Gamehead Mounting Contest and Calcutta

PLEASE NOTE: Eligible entries MUST be a pedestal or shoulder mount. No Lifesize entries are eligible for this competition.

Gamehead mounting contest and Calcutta will be held Thursday night, June 4th, 2026

The following is an explanation of the event and contest rules:

Entry Fee for Contestants: $50.00

-Winner will receive 2/3 of the entry fee money and the runner-up will receive the remaining 1/3.

- 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 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 three 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 9:00 to 9:30 am, 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.

Bird Mounting Contest and Calcutta will be held Thursday night, June 4th, 2026

The following is an explanation of the event and contest rules:

Entry Fee for Contestants: $50

-Winner will receive 2/3 of the entry fee money and the runner-up will receive the remaining 1/3.

- 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 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 three 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 9:00 to 9:30 a.m. 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. 

Master’s

Professional

Commercial

Youth

Collective Artist

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)

The Avian Challenge is a specialized competition with a specific species chosen annually, with the Pintail as the selection for the 2026 competition. There are no divisions in this challenge and all entries will be judged on the same level. Blue, red, and white ribbons will be awarded to entries meeting the qualifying scores. The Top Prize: The judge’s choice for best entry will receive an Avian Challenge Champion trophy. 

Cost: $25 per entry, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the OKTA.

Ribbons are provided by “From the Wild to the Wall Taxidermy” and the trophy is provided by “Tornado Valley Calls”.