2024 Convention & Competition Information

Steve started taxidermy in 1992 and became a full-time taxidermist in 1993. He began to compete in 2001 winning more than 100 major awards in all categories, including the Wasco and Breakthrough Awards. Steve also won Best Reproduction Fish at 2010 Nationals and was Breakthrough winner of the UTNY 2010 show. Steve served as Vice President and President for the New England Association of Taxidermists for eight years. Steve got involved in the early 2000s teaching seminars and helping advance the art of taxidermy, and in 2008, he started judging taxidermy competitions. In 2020, Steve retired as a full-time taxidermist after 27 years. He is still very involved in taxidermy and provides to local state associations. In 2021, Steve was inducted into the New England Association of Taxidermists Hall of Fame.

Fred Barilla is the owner and operator of Wild Memories Taxidermy on Long Island, NY. Fred has won numerous top awards including the Breakthrough Award, Wasco Award, National Champion, North American Champion, and Second in World titles. He has judged and performed seminars throughout the northeastern United States and Canada, including the National Taxidermists Association and World Taxidermy Championships. Fred is well known for incorporating artistic design and composition into his pieces.

Let me take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Douglas Rehwinkel. I live in Waupaca, WI. I was born in Colorado Springs and raised in Wisconsin. I’m the eldest of 8 boys. The majority of my childhood was spent at my grandmother’s horse ranch. I could ride a horse before I could ever ride a bike. I’ve always loved and respected wildlife and the beauty of nature in its natural setting. As a young boy, I spent countless hours with my father and grandfather either hunting or fishing. This led me to the art of nature and re-creating it through my artwork in school. It seemed as though I was naturally good at the details in my work. In 1991, I met my wife, Diana. Within a few years, we had 3 children, which has now developed into our 4 grandchildren. Taxidermy was always a passion and something I vowed to myself to learn some day. In 1996, my wife and I decided to move to Florida. I happened to stumble upon a taxidermist who had been looking for an apprentice. I knew this was the open door I needed, so I ran with it. After a couple years, we decided to move back to Wisconsin. When I returned home, I began reading different articles and posts on Taxidermy.net and I learned that many of the skills I had learned in Florida were outdated. I began a fresh start, learning the skills needed to be the type of artist I had aspired to be. I joined our state’s Taxidermy Association to learn new techniques and gain knowledge from world class taxidermists and judges. I decided I would start competing so that I could learn more and grow my skills further and better grow my artistry. You’ll notice I use the term, “artistry” quite often. In my opinion, that is what taxidermists are. We are artists. I’ve been judged by over 15 different judges from all over the United States. I have taken both advice and criticism and applied it to create the best mounts possible. I have received many awards over the years, but my most prestigious award I’ve earned is knowledge. Today, I take the skills, techniques, and knowledge gained over the years and apply them to every mount that comes into my shop. Because of the time, dedication, and willingness to learn, I have built a wonderful business for myself and my family. My specialty is the artistry of Predator and Prey.

Kent has been doing taxidermy for more than 30 years and owns and operates World Class Animal Artistry in New Alexandria, PA. His work has earned more than 160 state, regional, national, and world awards. He is a certified Master of Masters taxidermist in large mammals, gameheads, deer, and fish. In addition, he is also a certified Master wildlife artist, Master in habitat, and has earned his Award of Excellence in large mammals through the National Taxidermist Association. Kent was the lead instructor at the Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy from 2000 to 2006 and has had the privilege of training more than 24 students and aspiring taxidermists during his tenure there. Kent has offered one-on-one training at his studio for the past 25 years and continues to do so for those taxidermists looking to not only improve the quality of their work but, to also increase the value of their work. Kent has judged many shows and presented many seminars. He continues to be active in competing and strives daily to improve his own work. We look forward to Kent sharing his knowledge with everyone at our show!