Cal Taxidermists
The California Association of Taxidermists is a membership organization that runs education, competitions, and networking for taxidermists across California and the western region. This isn't a retail shop or individual taxidermist—it's the organized body that professional and serious amateur taxide...
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The California Association of Taxidermists is a membership organization that runs education, competitions, and networking for taxidermists across California and the western region. This isn't a retail shop or individual taxidermist—it's the organized body that professional and serious amateur taxidermists join to stay current and connected.
The flagship event is the 2025 C.A.T. Wildlife Art and Taxidermy Competition happening May 1-3 at Fusaro Hall, Shasta District Fair & Event Center in Anderson, CA. This is the main showcase where taxidermists display completed work and compete for awards and recognition. The competition is open to the public on select days, and competitors register on-site Thursday before the main event.
CAT runs regular two-day hands-on seminars taught by national champions and specialists:
- •Upland Game Bird Seminar (September 2025) - Darin Gardner demonstrating skinning, fleshing, and mounting of chukar and pheasant at Colusa County Fairgrounds. Gardner is a North American Champion in Turkeys with breakthrough awards and has been judging since 2014.
- •Commercial Gameheads for Beginners - Two-day seminar at Butchershop Taxidermy in Buelton covering deer-sized gamehead mounting and business aspects of running a taxidermy operation.
- •Quail Seminar - Taught by national champion Daniel Davis.
- •Fish Painting Seminar - Instruction from master taxidermist Tom Weatherson.
Seminars typically run 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM both days, with lunch provided. Members get free or reduced admission.
Join CAT to access:
- •C.A.T. Tales Newsletter - Quarterly publication (Summer 2025, Spring 2024, Summer 2023, Winter 2022-23 editions available)
- •California Directory - Network of active taxidermists across the state
- •Out of State Directory - Contacts for taxidermists in other regions
- •Seminar access - Free or member pricing on educational events
- •Competition participation - Enter your work in the annual show
| Contact | Details |
|---|---|
| [email protected] | |
| Membership | Online form or mail-in with Venmo payment option |
| President | Alan Dowdy - 530-305-0208 |
The organization is run by an elected board:
- •President: Alan Dowdy
- •Vice President: Matt Dockstader (805-345-7921)
- •Secretary: Trisha DeRoco
- •Treasurer: Becky Weatherson
- •Directors: Gary McDaniels (Awards), Mark Nelson (Fundraising), Breanna Blankenship (Merchandise), Jacey Spies (Social Media), plus Austin Tatum, Desi Munoz, Jaed Hare
CAT maintains a substantial network of industry sponsors including Rocky Mountain Materials, Golden State Tannery, Wildlife Fur Dressers, Northern Firearms, Mark Evans Pedestals, Knights Taxidermy, United Taxidermy, Pro-1 Chemicals, Research Mannikins, and many regional hunting and conservation organizations.
While based in California with major events in Colusa, Anderson, and Buelton, CAT serves taxidermists across the western United States and maintains an out-of-state directory for national networking.
Taxidermists use CAT to:
- •Learn new techniques from established masters
- •Compete and get recognized for quality work
- •Network with peers running similar operations
- •Stay informed on industry trends via the newsletter
- •Access directories to find suppliers and specialists
- •Build community within a niche but serious profession