43rd Annual OKTA
Convention & Competition
Join fellow taxidermists and enthusiassts for the 43rd Annual Oklahoma Taxidermists Association (OKTA) Convention & Competition. This annual event brings together experienced professionals and newcomers to celebrate craftsmanship, further education, and recognize excellence in the art of taxidermy.
June 4-6, 2026
The OKTA is excited to announce our new venue!
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The OKTA is excited to announce our new venue! 〰️
Doubletree by Hilton Hotels - Warren Place
6110 South Yale Ave
Tulsa, OK 74136
The OKTA rate is $139 per night and includes breakfast!
Meet your Judges
Johnny Risinger - Whitetail
TO BE UPDATED
Lance Van Dusen - Gamehead & Lifesize
TO BE UPDATED
Tim Cooley - Birds
My name is Tim Cooley. I have been a taxidermist since I was 13 years old in 1999 and started competing more in 2015. I spent several years traveling to other taxidermists to try and master the craft. I won a few national titles along the way with other major awards at the state level. I judge to help those who want to be better.
Cory Foth - Fish & Reptiles
Thanking the OKTA for the invite. I’m looking forward to seeing all the great pieces in the showroom that your state is known for producing. I’ve done well in the showroom, thanks to my past judges and fellow competitors. HOWEVER, the greatest award I have received as a judge/competitor/taxidermist is the accomplishments of people I’ve helped! Looking forward to meeting everyone.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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Gamehead Mounting Contest and Calcutta
Gamehead mounting contest and Calcutta Thursday night, June 4th, 2026
The following is an explanation of the event and contest rules:
Entry Fee for Contestants:
1. $50.00
2. Winner will receive 2/3 of the entry fee money and the runner-up will receive the remaining 1/3.
3. Winner also receives a Live Mounting State Champion Belt Buckle.
Calcutta/Auction:
There is no minimum bid. Individuals or groups may bid. 100% of the prize money goes to the individual or group who bid upon the winning taxidermist, as chosen by the 4 competition judges.
Judging:
During the day Friday, each competition judge will cast their secret voting to the OKTA Secretary. Each will determine their top three choices in order and a numerical score will be awarded. 1st = 5 points, 2nd = 3 points, and 3rd = 1 point. The OKTA Secretary and the judges will tally the scores and the winners will be announced at the banquet Friday night. Competition judges are not allowed into the Calcutta/Auction, during the mounting contest, or any time prior to judging/voting. Contestants cannot discuss any portion or events of the Calcutta or mounting contest to a competition judge prior to judging/voting.
Contest Rules:
1. Each participant will have 3 hours to complete a gamehead mount of their choice. The President will record the start time for the contest.
2. The actual mounting of the specimen must occur on site. No form preparation can occur in advance, including form alterations.
3. Cape preparations can be completed in advance.
4. Commercial ear liners are allowed but they have to be installed during the contest. Bondo ears have to be poured at the contest.
5. Commercial ear butts will not be allowed.
6. Artificial noses and septum are allowed but must be installed during the contest.
7. Each competitor must bring their own tarp and be responsible for cleaning up their area.
8. On Friday, from 9:00am to 9:30am each participant will be allowed to complete any final grooming.
9. Any violation of the rules, the competitor will be disqualified and not allowed to compete. Any questions that arise during the contest will be decided upon by the competition committee, excluding participating committee members in the contest.
How can I contact you? -
Bird Mounting Contest and Calcutta Thursday night, June 4th, 2026
The following is an explanation of the event and contest rules:
Entry Fee for Contestants:
1. $50.00
2. Winner will receive 2/3 of the entry fee money and the runner-up will receive the remaining 1/3.
4. Winner also receives a Live Mounting Champion Belt Buckle.
Calcutta/Auction: There is no minimum bid. Individuals or groups may bid. 100% of the prize money goes to the individual or group who bid upon the winning taxidermist, as chosen by the 4 competition judges.
Judging :
During the day Friday, each competition judge will cast their secret voting to the OKTA Secretary. Each will determine their top three choices in order and a numerical score will be awarded. 1st = 5 points, 2nd = 3 points, and 3rd = 1 point. The OKTA Secretary and the judges will tally the scores and the winners will be announced at the banquet Friday night. Competition judges are not allowed into the Calcutta/Auction, during the mounting contest, or any time prior to judging/voting. Contestants cannot discuss any portion or events of the Calcutta or mounting contest to a competition judge prior to judging/voting.
Contest Rules:
1. Each participant will have 3 hours to complete a bird mount of their choice. The President will record the start time for the contest.
2. The actual mounting of the specimen must occur on site. No form preparation can occur in advance, including form alterations.
3. Feet can be wired, injected and painted before the competition.
4. Heads can be painted before the competition but the eyes must be set at during the competition.
5. Neck and wing wiring must be done during the competition.
6. Base must be a single piece of driftwood, no habitat.
7. Each competitor must bring their own tarp, tools, material, etc. and be responsible for cleaning up their area.
8. On Friday, from 9:00am to 9:30am each participant will be allowed to complete any final grooming.
9. Any violation of the rules, the competitor will be disqualified and not allowed to compete.
Any questions that arise during the contest will be decided upon by the competition committee, excluding participating committee members in the contest.
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will be added soon!
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Master’s
Professional
Commercial
Youth
Collective Artist
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Whitetail Deer Closed Mouth
Whitetail Deer Open Mouth
Gameheads
Small Life-size Mammals
Large Life-size Mammals
Birds
Waterfowl
Reproductions
Skin Mount Fish
Reptiles
Original Art (3D)
Original Art (Flat)

