Code of Maine Rules
09 - DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE
137 - DEPARTMENT OF INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE - GENERAL
Chapter 20 - TAXIDERMY LICENSE
Section 137-20-05 - EXAMINATION

Universal Citation: 09 ME Code Rules ยง 137-20-05

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

1. Written: Applicants must satisfactorily complete a written examination for each license classification for which they apply. A passing score on the written examination must be 70% or higher in each section of the examination. Applicants will be notified the day of the written exam(s) as to the results. Unsuccessful applicants must wait a minimum of 14 days before retesting. There are no written exams for the Skull and Bone, Reptile and Amphibian or the Freeze-Dried Classifications.

2. Oral: Applicants who successfully pass the written exam(s), will havean oral exam for each classification for which they apply. Unsuccessful applicants must wait a minimum of 30 days before retesting for that classification. The following species mounted by the applicant within the last three years must be presented for inspection at the oral examination:

A. Bird applicant: one native bird mount with feet and legs visible.

B. Fish applicant: one native fish mount.

C. Mammal and Head applicant: one native antlered whitetail deer head mount and one native small mammal no bigger than a fox.

D. General applicant: all of the above.

E. Reptile and Amphibian: one native reptile or amphibian.

F. Skull and Bone applicant: one skull.

G. Freeze-Dried applicant: any two native specimens from the following list: a small mammal, bird, fish, reptile or amphibian.

3. Judging criteria for license applicants and competency standards for current license holders: Each mount presented will be judged by the board members using the criteria listed below. Additionally, current license holders shall adhere to the following competency standards or may be found incompetent or negligent in the practice of taxidermy, which could result in the suspension or revocation of their license. License applicants and current license holders shall:

A. Provide specimens that are professional in quality, lifelike and realistic in appearance, including but not limited to the following:
i. Workmanship: This will include proportion, muscle structure, setting of the eyes and antlers, proper placement of ears, wings, feet and legs, workmanship around lips, nose, durability of work and lifelike articulation.

ii. Sewing: Seams must not be visible and must be completely closed. Patching of skin must be of the same color and texture. Pins, staples or wires cannot be visible.

iii. Ears: Paper or plastic liners or other media should be used in whitetail deer head ears. All ears must be tight with no drumming or bridging.

iv. Restoration of color: Any color used must give a natural appearance. Overpainting and over-filling is not acceptable.

v. Preservation: Any part subject to deterioration must be adequately preserved. All specimens especially fish will be checked for objectionable odors.

vi. Cleanliness of specimen: Evidence of grease, blood, dirt, glue, borax, sawdust, etc., on specimen is not acceptable. Skull mounts should be clean and free of tissue, odor, and oils and should be whitened and sealed.

vii. Support strength: Wires or rods used for support in legs, necks, wings, etc., must be of sufficient strength for their intended use.

viii. Miscellaneous: To pass the examination, all mounts must be acceptable and satisfactory. Novelties are not acceptable. All specimens must be found in the wild in Maine. Excuses for poor quality work such as not being able to secure proper or decent specimens will not be accepted.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.