Georgia Taxidermist Association Awards
Spring 2025
Article and photo by Joey Thiel
For the third consecutive years the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association has presented an award at the Georgia Taxidermist Association annual convention and awards banquet held in Macon. The award if for “The Mount That Tells The Best Story”. GOWA and the GTA have a shared mission in promoting responsible conservation, preserving memories through our work and encouraging others to get out and experience the outdoors by getting out and enjoying it.
This year was the GTA’s biggest convention in recent history and there were over 230 pieces of work entered to be judged. The quality of work, the talent and skill that these men and women pour into their work is incredible. While the judging process wasn’t easy, it was finally narrowed down to one piece of work done by Chuck Mulkey because it told several different stories.
First, it tells the real-life story that takes place every day between predator and prey.
Second, it tells the story of how the bobcat it the apex predator in Georgia’s wood. They hunt 24/7/365 and are the number one flock stalker when it comes to the wild turkey.
Third, it tells the story of one of the contributing factors leading to the decline of the wild turkey nationwide.
The Georgia Outdoor Writers Association would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to Chuck Mulkey and GOWA looks forward to working with the Georgia Taxidermist Association again next year.
Joey Thiel is a veteran hunter, trapper, angler and retired Fire Captain of Thomaston. He also is a past president of the Georgia Outdoor Writers Association. He can be contacted at joeythiel@hotmail.com.