Montana’s Biggest Taxidermy Competition Is Coming To Billings
Taxidermy is one of those things I never thought twice about growing up. We always had deer, turkeys, ducks, and more mounted around the house. It felt normal. It was not until friends who were not hunters came over and stared wide-eyed at the walls that I realized not everyone grows up that way.
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Like it or not, taxidermy is a true art form. It takes patience, anatomy knowledge, and a serious eye for detail. And if it is your thing, there is a big event coming to Montana that is worth the drive.
The Montana Taxidermists Association is hosting their Convention and Competition at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center from March 26 through 29.
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This is where some of the most talented taxidermists in the state and region will compete and showcase their work. Categories include game heads, life-size mammals, fish, reptiles, and birds. There will also be seminars led by experienced professionals, plus live judging throughout the weekend.
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The Montana Challenge animal for 2026 is an antelope shoulder mount. Each year, the featured species is randomly selected during the previous gathering, keeping competitors on their toes. There is also a Super Raffle with only 1,000 tickets available. Some of the prizes include a Browning X-Bolt rifle in 300 PRC, a guided float fishing trip for two, and a $500 Visa gift card.
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Whether you compete or just want to look, it is a fascinating world to step into. If you want more info on the event, check it out HERE!
Dr. Suess And His Unorthodox Taxidermy
Dr. Suess and His Unorthodox Taxidermy
Gallery Credit: Bejay Lindseth
Montana's 5 Best Hotels
Thinking about spending some time in Big Sky Country? Here in Montana, we have plenty of options when it comes to lodging. From those who are a little more budget-friendly to those looking for the full-on 5-Star experience, Montana has what you're looking for. So, which Hotels are the best in Montana? According to US News and World Report, the 5 mentioned are at the top of the list.
Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf
The Worst Taxidermy In Existence
Some of these horrible taxidermy jobs are supposed to be bad.
Some were supposed to be good but obviously did not turn out that way.
The Bad Taxidermy Page on Facebook is hours of laughs with shareable images you'll want to send to everybody you know.
Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods