The Alabama Taxidermy Association will hold its annual meeting on June 19-20 at the Jack Warner Activity Center at Demopolis High School.

Formed in the 1970s, the ATA is comprised of 56 members who meet annually to hold competitions and seminars.

“Taxidermists from surrounding states usually attend the meeting as well,” said Dee Daniel, co-owner of Capps Taxidermy and secretary of the ATA. “Those who are just getting into the business and those who have been in the business for a while all come to the meeting to learn.”

The competition consists of mounts submitted for scoring. Members of the National Taxidermy Association from other states serve as judges, and prizes are awarded to the highest scoring mounts.

Educational seminars will also be held where taxidermists from around the state can exchange ideas and new techniques of mounting.

“Taxidermy has changed a lot over the years,” said Daniel.

The development of new materials has created a need for taxidermists to meet annually and stay at the forefront of the trade.

The ATA tries to change the location of the meeting each year in order to accommodate taxidermists in all areas of the state. While the past few meetings have been held in Huntsville, Foley and Prattville, Demopolis was chosen this year due to its favorable location.

“Demopolis is very centrally located, and we hope to bring more people in from Mississippi and Georgia this year,” Daniel said. “The meeting will bring in revenue for the city, which will help local businesses.”

The two-day event culminates in an awards banquet Saturday evening, where mayor Mike Grayson will award the “Mayor’s Choice Award” to his favorite mount.

Those wanting to view competition pieces should visit the Jack Warner Activity Center at DHS between 12:15 and 12:45 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $1.