Oklahoma Senate passes bill letting taxidermists sell unclaimed specimens
March 5th, 2010
A measure that allows state taxidermists to sell unclaimed specimens they have had for more than six months cleared the Oklahoma Senate last week and is headed to the state House of Representatives.
The proposal, Senate Bill 1275, requires taxidermists to keep records, including the customer's hunting license number, and only allows the sales price to equal the amount for mounting, preserving, tanning and preparing the trophy.
The bill also requires taxidermists to notify specimen owners via telephone about the time limit. The bill's author, state Sen. J. Paul Gumm, D-Durant, said SB 1275 will prevent taxidermists from taking an unnecessary financial hit when customers don't return to pick up their trophies.
"It's a good bill," Gumm said. "I think it's going to be good for the hunting community and taxidermists. I think it's going to be good for both parties."
Taxidermists said the law is needed because they have seen their resources and revenues drained when customers don't return for their trophies. The trophies couldn't be sold, however, because existing state law prevents the sale of wild animal or animal parts.
Gumm said his bill addresses the issue by preventing the taxidermists from selling the specimens to out-of-state buyers.
"Originally the Wildlife Department was concerned that the bill would allow the trafficking of animals and animal parts," he said. "But we amended the bill in committee to prevent the sale of unclaimed specimens outside of Oklahoma and they were OK with that."
State taxidermists said they are pleased by the legislation.
"I think it's great," said Terry Mayberry, owner of Terry's Taxidermy in Oklahoma City. "I have quite a few specimens left over that people just haven't picked up for whatever reason. I've had some stuff for four or five years."
M. Scott Carter, Reporter - The Journal Record (OKC)