¨      Certificate suitable for framing, pocket card with NTA number for tracking certification and A of E points, reference photographs, $12,000.00 AD&D insurance, optional health, Outlook and Annual Report, election voting for NTA officers and board members, attendance at NTA convention with paid registration, competition points earned at NTA competition and sanctioned affiliate events, Certification, Award of Excellence, and Charlie Fleming Educational Scholarship. 

¨      $12,000.00 AD&D policy 

I think you will agree that death is a subject we don’t care to think about but the surviving families need insurance benefits. (Many taxidermists have no death or dismemberment policy, as they are self-employed).  The AD &D policy, which members receive, has expanded its benefits to an even greater coverage.  Insurance benefits increase to $13,200.00, should you expire in an automobile accident wearing a seat belt.

NOTE: Life Insurance Beneficiaries

Members have requested beneficiary changes on their AD&D insurance policies.  As a matter of plan design, Accidental Death and Dismemberment policies have no provision for estate designations.  In order to designate the disbursement of death proceeds, you simply need to have a will.  If you choose not to testate, the normal procedure is for the state to distribute the assets to the next rightful owner.  If an NTA member wished to indicate how his/her assets should be distributed, we would suggest they record the written information and keep in a safe place. Neither the NTA Headquarters, nor the insurance company can be responsible for your wishes. 

•          Emergency Evacuation Benefit-You will receive covered emergency evacuation expenses reasonably incurred if you suffer an injury or emergency sickness that warrants emergency evacuation while you are outside a 100 mile radius from your current place of primary residence, up to a maximum of $25,000.00, for all emergency evacuations due to all injuries from the same accident or all emergency sickness from the same or related causes.  

•          Repatriation of Remains Benefit-If you suffer loss of life due to injury while outside a 100 mile radius of your current place of primary residence, the insurance company will pay for covered expenses reasonably incurred to return your body to the current place of primary residence, up to a maximum of $5,000.00.  Covered expenses include, but are not limited to, expenses for:  (1) embalming or cremation;  (2) the most economical coffins or receptacle adequate for transportation of the remains; and (3) transportation of the remains by the most direct and economical conveyance and route possible.

•          Rehabilitation Benefit-If you suffer an accidental dismemberment or an accidental paralysis for which an AD &D or paralysis benefit is payable under the policy, you will be reimbursed for covered rehabilitative expenses that are due to the injury causing the dismemberment or paralysis.  The covered rehabilitative expenses must be incurred within two years after the date of the accident causing that injury, up to a maximum of $5,000.00, for all injuries caused by the same accident.

¨      Business Insurance
 There’s always the chance of a fire in your area.  Are you willing to lose the house on it?  You’d be surprised how many taxidermists are still willing to risk everything they have over a small insurance premium.  In too many cases, we don’t have insurance because we make the mistake of believing our homeowners’ insurance will cover our business.  It doesn’t in most cases, as most insurance companies won’t insure a taxidermy business.  The NTA with assistance from Coastal Plains Outdoors has obtained insurance for coverage for your business.  Premiums will be varied depending on your answers to a list of items you would need to submit.  But whatever the price it could hardly be considered a lot for the peace of mind that comes with knowing you can depend on a policy that’s for taxidermists.  Don’t take a chance.  Coastal Plains Outdoors is involved in providing coverage to NTA members and their businesses.  This business insurance tailored to taxidermists is similar to two (2) other plans previously offered to our members with the additional benefit of being able to fashion your program to your unique needs.  As in the past…this business insurance can only be continued and offered to taxidermists if the program has enough interest from members.  We must support this program.  NTA Headquarters receives more mail and telephone calls with regard to business and health insurance needs…so here it is!  It is up to members to see that the program is sustained.   If you are interested in obtaining business insurance for your shops and studios you only need to request an application for a quote by contacting NTA Headquarters (Ntahq@aol.com).  

¨      National Certification 

The NTA sponsors a certification program where members can have their work examined and qualify to be an “NTA Certified Taxidermist.” These individuals receive a special plaque, and authorization to use our copyrighted NTA certification logo in their advertising. Special brochures are available to explain the program to the taxidermist and the sporting public.

¨      NTA Educational Funding

The NTA established the “Charlie Fleming Educational Fund” that yearly awards scholarships to qualified members and/or their children to continue their education. We operate under a code of ethics to help guide our members to better public relations with their customers, peers, and community. We are extremely proud of the history and evolution of our profession and the work done by both the old and new masters of the art of taxidermy.

¨     National Award of Excellence

This award is the most prestigious award that is earned by accumulation of points from any NTA affiliated state or regional competition using NTA judges, competition rules, and scores sheets, with at least one national competition. There are numerous competitors that have achieved this award and not only use it in their advertising but also find themselves with a greater self-esteem due to their achievements of earning this award. This program is the most accepted and functional awards program available. We like to think it is a very challenging and fair program as well. This is an EARNED award by the competitor. 

¨      NTA Judges Association

Was established for use for affiliate chapters and is a convenient guideline for referencing those individuals recognized as a sanctioned judge for competitors that require an impartial and consistent judging of their work as they compete from state to state accumulating points for the A of E. Judges included in this organization must meet the criteria necessary to do a proficient job at your competitions. We are proud of this great program.

¨      NTA Convention

The NTA hosts one of the largest convention and trade show with exhibitors and attendees worldwide. Everyone has the opportunity to see the very latest equipment and products, and deal on a one-to-one basis with suppliers by asking questions and making suggestions for items they would like to see in the future. At all NTA conventions, members can attend educational seminars showing techniques used by those who are recognized as being the best in our profession. A wide range of seminars are planned so there is something for everyone.

¨      NTA Competition 

The NTA hosts a taxidermy competition at each convention where you may enter examples of your artistic creations and compete for cash awards as well as ribbons, trophies, and honors such as “Best-All-Around Taxidermist,” “Distinguished Taxidermists,” and “Taxidermist of the Year” just to name a few. Each entry is given a detailed score sheet to show needed areas of improvement and the judges are available to discuss any questions you may have. Points are awarded each entry based on its own merits and these are used to earn the “NTA Award of Excellence,” and “NTA Certification.” The NTA sanctions other competitions on a state and regional basis where you, as a member, may also earn NTA points.

¨      Outlook Magazine

This is the communication lifeline between the National Taxidermists Association and its members. The articles and information of our industry as well as a calendar of events for our affiliate conventions and competitions are flourishing with the latest information from our affiliate associations. 

¨      NTA Annual Report

The NTA publishes a yearly “Annual” report containing a directory of every NTA member with their addresses and telephone number by state and country, along with photographs of National Competition Winners. A special notation denotes those individuals that have won the NTA Award of Excellence or have earned NTA Certification for their work. Virtually every major supplier in the taxidermy industry will have an advertisement in this publication.

¨      NTA Charley Haynes Wildlife Conservation Fund 

This would take several pages to list the numerous accomplishments, successes, and achievements that have been made.    The political alliances with Conservation Force and representation yearly at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus have been phenomenal for the National Taxidermists Association and ALL taxidermists throughout the country.  The NTA has even been selected as one of 15 organizations represented on the “America’s Abundant Game” posters.  

¨      Concord EFS National Bank

Your one stop shop for payment processing.  Does your studio accept credit cards?  Are you missing out on extra money?  You can make one telephone call, fill out a short amount of paperwork and begin accepting Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Carte Blanch, Private Label and JCB in your studio.

¨      Yellow Freight Benefits 

The NTA heard its members with concerns of high shipping rates and went to work on finding a solution that would create savings for taxidermists and their clients.  Discounts are available to NTA members at a 52% discount for shipments with Yellow Transportation Trucking Co.  This program has saved members hundreds of dollars that have taken advantage of this program. 

¨      The NTA has taken a leadership role in conscientiously pursuing an insurance company that would assist NTA members with a health insurance policy that includes affordable rates and benefits to all of our members nationwide.  The NTA is committed to its members and Allstate Insurance is committed to our members. We have succeeded! 

The National Taxidermists Association is proud to announce that its members have the opportunity to purchase Group Voluntary Health Insurance from one of the most trusted names in insurance, Allstate Insurance Company.  The Allstate Corporation is the nation’s largest publicly held personal lines insurer. A Fortune 100 company, with $157.5 billion in assets, Allstate sells 13 major lines of insurance, including auto, property, life and commercial. Allstate also offers retirement and investment products and banking services. Allstate is widely known through the “You’re In Good Hands With Allstate®” slogan. Allstate was founded in 1931 and became a publicly traded company in 1993. 

The NTA realizes the escalating costs of insurance for you and your family and we also know that many of our members do not carry comprehensive major medical insurance due to these costs. The NTA and Allstate are hoping to help protect your hard earned savings and lend a hand to see that you can cover some of the costs associated with hospital care.

If you currently do not have health insurance, or you have little or no savings and spending time in the hospital could cause a major financial burden to your family, then this plan may help protect your finances.  With this coverage you receive benefits paid directly to you unless assigned, which means you may go to any hospital or doctor you want. Coverage is available for you as an individual or your entire family and a premium based upon age at issue time.

Allstate has a commitment to the NTA and its strong principles and the highest ethical standards.  The NTA and Allstate are excited about providing NTA members access to quality health care benefits and resources to help them stay healthy.  Mr. Larry Ganas, LUTCF, EA with Allstate Insurance Co. stated to Membership Management, Cindy Crain, “I look forward to a long lasting relationship and I trust we will bring added value to your membership base.”

The National Taxidermists Association welcomes our affiliation with Allstate and we look forward to our members taking advantage of this tremendous opportunity. If you need this protection contact NTA Headquarters. Only NTA members are qualified to receive the Allstate Group Health Insurance.  

Please note that the NTA is not responsible for quoting insurance rates or managing insurance programs.  The administrative, promotional and claims expenses of the programs are handled by the participating insurance companies.  Participation is voluntary.  The NTA wants to strengthen its value to members by helping offer another valuable benefit to its members.

 ¨      The Voice of our Industry

The NTA maintains a headquarters that is a clearinghouse for the taxidermy industry. Phone calls and letters of inquiry from taxidermists, sportsmen, and the media about our profession are routinely handled or directed to the source of information needed. We are committed to improving the image of the taxidermy profession in the minds of the general public. All NTA members are pledged to help one another so we can share information and ideas to produce a better quality product and overall service. This, in turn, will allow everyone to earn additional income for their families.

¨      NTA Protecting Your Rights

The NTA has joined with other outdoor groups to fight against legislation that the anti-cults would like to impose on the American public. The NTA is the only taxidermy association in history to fight for your rights at the national level. Since we are organized as the voice of the taxidermy industry, we were invited to the first meeting of the “Congressional Sportsman’s Caucus Foundation” and we made sure your voice was heard. The NTA has made contributions to the political action funds of the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, the Wildlife Legislative Fund, the Minnesota Wildlife Heritage Foundation, Californians for Fair Spending on Wildlife, etc. We have worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to change some laws and to better define others that each of us must deal with on a daily basis. The NTA has a Wildlife Conservation Fund used for the sole purpose of promoting hunting, fishing, and taxidermy. The NTA and Conservation Force will continue to protect your rights to hunt, fish, and work in the taxidermy profession.

Just a quick reminder of the Canadian BSE ban, which was thrown at taxidermists in 2003.  You may remember the Canadian ban of all wild ruminants from Canada being imported into the United States was the number one priority of the NTA. Thousands of hunters were scheduled to depart for Canada and many could have easily canceled their hunts due to the ban of trophies from Canada.  Not only would our members be affected by this ban but also it would have had a trickle down affect.  This ban would have affected Outfitters, guides, airline travel and our profession and industry would have taken a direct hit by affecting taxidermists profits, the tanneries, supply companies that sell and manufacture mannikins, hide paste, eyes, panels, and habitat materials used. Our members (and all taxidermists), including our suppliers, benefit directly from all of the NTA labors.   You may recall when this same ban was enacted for European countries in 2001, the NTA and John Jackson of Conservation Force took the lead on this issue and overturned the ban. CF undertook a comprehensive worldwide search and provided proof that BSE is a neurological disease of cattle.  Wild ruminants have not been shown to be susceptible to BSE.  The NTA revamped our web site and made this a national alert.  Comments were submitted and with the help of then Board Member Wesley Touchstone we also made it possible for our convention attendees that summer to submit their comments via Internet to APHIS.   

The National Taxidermists Association went on the official record as opposing the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on August 26, 2003 (68 FR 51222).  We were totally against increasing the permit fees for taxidermists (CAT members) for the following reasons:

1. From all of the information available to us, over 95 percent of all individuals that are taxidermists do not rely on taxidermy as their full time and only income.  This overwhelming majority of taxidermists work out of their home in a spare room, garage, basement, or in storage sheds in their backyard.  They have “real jobs” during the day 6 where they can receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.  These individuals often offer commercial taxidermy services to the public after spending many years working without pay for themselves and their friends.  They are actually the backbone of the taxidermy profession—part time individuals working from home. 

2. Targeting these small, part time individuals engaging in such a small business operation was supposed to be expressly prohibited by Federal Law in 1996.  I cannot fathom any businesses in any profession that operate on a smaller scale than the vast majority of taxidermists. 

3. The USFWS has never contacted the National Taxidermists Association to have consultations over this proposed increase and how it could hurt the many individuals involved. 

4. Such a massive increase in permit costs would keep many individuals from renewing their permits and cause many new individuals, who are just learning to never apply for a permit. 

5. Losing these many individuals who operate on a shoestring would kill the many advances in technology they bring to our profession.  It is these individuals that have the time on their hands to try and discover new and different techniques that we all can take advantage of.

We asked them to please eliminate proposed Rule 68 FR 51222.

Then the National Taxidermists Association went on record as supporting the draft policy for enhancement of survival permits for foreign species.  We felt this was long overdue to help ensure the survival of many species.  Regulated hunting in foreign countries is the best method to help these animals.  As these animals are given an increasing value, there is a greater concern for both governments and locals alike to ensure their survival.  It has been proven that their numbers will increase dramatically.  We felt that the Endangered Species Act already authorized this policy and that no further delay or planning was needed.  It only needs to be implemented.

It was suggested that the USFWS needed to put more trust in the country of origin as they have the most to gain/lose in the process.  Instead of putting up continual roadblocks by setting the standards excessively high, restrictive, expensive and impossible to verify, the USFWS should have been reasonable and look to the Country of Origin for direction.

¨      NTA State Associations

The NTA has established affiliated state associations to help its members on a local level. These affiliates have been provided with money, guidance, and leadership along with having NTA officers and directors speak, answer questions, judge, and give seminars. 

¨      Just a few thoughts to ponder:

The NTA has a dynamic group of Board Members, who are eager to discuss important topics, make plans for the future and build a stronger relationship.  Remember, the National Taxidermists Association and its affiliates can enhance leadership decisions with grass roots participation.  We can balance old ideas and formats with varied new perspectives, ideas and energies.  Together we can create shared opportunities and stimulate fresh approaches with multifaceted program opportunities.  If there are issues and concerns please let the NTA know.  Talk with the NTA President, a Board Member or Headquarters as the NTA, its Officers, Board and staff are ready and willing to help.  

Remember, if we don't educate and protect our profession from those that want to steal it, our ability to maintain our taxidermy profession in the future is in jeopardy. 
 
 

Please take the time to visit  The Taxidermist Emergency Relief Fund Site Mounts and taxidermy items for sale on www.taxidermistrelieffund.com Join the NTA now! Call, write, or e-mail Cindy at NTA Headquarters NTA Headquarters 108 Branch Drive Slidell, LA 70461 Phone 1-866-662-9054 E-mail: ntahq@aol.com Fax: 985-641-9463 Want to know about advertising rates with the NTA? Click here for our Media Kit Information Copyright © 2001-INFINITY National Taxidermists Association