Virginia Taxidermists Association’s Annual Convention

My name is Clint Rickey, I live in Dodgeville Wisconsin. I am a full time taxidermist and co-owner of Champions Choice Supply. I have been doing taxidermy full time since 2003 specializing in whitetails and game heads, and have been actively competing since 2009. Some of my major accomplishments on the competition side of taxidermy is my two Best in World titles, one with a whitetail and the other with an aoudad. I love competitive taxidermy but my true passion is helping others achieve their goals.  

Besides taxidermy some of my favorite things to do is, golf, mow my grass, sit by the pool on the weekends and drink beer, watch my daughters play sports, and kill animals.

My name is Cole Cruickshank and I have been asked to judge your show this year. It’s always a little weird writing these bios, because I don’t ever know what it is that you as competitors want to know about me. I’ve been a taxidermist in NW Missouri for over 25 years, and in that time have built a nice little business for myself. My wife and I are almost empty nesters, with 1 child a sophomore in college, and the other a software engineer for a large company. I’ve been competing for a long time, and judging for over 10 years. I remain an active competitor, as I feel that is important as a judge to remain connected from the competitor’s side of things. I’d describe my judging style as honest and fair. I’m not there to sugar coat things, or crush anyone’s dreams. I place a high importance on anatomical accuracy, and at the same time appreciate the artistic appeal of a piece. I’m pretty strict about laziness…things that are easy fixes, yet simply ignored. Things like dirty eyes, visible attachments, and unfinished parts of a mount are generally going to get hit pretty hard. As I said, I too love to compete. I’ve never been much of a specialist of any one thing, and instead I enjoy competing in several categories. I’ve been successful with game heads, turkeys, mammals and fish. Some of my accolades over the years include 17 State Championships, 4 Wasco Awards, NTA Challenge of the Art, NTA Distinguished Taxidermist, 4x National Champion, 2x Breakthrough winner, North American Runner up, and North American Champion. The accomplishment I’m most proud of in the industry is the media company I started, Taxidermy University. We took how-to taxidermy videos to a whole different level, with world class instructors teaching their competition methods. That success has spilled over into some beginner level 101-type DVDs as well, but the competition videos are the ones that really get me excited. Instructors willing to share their knowledge, holding nothing back, helping and teaching it all are who I’ve chosen to partner with, and it’s changed competition taxidermy for so many people. I love to see it. Thanks for having me this year, and I look forward to seeing what your state has to offer.

My name is Mark Hernandez, and I reside in San Antonio, Texas with my wife, Marci, and our two sons, Carson and Jaxson. I started at the young age of 7 skinning and messing with skins and taxidermy has always been an interest to me. My career in the taxidermy industry started while I was in high school about 20 years ago, sweeping floors and prepping skins - all the while learning and Soaking up as much knowledge as I could which eventually led me to where I am today. I specialize in Whitetail deer and game heads, lifesize , and waterfowl. As a judge for this competition the most important thing for me is educating and sharing my techniques and knowledge to hopefully help you for your future successes. I look forward to meeting everyone and seeing the familiar faces for this upcoming show.

Hello my name is Blake Reiminger and I reside in Cape Girardeau Missouri. My wife Morgan, Brielle, Beckett, and little Berkley have all come to love our little 26 acre homestead here in americas heartland, where I currently run Reiminger Taxidermy. I’ve been doing taxidermy since 2008, Learning from one of Missouri’s best Devin Amelunke. In 2019 he kicked me out of the nest with love and confidence, forcing me into going out on my own. Along the way I’ve had a pretty good run competing, winning multiple best in world titles with turkeys, 8 breakthroughs, and a dozen and a half state championships. What I’m most proud of though is the friends and network I’ve made over time. These world class talented friends from all over the country have taught me so much and continue to push me everyday. Learning new techniques and advances in our industry is crucial, not only in putting out the best product we can but ultimately pleasing our clients. The friendships made at shows and the networks created are a major part why I encourage everyone to compete. I look forward in attending your show and meeting everyone.

Bio Coming Soon