This 11th edition, embedded in the “Hohe Jagd & Fischerei” Trade Fair, made history in the ETC books. All past records were broken, and a new world record for participating nations was set. More than 250 participants from 34 countries enjoyed their time in Salzburg, attended seminars, and 153 of them competed in different divisions and the live contest with 351 entries. Including the different animal groups, there were 408 single mounts judged plus about 30 not judged prey animals. Divided into the categories, there were 45 entries in the Novice Division, 200 in the Professional Division, 55 in the Master Division, and 23 in the Collective Artists Division, which were judged by an international panel of judges. In addition, 8 entries competed in the Division of Excellence, whose winners were chosen by all competitors. 20 entries in the ETC Live Contest completed the competition field.

For the first time, the ETC was organized by the young, now independent European Taxidermy Championships organization in cooperation with Reed Messe Salzburg. The event was a great challenge for the host Reed Messe Salzburg as well as for the small ETC team and the volunteers from Austria, Germany, and Finland.

To improve planning, Matthias Fahrni (ETC Chairman) and Berend Koch (ETC Competition Chairman) decided to introduce an important innovation. From now on, it would only be possible to pre-register; on-site registrations became a thing of the past. The ETC Rules & Regulations and the ETC Species Lists were also expanded – another step toward greater professionalism.

The outstanding work of the international volunteer team led by Stephan Weigl (ETC Vice-Competition Chairman), together with the generous support of Hannes Klippl and Andrea Theyer (Reed Messe Salzburg), made this ETC a great success. The welcome team checked all entries, categories, and documents, while the check-in desk kept lists updated and supported the participants before the Reed Messe team handed out participation documents and show passes. After grooming, each entry was photographed individually by the photographer team, and the setting team ensured smooth arrangement of the entries in the exhibition afterward.

Because education is the main goal of every ETC, a program of 14 world-class seminars was offered from Monday morning until Saturday noon, held by talented competitors and international experts from around the world. One highlight was a three-and-a-half-day super seminar: Travis de Villiers from South Africa demonstrated the complete mounting procedure of a huge Siberian Tiger (from a zoo). Meanwhile, 12 judges plus 3 assistants did an outstanding job judging 408 single mounts, reproductions, and models.

Our eight suppliers (KL-Glasaugen (DE), Hauser Formen (DE), Bouten Taxidermy Supply (NL), Schwarz Taxidermy Supply (AT), TK-Baltic Taxidermy Supply (LV), Agnes Polgar artificial plants (HU), Mark Buhagiar bird forms (MT), and Payer Eyes (USA)) also had a great time at the event, showcasing their products and engaging with participants.

260 guests enjoyed the award banquet with the prize-giving ceremony, which took place on Saturday evening at the Arena City Hotel opposite the fair center. Between the awards for Best of Categories, Best of Europe, Excellence, and the special awards block, acknowledgments were given to the officials and helpers while a delicious buffet was served.

During this wonderful evening, well-known Austrian taxidermy legend Franz Schwarz received his lifetime achievement award from the Austrian Chamber of Economy. In addition, he received a beautifully mounted white Gyrfalcon from German taxidermist Roland Kaiser as a token of appreciation.

On Sunday evening, the participants safely packed their entries in boxes and most of them began their journey home. For the ETC organization and Reed Messe Salzburg, the 11th Open European Taxidermy Championships were a great success but also a major challenge to satisfy nearly all participants. Due to the need for a well-deserved break for both the ETC team and the competitors, no new location for the 12th edition has yet been decided.