Meet the Judges for the 2022 MTA Competition!
Whitetail Judge
Jack Emery
My wife Helen and I have been married for 50 years. We have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. We have lived in Carmi IL for most of our married life. My career as a Lineman began on high line construction where I worked for 5 years. I then worked the next 38 years as a Lineman for for a rual electric company. My Hobbies and interests include deer and turkey hunting and big game hunting. My love and passion for hunting led to a great love of taxidermy. I started competing in Illinois conventions off and on for about 12 years before i took a break from competitions from 1997-2007. I would advise taxidermists to always stay active and involved in some form of competition. I thank God for giving me a talent that I enjoy immensely. I also thank my fellow taxidermists and judges who have helped me achieve these accomplishments. I look forward to judging your show and i hope i can be of help in achieving your goals in taxidermy.
Accomplishments:
2013 Best in World with Open mouth Whitetail Deer
2011 World Show Best of Category Professional Whitetail and Top Competitor award
2009 World Show Best of Category Whitetail Professional
Several state tiles in the Whitetail and Gamehead categories
I Consider myself fortunate to have been named National Champion in the Whitetail Category as well as in the Gamehead Category for Caribou, and North American Champion for Whitetail. I have also received the Joseph Bruchac Award twice!
Accomplishments:
2013 Best in World with Open mouth Whitetail Deer
2011 World Show Best of Category Professional Whitetail and Top Competitor award
2009 World Show Best of Category Whitetail Professional
Several state tiles in the Whitetail and Gamehead categories
I Consider myself fortunate to have been named National Champion in the Whitetail Category as well as in the Gamehead Category for Caribou, and North American Champion for Whitetail. I have also received the Joseph Bruchac Award twice!
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Masters/Professional
Game Heads and Mammal Judge
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Clay Wagner
Clay Wagner is rom a small place in central Texas called Durango. Hes been awarded 2nd in the World life size mammals and National champion gameheads. Many time Texas and Oklahoma state champion in
Gameheads, Life size mammals, Whitetail deer . Hes also been a State and world show instructor.
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Masters/Professional
Fish, Reptile, Invertebrate Judge
Frank Kotula
Good day taxidermists my name is Frank Kotula and I'm honored to be able to judge your show. I will give you a few main concerns when I judge a show I look for certain concerns First off is anatomy. That is your main blueprint in having any mount do well. From there its skin aliment, fin posture, paint and last base work. Base work comes more in play if the person is looking to win major awards and catches the eye of not only the fish judge but all other judges. I should have proper flow and tell a short story as we say.I've been lucky to achieve many achievements in taxidermy. To give a few of what I have been awarded are numerous state championships along with other awards such as 2 best in shows Wasco etc. I have been awarded national and North American awards plus two awards of excellence. I have three Best in World titles plus a first place in reproductions. I look forward to having a great time and making new friends at your show. Thanks.
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Masters/Professional
Bird Judge
Mike Nakielski
My name is Mike Nakielski and I have been performing the art of taxidermy since the age of 10 when my father helped me with my first goose mount. My father, Mike W. Nakielski, Jr., started working with taxidermy in 1970 when he established his own shop in the basement of his Milwaukee home. Since I was six years old, I would go out and hunt with my father and now in my early 30's, I haven't missed an opening day of duck season with him since.
As I gained further fascination in the sport of hunting and the art of taxidermy, I have carried my father's establishment into what it is known as today, Pro Taxidermy.
Mikes many acomplishments can be seen on his website... mikesprotaxidermy.com/awards.html
My name is Mike Nakielski and I have been performing the art of taxidermy since the age of 10 when my father helped me with my first goose mount. My father, Mike W. Nakielski, Jr., started working with taxidermy in 1970 when he established his own shop in the basement of his Milwaukee home. Since I was six years old, I would go out and hunt with my father and now in my early 30's, I haven't missed an opening day of duck season with him since.
As I gained further fascination in the sport of hunting and the art of taxidermy, I have carried my father's establishment into what it is known as today, Pro Taxidermy.
Mikes many acomplishments can be seen on his website... mikesprotaxidermy.com/awards.html
Habitat:
Bio Coming Soon
Novice, Youth & Commercial Judges
