316 taxidermy mounts, 135 participating taxidermists from 36 nations and 44000 visitors

The 14^th Open European Taxidermy Championships (ETC^®) was an absolute triumph, featuring an impressive array of 316 taxidermy mounts, created by 135 talented taxidermists from 36 nations, and drawing in an enthusiastic crowd of 44000 visitors! This highly anticipated event showcased the incredible skill and dedication of taxidermists who spent the past year preparing for this remarkable occasion.

In 2024, RX Exhibitions, the former owner of ‘Die Hohe Jagd und Fischerei`, handed over the event to Messezentrum Salzburg GmbH, which smoothly took over the contract with ETC^®. We’re thrilled about this seamless transition and the unwavering support of Messezentrum Salzburg GmbH, who have been instrumental in making the ETC^® 2025 a reality for the taxidermy community.

The ETC^® is more than just a competition—it’s the heart of our taxidermy community. Here’s how:

• Connecting taxidermists from all walks of life—from commercial taxidermists to museum experts to passionate enthusiasts, fostering understanding, friendship, and a united community.
• Unifying us to achieve collective greatness—reminding us that “None of us is as smart as all of us,” and that together we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone.
• Sharing knowledge, innovation, and technical advancements—continuing to push the boundaries of our craft.
• Fostering a friendly, yet competitive spirit—inspiring us to elevate our standards and reach new heights in our artistry.

At ETC^® 2023, we introduced exciting changes to the Rules and Regulations, with new categories and a more streamlined judging process. The Master, Professional, and Novice divisions are now judged using uniform criteria, ensuring a fair comparison of points across all levels. We also introduced two exciting new categories—ROEDEER HEAD and HABITAT—each competing for the prestigious “Best in Europe” title!

Looking ahead to ETC^® 2025, we announced the expansion of the Bird Division, which now includes Game Birds and Non-Game Birds categories within the Master Division. This means even more opportunities to showcase exceptional bird taxidermy and earn a coveted “Best of Europe” title.

While we initially planned to introduce two levels for the Habitat Division, we decided to consolidate into a single, streamlined category for online registration. Regardless of which division participants enter, they’re all in the running for the distinguished “Best of Europe” title!

We’re also proud to announce the development of the ETC^® Wildlife Taxidermy Foundation, dedicated to raising awareness and support for taxidermists preserving endangered species. With expert-led seminars and partnerships with organizations like the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), the foundation is planning to helping to ensure the future of these amazing creatures through expert taxidermy and education.

Friendly competition at its best
At the heart of it all is friendly competition. While the thrill of winning is exciting, the true value lies in the preparation—the countless days, weeks, and months spent crafting each masterpiece. The experience itself leads to incredible personal growth and a deeper understanding of the craft, making the event truly rewarding for everyone involved.

Special Awards and Sponsorships
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, we were able to offer incredible cash prizes and gifts! A huge thank you to our Emerald sponsors: Matuska Taxidermy Supply Company, McKenzie Taxidermy Supply and Like Nature Premium Taxidermy Supply. Your contributions are essential to the success of the ETC^®.

Celebrating Together
We were thrilled to host the “Get Together Party”, where over 150 participants enjoyed a evening at The Stiegl Brauwelt Beer Pub. The Award Banquet Dinner & Party, attended by 170 participants at the Stiegl Braugewölbe, was a fantastic celebration of the event. It was a night of celebration, camaraderie, and recognition for the outstanding work of our talented taxidermists.

Stay Tuned
We can’t wait to see you all again at our future events! More exciting news and updates will follow soon.

Warm regards,
Johan Hassing & Carsten Skakkebaek