             Any officer of the Association may be removed at any time with just
                            cause by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the active membership present at a
                            duly convened meeting.





SECTION VIII:  VACANCIES
A vacancy of any office in the OKTA (except the office of President) may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by majority vote of the membership
present at a duly convened meeting.  If a vacancy occurs between meetings, the President shall appoint a successor, if necessary, until the next meeting of the
Association.  If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice-President shall assume the office for the unexpired portion of the term.  If any officer is
absent or unable to perform his duties, the President may designate another person to carry out the duties of that office.  Such office duties shall
be carried out by the appointee until the return of the absent or the next meeting of the Association, whichever occurs first.

SECTION IX:        RESIGNATION
Any officer may resign his office at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Secretary.  The resignation shall become effective upon the date specified
therein, or if no date is specified, upon receipt thereof by the Secretary.  Acceptance shall not be necessary to render the resignation effective.
ARTICLE IV:        DIRECTORS

SECTION I:           NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of this association shall consist of the officers and one (1) director for each twenty-five (25) individual members.  The number of members
at convention pre-registration deadline shall determine the number of directors for each year.

SECTION II:        INCUMBENT PRESIDENT
The incumbent President shall automatically become a member of the Board of Directors for a term of two years after the presidency term expires, unless he/she
is elected to another office.  In such case, an additional Board member position shall be added to the election process for the remaining term.

SECTION III:        TERM OF OFFICE
By membership number, those elected will serve a two-year term.

SECTION IV:        GENERAL POWERS
The property, business and affairs of the OKTA shall be under the direction and control of the Board of Directors.






SECTION V:        REMOVAL
A member of the Board of Directors may be removed from office by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the active membership present at a duly convened meeting for any
act or failure to act if that act or failure to act is deemed detrimental to the purpose of the OKTA.

A.        A Director may be removed from the Board for two (2) unexcused
absences of duly convened meetings and will be replaced with the
elected alternate.                                         1/27/07

SECTION VI:        RESIGNATION
Any director may resign his directorship at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Secretary.  The resignation shall become effective upon the date
specified therein, or if no date is specified, upon receipt thereof by the Secretary.


ARTICLE V:        MEETINGS

SECTION I:        MEETING DATES

                    A.        Quarterly Meetings - shall be held as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors to coordinate with the annual convention.  Additional
meetings may be called as necessary.
                    B.        Annual Meeting - shall be held in conjunction with the annual competition/exhibition and seminars (also referred to as annual convention).
                    C.        Board of Directors Meetings - shall coincide with general membership meetings and be open to general membership.

SECTION II:        ANNUAL CONVENTION
An annual convention, including competition, exhibition, seminars, awards banquet, and annual membership meeting shall be hosted by the OKTA each year.  
The competition/exhibition and seminars shall be open to registered non-members and the exhibit portion open to the general public. (revised, Competition
Committee, 6/26/05)

SECTION III:        MEETING SITES
The site for the quarterly membership/Board meetings shall be determined by members at the prior meeting.  Annual convention meeting sites shall be
determined by majority vote at the previous annual meeting.  In the event that a site is chosen that has not been previously utilized by the OKTA, a quarterly
meeting shall be held at that site prior to the convention.


SECTION IV:        ACTION WITHOUT MEETING
Any action required to be taken at a meeting of members or directors may be taken without a meeting if a written consent, stating the action so taken, shall be
signed by all members or directors, as the case may be, who are entitled to vote with respect thereto.  Verification of consent may be made by telephone or in
person to the Secretary.

SECTION V:        SPECIAL MEETINGS
                    Special meetings may be called any time the Board of Directors deems
necessary.  Minutes will be available upon request to the general membership. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)

SECTION VI:        EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors may declare an executive session to discuss matters of a delicate nature at which general membership attendance will not be permitted.


ARTICLE VI:        FISCAL YEAR

SECTION I:        DATES
                    The fiscal year of the OKTA shall be from convention pre-registration
deadline to the convention pre-registration deadline of the following year.



ARTICLE VII:        DISSOLUTION

SECTION I:        DISSOLUTION
A resolution to dissolve this association and end its affairs shall be initiated by resolution of the Directors recommending such dissolution and directing that the
question be submitted to a vote of the members.  The resolution of dissolution shall thereafter be adopted by vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
membership present at a meeting duly convened for that purpose.  Notice shall be given as provided in ARTICLE V, SECTION V of these By-Laws.  Upon
adoption of such resolution by the members, the Association shall cease to conduct its business, except insofar as may be necessary for the termination thereof.  
It shall immediately cause a notice of the proposed dissolution to be mailed to each of its known creditors and shall proceed to collect its assets and distribute
them as membership shall see fit.



ARTICLE VIII:        AMENDMENTS

SECTION I:        AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of members present at a duly convened meeting of the OKTA after having been presented two (2) consecutive
times; one (1) via written notice and (2) at the next subsequent meeting of the Association.

Other None By-Law Documents

MEMBERSHIP

A member is one who has paid current dues in the OKTA and who abides by the OKTA
Code of Ethics.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP:  consists of an individual participating in, or learning,
the art of taxidermy.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:  consists of an individual participating in, or learning, the art
of taxidermy, and his/her spouse and children living within the same household. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP: available to individuals 14 years of age and under, who are not included in a family membership.                                                
6/16/2000                
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP:  available to non-taxidermists, such as guides, hunters,
fishermen, trappers, etc, who are interested in promoting taxidermy.  An organization
requesting associate membership shall not have individual membership rights.

SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP: available to members 60 years and above.
                                                                              9/23/06
FAMILY SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP: consists of an individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy, and his/her spouse and children living
within the same household.                                                                 1/27/07

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP:  includes family, at a cost 10 times the regular family dues                                                                                 9/29/01


RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

Each active member over the age of fourteen (14) has the right to one (1) vote on all
matters affecting the operation of the OKTA, which is properly presented for their
consideration at duly constituted meetings.

•        An active member is one who has paid current dues in OKTA prior to the time at
which the voting takes place.

•        Associate members are not eligible to vote.  

•        New members beginning their membership at the convention shall be eligible to vote
at the first meeting following the convention.


PERMITS/LICENSES

All members are encouraged to obtain applicable permits and/or licenses for taxidermy
and related fields from State and Federal authorities. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)
DUES

•        Annual membership dues are set by a majority vote of the membership.  In the case
   of a proposed increase, a written proposal must be submitted to the membership prior
   to a duly convened meeting, at which time, a majority vote of the membership will
   determine the fee.
•        There are no joint memberships.
•        All dues are payable in advance and are due by convention registration deadline
   each year.
•        Any member who has not renewed membership by the deadline shall automatically
   lose membership.
•        Memberships acquired thirty (30) days prior to the annual convention shall be rolled over to the next fiscal year’s membership.
     (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)

Individual Membership:               $35.00                                                   3/09/13
Family Membership:                    $40.00                                                   3/09/13
Youth Membership:                     $15.00                                                 3/09/13
Associate Membership:                $25.00                                                 3/09/13
Sr. Citizen Membership                $15.00                                                 3/09/13
Family Sr. Citizen Membership    $20.00                                                 3/09/13
Lifetime Membership:                  $400.00 (or 10 times the family dues)                 3/09/13

COMMITTEES


COMPETITION COMMITTEE

The Competition Committee shall consist of the officers, the Board of Directors. and a Points Keeper.  The duties of the committee shall include (revised,
Competition Committee, 6/26/05)
•        Securing the location of the next convention, and/or working with the person who organized the bid. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)
•        Selecting at least three judges for the competition, including negotiating judging fees, seminar topics, and transportation arrangements.
•        Arranging seminar instructors and topics.
•        Preparing a tentative schedule of events for the convention
•        Selecting an alternate judge or judges, in the event of a challenge by a competitor.
•        Arranging for an appropriate banquet speaker and an auctioneer for the auction that follows the awards banquet.
•        The Points Keeper keeps track of the scores and awards at the convention.
 9/03/05

Any problems which develop with seminars or the convention shall be handled by the committee under the advice of the President and the officers and Board of
Directors.  Additional committee members may be added as necessary.


NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Nomination Committee shall consist of the Vice President, serving as Chairman, and two assistants who are selected on a voluntary basis or chosen by the
President.  Duties shall include
•        Seeking out OKTA members interested in holding an office.
•        Compiling a list of candidates from the current membership list.

Resulting telephone charges from committee members may be submitted to the Secretary for reimbursement.


MEMBER OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE

The Member of the Year Committee shall consist of the OKTA Vice-President, serving  as Chairman, and two assistants.  Duties shall include
•        Polling the membership for nominations of deserving members whose services for the association have been above and beyond the call of duty.
All members of the Board of Directors and Officers will vote on the nominees for the award.                                                                                  9/23/06


HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

The Hospitality Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and two or more assistants, as deemed necessary.  The President shall appoint the committee under
voluntary conditions.  Duties shall include
•        Preparing the hospitality suite during the convention, including purchases of drinks, snacks, and complete meals, if necessary.


BROCHURE COMMITTEE
The Brochure Committee may consist of one or more members, most often chosen on a voluntary basis.  Duties shall include
•        Compiling all information necessary for the production of the Convention Brochure, including such information as rules, seminars, judges, schedules,
registration and pre-registration information, hotel and site location, announcements of those running for offices, and any other pertinent information.


RULES COMMITTEE

The Rules Committee consists of Gary Henry, Rick Reid, and Kenneth Bauman.  An official rule book will be assembled by __________ which will include all
current rules and rule changes as they occur.  Revisions will be kept in a permanent file.  All members of the committee and the President will retain up-to-date
books. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)                         


ETHICS COMMITTEE

The Ethics Committee consists of the officers and the Board of Directors, and any questions or concerns dealing with ethics will be decided by the committee.
                                                                              8/26/2000

Fund Raising Committee
The Fund Raising Committee is in charge of developing ideas on how to raise money through raffles, hunts, auctions, and such.  01/12/14

Rules and Regulations of OKTA Competitions (Revised 2-9-19)

Please read all competition rules before signing the registrations form. By signing, you agree to the rules governing OKTA competitions. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations of competition may result in the denial of your registration for future conventions.

All individuals must pay OKTA membership dues to attend any portion of the convention and competition.

All individuals must pay registration fee to attend any portion of the convention. This includes purchasing items from vendors in the parking lot.

Banquet tickets may be purchased and received at registration. Tickets are available for Adult and Children plates. The tickets will be color coded and numbered. Tickets must be presented at the banquet upon receipt of a meal. There will be a signup sheet at registration to reserve your seat at the banquet. You do not have to purchase a banquet ticket to attend the awards presentation after the meal.

Name badges must be worn to enter seminar, competition, and supply rooms.

​All entries must remain in the competition room until 12:00pm on the final day of the convention. Competitors who cannot fulfill this obligation either need to make arrangements for pick-up or do not enter the mount.

Divisions:

Master’s Division: Highest standard of judging.

Professional Division: Quality standard of judging.

Commercial Division: See criteria listed below.

Youth Division: Judge’s discretion.

Collective Artist: See criteria listed below.

Multiple ribbons are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable mention in the Youth, Commercial, and Professional Divisions. Honorable mention is eliminated in the Master’s Division.

Professional and Master’s Divisions will use the standard scoring scale used by most taxidermy competitions.

1st Place = 90-100 (Blue)

2nd Place = 80-89 (Red)

3rd Place = 70-79 (White)

4th Place = 60-69 (Green)

Score sheets will reflect the division of the competitor and be known to the judge. A competitor may NOT enter multiple divisions within one category.

Categories:

Whitetail Deer Open Mouth

Whitetail Deer Closed Mouth

Gameheads = All mammals excluding Whitetail Deer

Large Lifesize = Any mammal coyote size or larger, weighing more than 40lbs regardless of species.

Small Lifesize = Any mammal smaller than coyote size, weighing less than 40lbs regardless of species.

Fish = Skin mounts

Birds = Upland birds, non-waterfowl birds

Waterfowl

Reproductions = A reproduction is defined as an actual animal that has been molded and casted. Commercial reproductions are allowed in the reproduction category, but are not eligible for Judge’s Choice. All normal finish work and painting must be done by the competitor. Pre-finished/painted pieces are prohibited from entry.

Reptiles = Skin mounts

Original Art = In the original art category, competitors are not scored. Judges determine ribbon color and choose category winners.

3-D Art = Half or full skeletal articulations are permitted as 3-D art.

​Youth Division:

Youth score sheets will reflect the age of the competitor. Youth competitors must be 14 years old or younger.

There are three age group categories, 7 and under, 8 - 11, and 12 – 14. Best of age group category will be awarded in each age group.

European (skull) mounts and horn mounts are eligible to compete in the youth division only.

​

Commercial Division:

Strict competition criteria does not apply in the Commercial Division. Judges are instructed to judge the Commercial Division against their collective knowledge of the commercial work they have viewed in their careers. Judges are not required to formulate a numerical score. Judges will complete a special criteria sheet and award a small ribbon based upon the following criteria:

Blue = Excellent commercial work.

Red = Good commercial work.

White = Average commercial work.

Green = Below average commercial work.

There are no categories in the Commercial Division, but the category judges from the Professional and Master’s Division will each critique their fields of expertise, respectfully. Specimens must fit in one of the OKTA categories to be entered. Novelty mounts such as crayfish, spiders, and horn mounts are not allowed. There are no special awards for this division.

​

Professional Division:

Best of Category will be awarded to each category within the professional division. A minimum of a red ribbon is required to be eligible for best of category in the professional division.

Once a professional competitor has earned two blue ribbons in a particular category, the competitor is ASKED to move up to the next higher division.

Master’s Division:

State Champion titles will be awarded to the best of category winners in each of the master’s categories. A blue ribbon is required to be eligible for a state champion in the master’s division.

Original and commercial parts are allowed. Original parts are defined as any part that the competitor molded, sculpted, and cast from the animal itself. If denoting a part as Original, photo evidence showing the process of molding, sculpting, and casting the part is required to be considered an Original part.

Collective Artist

Entries completed by multiple taxidermists MUST be entered in the Collective Artist Division.

The Collective Artist Division will be eligible for two awards: Judge’s choice best collective artist and People’s choice best collective artist. Individual ribbons are NOT awarded.

​

President’s Challenge

Competitors may enter multiple pieces in the challenge. Only the first entry will have the mount entry fee waived. A special plaque or trophy, chosen by the President, will be awarded to the participant with the most people’s choice votes during the challenge.

Competitor’s Challenge

Any competitor bringing four (4) or more mounts to the competition is eligible. There is no extra entry fee to compete in this challenge. The four (4) highest scoring pieces will be used to figure a cumulative point total based on division and ribbon color. Point determinations are figured on the same scale as the OKTA Certification program. The competitor with the highest point total is the Competitor’s Challenge Award recipient. Competitors may enter any combination of categories. Collective Artist and Original Art are not eligible categories because there are no points awarded. Judges are the tie breakers.

General Competition Rules

All entries must be completed by the individual competitor. Pieces completed during workshops or classes may not be entered in competition. Artificial turkey heads may be mounted and freeze-dried by a supplier or other individual, but the competitor must complete the actual painting of the head.

All names and logos that may reveal the identity of the competitor must be omitted or concealed during competition. After judging is completed, business cards may be placed next to entries.

Entries must be accessible to the judges. An entry may be declared ineligible if too many of the judging criteria are hidden from view or inaccessible to the judge, or are not included in the mount. Be prepared for the removal of glass cases at the judge’s discretion.

Protected species must include necessary permits/papers.

Half life-size mounts will be treated as a Gamehead or Whitetail respectively.

No mount may be entered more than once in an OKTA competition. If a participant desires a critique from a subsequent judge, the competitor may pay the designated entry fee and receive a critique from the judge. The mount will not be eligible for additional awards or ribbons due to the second judging.

Judges will choose a Best Youth Mount, Best Professional Mount, Master of Masters, Judge’s Choice Best of Show/Breakthrough Award, and WASCO Award.

There are no guarantee that all major awards will be available for presentation at the awards banquet.

Any infraction of any competition rule shall disqualify the entry. Disqualified entries shall not be eligible for any awards. Registration and entry fees will NOT be refunded.

Any questions arising from the competition shall be resolved by the competition committee. The committee’s decision will be final.

Competition committee reserves the right to refuse acceptance of inappropriate mounts.

Competition Committee members must sign a code of ethics form to work in the competition room. Failure to comply with these governing codes will result in permanent dismissal of committee membership.

Challenges:

A competitor may challenge a score. $50.00 fee for each entry to be re-judged. Decisions of alternate judge(s) will be final. Identity of alternate judge(s) is known only to the competition committee and not revealed until after the challenge. Challenges must be made and fees paid within two (2) hours of the competition room opening for viewing of scoresheets.

​General Convention Rules:

Competition area is CLOSED during judging. Permission to be in the room will be determined by the President, Vice-President, and Chairman of the Competition Committee. Only Officers of the OKTA and the Competition Committee will be allowed in the competition room during closed hours. Competitors may be allowed to place their mounts early during registration. Competitors will not be allowed to place their mounts if a judge is present in the competition room. Mounts may be moved from their original position to accommodate the mounts in the competition room.

The OKTA will request facility security to be as careful as possible with all mounts. However, by act of entry into the competition, participants release the OKTA, its Officers, Board, Competition Committee, and Judges from any liability or responsibility for any mount in competition, under any circumstances.

During judging hours, a viewing area will be set up in the competition room. Competitors and guest will be allowed to sit silently and view the competition judges and competition committee members at work. Participants cannot initiate conversation with a judge or competition committee member. Participants must not talk or create disturbances. If a judge or committee member initiates conversation, answers must not disclose any information concerning the competition and be brief. Participants who cannot follow the basic policies of the viewing area will be asked to leave or possibly be disqualified from the competition. The viewing area will be closed during final tabulations by the judges and placing of ribbons. The competition committee will decide open and closed hours. Viewing area will be closed on Thursday and early Friday morning while mounts are being entered and placed.

Absolutely NO ALCOHOL allowed in the competition, seminar, or supply rooms. No food or drink is allowed in the competition room around the mounts.

Any conduct by a competitor or attendee that is deemed unsportsmanlike could result in disqualification and forfeiture of any and all awards. Unruly or disruptive behavior towards judges, show officials, or other competitors/attendees will not be tolerated. The unruly or disruptive individual will be asked to leave the convention without refund.

​

The OKTA is no longer affiliated with the National Taxidermist Association (NTA). OKTA scoresheets will replace the NTA scoresheet for the competition. Points cannot be earned for NTA Certification.

OKTA Certification Program

The Oklahoma Taxidermist Association offers an official certification program to its members and competitors. Competitors must earn eleven (11) points in a particular category to become certified. Points are earned by the following:

Professional Division: 1st place ribbon = 5 points. 2nd place ribbon = 3 points. 3rd place ribbon = 1 point.

Master’s Division: 1st place ribbon = 6 points. 2nd place ribbon = 4 points. 3rd place ribbon = 2 points

No more than five (5) points can be earned with 3rd place scores. Only competitors entering the Master’s and Professional Divisions are eligible for certification points. Master certification is awarded to competitors completing four (4) categories of certification. There must be a minimum of one (1) First place ribbon earned to qualify for Master certification. A competitor will be considered Master of Master’s once all seven (7) categories are accomplished. A competitor can be certified in Original Art, but it cannot count towards the Master’s Certification.

WILL BE UPDATED

All members of the OKTA agree to abide by this code of ethics upon signing their annual membership form. I understand that violation of any part of the OKTA code of ethics may result in my termination as a member and/or affect my ability to rejoin the OKTA in the future.

As a member of the OKTA:

I promise to obtain all necessary permits to practice taxidermy in my shop. This includes all legal tags, papers, and federal migratory licenses.

I will not partake in unethical business practices. This includes verbally abusing and/or falsifying information about another business in the taxidermy industry. This also pertains to falsifying my own business information for advertising purposes.

I will not identify to competition judges, directly or indirectly, pieces I have entered in a competition.

I will not undermine the goals of the OKTA with my actions or my words.

I will not knowingly accept any specimens that are in direct violation of the law.

I will not threaten, harass, or attempt to intimidate any member of the OKTA.

I will pay all fees and properly register for OKTA events.

I will abide by all rules and regulations for OKTA competitions.

I will be mindful of the family-oriented nature of the OKTA and avoid offensive language, actions, and gestures.

I will not bring unauthorized firearms into an OKTA sanctioned event without prior officer and/or board approval.

I will not perform unauthorized OKTA media releases.

EXPULSION: Any member ,ay be expelled for conduct which brings discredit upon, or is otherwise detrimental to, the OKTA by an affirmative vote of 2/3 of the Officers & Board of Directors. Allegations of misconduct made against a member shall be submitted to an officer of the OKTA. Following an Ethics Committee review of the allegations, and after consideration of any response made by the individual concerned, the Ethics Committee shall determine if the charges are justified and of such a nature as to warrant expulsion. The OKTA Ethics Committee and Officers / Board Members are one in the same.

LIST TO BE UPDATED

The Oklahoma Taxidermists Association offers a certification program to its members.  Members earn points through
competing at the OKTA annual convention each summer.  There are eight categories in which a member may become
certified.  The categories are:  Life-size Mammals, Reptiles, Fish, Whitetails, Gameheads, Birds, Reproductions, and
Original Art.  All, except the Original Art category will count towards your master's certification.  A master's certification is
aquired when a member becomes certified in a minimum of four of the remaining seven categories and there has to be a
minimum of one blue ribbon in the points earned.  Each member competing collects points by the following points system.

Professional Divison
Blue Ribbon:  5 points towards that particular categories certification.
Red Ribbon :  3 points
White Ribbon :  1 point (Only 5 points may be earned with 3rds.

Master's Divison
Blue Ribbon:  6 points towards that particular categories certification.
Red Ribbon :  4 points
White Ribbon :  2 points

Only Professional and Master's pieces may earn points.  Amateur entries do not qualify for certification. Once a competitor
has earned a total of eleven points he or she is considered certified in that particular category.  Many taxidermists in our
state claim to be Oklahoma Certified Taxidermists.  The National Taxidermists Association offer similar certification
programs for their members.  This certification program is the only viable certification program in the state of Oklahoma.

Below is a list of the OKTA certified Taxidermists and the categories they have accomplished their certification.

OKTA Certified Master of Master Taxidermists

"Certified in all 7 Categories"
Karen Standford-Gerhardt

Danny Keener

Hal Clary

OKTA Certified Taxidermists

Whitetails

Kenneth Bauman
Andy Campbell
Ed Dutra
Brent Gorman
Lonnie McWhirt
Karen Stanford
Keith Compton
Danny Keener
Mark Spencer
Doug Turley
Pat Reed
Loyal Smith
Hokey Mitchell
Kelly Wooldridge
Jarrod Johnson
Michael Beckman
Jody Shults
Danny Hawkins
Mitch Webb
Chief Willis
James Newport
Larry Ellis
Wayne Roach
Mike Reimer
Tra Dunham
James Hicks
Brad Collier
Andy Steffes
Hal Clary
Robert Rowe
Jason Delue
Bill Newman
Steve Abbot
Preston Mullings
Mark Pontius
Caleb Bolton
Billy Roark
Ron Smart
Danny Taylor
Monica Taylor
Leon Steinwalt
Scott Phillips
Chance Arnold
KD Graham
Wes Mote
Andrew Loker

Robby Boyd

Gameheads

Danny Keener
Loyal Smith
Karen Stanford
Brent Gorman
Buck Jones
Hal Clary
Ed Dutra
Kenneth Bauman
Terry Grace
Hokey Mitchell
Michael Beckman
Chano Bargas
Chief Willis
Brian Harness
Keith Compton
Jason DeLue
Andy Steffes
Mike Reimer
Jerry Huffaker
Bob Rowe
Troy Hall
Robby Boyd
Steve Abbott
James Yarborough
Mark Pontius
KD Graham
Chance Arnold

Birds

Andy Campbell
Mark Chambers
Hal Clary
Danny Keener
Terry Grace
Buck Jones
Mike McConnell
Jim Pitts
Karen Stanford
Brian Harness
Walter Smith
Dennis Schumacher
Michael Beckman
Dave Cowley
Keith Compton
Randy Terry
Larry Ellis
Wayne Roach
Paul Szurek
Matt Smith
Jason Vanderpool
Ryan Stokes
Russell Karnes
Donald Parisotto
John Paul Barber
Bryan Pyle
Tim Felts
Lowell Shapley
Dustin McDanials
Chris Bailey
KD Graham
Korey Alleman
Mark Pontius
Bruce Owens
Daniel Lasater
Erick Frazen

Geron Cottam

Life-Size Mammals

Danny Keener
Karen Stanford
Terry Grace
Brian Harness
Buck Jones
Rick Reid
Hal Clary
Michael Beckman
Chano Bargas
Ed England
Jerry Brandon
Sheila Brandon
Bill Newman
Clay Wagner
Robert Rowe
Jerry Huffaker
Jason DeLue
Kenneth Bauman
Shane Davenport
Steve Abbott
Cindy Cunningham
Danny Buckner
Lance Van Dusen
Felix Olivo

Fish

Kenneth Bauman
Mickey Bowman
Mark Chambers
Danny Keener
Buck Jones
Bill Newman
Dallas Essary
Karen Stanford
Jarrod Johnson
Darrell Rollans
Chief Willis
Hal Clary
Robert Rowe

Reproductions

Mark Pontius

Buck Jones
Kenneth Bauman
Karen Stanford
Danny Keener
Ron Kelly
Bob Rowe
Hal Clary
Mickey Bowman
Travis Farley
Hagan Billigmeier
James Morrison
Jason DeLue

Reptiles

Terry Grace
Buck Jones
Karen Stanford
Mike Beckman
Danny Keener
Robert Rowe
Andy Steffes
Hal Clary
Kenneth Bauman

Original Wildlife Art

Alan Broerse
Wade Cothrum
Mark Spencer
Karen Stanford
Terry Andrews
Brian Harness
Rick Reid
Karla Jones
Dennise McKinney
Robert Rowe
Janie Tigert
Lowell Shapley
Amanda Ellis
Hagan Billigmeier

OKTA Certified Master Taxidermists

"Certified in 4 Categories"
Danny Keener
Karen Stanford-Gerhardt
Buck Jones
Kenneth Bauman
Terry Grace
Michael Beckman
Hal Clary
Keith Compton
Bob Rowe

Jason Delue

Bill Newman

Mark Pontius

WILL BE ADDED