BY-LAWS of the OKLAHOMA TAXIDERMISTS ASSOCIATION
    

ARTICLE I:         NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION I:        NAME
    The name of this organization shall be the OKLAHOMA
    TAXIDERMISTS ASSOCIATION, hereinafter referred to as
    the Association or The OKTA.

SECTION II:        PURPOSE
    The purpose of the OKTA shall be

    A.        to promote the art of taxidermy and related fields,
    B.        to promote high standards in the art of taxidermy and to strive to
            produce high quality work,
    C.        to foster understanding in the general public about the field of taxidermy and other related fields,
    D.        to assist members of the OKTA and the general public in the understanding of Federal and State and Game Laws,
    E.        to assist in any way possible in the conservation of all our natural resources for future generations,
    F.        to accept funds as shall be necessary to carry out the purposes of the OKTA, and
    G.        to engage in such other civic, charitable, educational, and business
               activities as the OKTA shall deem appropriate.


ARTICLE II:        MEMBERS

SECTION I:        MEMBERSHIP.  A member shall be one who has dues paid current in the OKTA and abides by the OKTA Code of Ethics.

SECTION II:        MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

    A.        INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
            1.        An individual membership shall consist of an individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy.
    B.        FAMILY MEMBERSHIP
            1.        A family membership shall consist of an individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy, and his/her spouse and children living within
the same household. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)
    
    C.        YOUTH MEMBERSHIP
            1.        In the interest of promoting the art of taxidermy, a youth membership shall be available to individuals 14 years of age and under, who are not
included in a family membership.
    D.        ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
1.        An associate membership shall be available to non-taxidermists, such as guides, hunters, fishermen, trappers, etc., who are interested in promoting
taxidermy.
2.        Any organization requesting associate membership shall not have individual membership rights.
E.        LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP
1.        A lifetime membership shall be available to members for a
    one-time fee and shall include his /her immediate family
    members living within the same household.
3.        The fee shall be in proportion to ten times the rate of the family dues.
F.        SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP
1.        A senior citizen membership shall be available to an individual
    60 years of age or older.                                 1/27/07
G.        FAMILY SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP
1.        A senior citizen family membership shall consist of an
individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy,
and his/her spouse and children living within the same
household.                                                 1/27/07

SECTION III:        RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
Each active member over the age of fourteen (14) shall have the right to one (1) vote on all matters affecting the operation of the OKTA, which shall be properly
presented for their consideration at duly constituted meetings of the OKTA.

    A.        An active member shall be one who has dues paid current in the
            OKTA prior to the time at which the voting takes place.
    B.        Associate members shall not be eligible to vote.
    C.        New members beginning their membership at the convention shall be eligible to vote at the first meeting following the convention.

SECTION IV:        PERMITS/LICENSES
    All members shall be encouraged to obtain applicable permits and/or
licenses for taxidermy and related fields from State and Federal authorities.





SECTION V:        DUES
    Membership dues shall be set by the majority vote of the membership.  
There shall be no joint membership.  All dues are payable in advance and are due by convention registration deadline each year.  Any member who has not
renewed membership by the deadline shall automatically lose membership.

A.        Memberships acquired thirty (30) days prior to the annual convention shall be rolled over to the next fiscal year’s membership. (revised, Competition
Committee, 6/26/05)  


SECTION VI:                INCREASE OF DUES
Membership dues may be increased by majority vote of the membership present at an annual meeting following written proposal which includes the proposed
fee.

SECTION VII:                GRIEVANCE
Any member with a grievance shall present such grievance to the Board of Directors at a duly convened meeting of the Board.  If the grievance cannot be
resolved by the Board, it shall be presented to the general membership, whose majority decision will be final.


ARTICLE III:        OFFICERS

SECTION I:        PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
The principal officers of the OKTA shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Reporter, and such additional officers as the OKTA may
from time to time feel necessary.

SECTION II:        TERM OF OFFICE
OKTA officers shall serve a two-year term, with a continuing annual election.  On even-numbered years, the election process shall consist of election for the
President, Reporter, and two Board Members.  In the         same manner, on odd-numbered years, the Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, and the remaining two
Board Members shall be elected.

A.        In the event that the President is re-elected, the Board position normally filled by the Past President shall be added to the election process and shall be a
two-year term.




SECTION III:        PRESIDENT
    The President shall be the chief executive of the OKTA.  He/she shall
    preside at all OKTA meetings and perform such other duties as may be
    specified from time to time by the membership, and shall appoint
    chairpersons for committees as deemed necessary.
    
    A.        A presidential candidate must have prior experience as either a member of the Board of Directors or as an officer.

SECTION IV:        VICE-PRESIDENT
The Vice-President shall assume the duties of the presidency in the absence of the President, shall chair the Nominating committee, shall chair the Member of
the Year committee and perform such other duties as may be specified from time to time.

SECTION V:        SECRETARY/TREASURER
The Secretary/Treasurer shall have custody of all funds and records of the OKTA, shall maintain accurate record of receipts, disbursements, and membership
thereto and shall render an accounting of same at general business meetings and/or at other times as may be requested. The Secretary/Treasurer shall take and
maintain accurate minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and general business meetings and submit such minutes at the next subsequent meeting of
that group.  The Secretary/Treasurer shall give notice of scheduled meetings to active membership prior to the meeting date and such other notices as may be
required, and shall perform such other duties as may be specified from time to time.
                    
                            A.        A newsletter Editor shall prepare and distribute a periodic newsletter.  This position shall be voluntary.  In the event that there is no
volunteer, these duties shall revert to the Secretary/Treasurer.

SECTION VI:                REPORTER
The Reporter shall assume the responsibility of submitting news releases to various magazines, newspapers, and other organizations as determined necessary by
the membership.

SECTION VII:        REMOVAL
                             Any officer of the Association may be removed at any time with just
                            cause by vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the active membership present at a
                            duly convened meeting.





SECTION VIII:  VACANCIES
A vacancy of any office in the OKTA (except the office of President) may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by majority vote of the membership
present at a duly convened meeting.  If a vacancy occurs between meetings, the President shall appoint a successor, if necessary, until the next meeting of the
Association.  If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice-President shall assume the office for the unexpired portion of the term.  If any officer is
absent or unable to perform his duties, the President may designate another person to carry out the duties of that office.  Such office duties shall
be carried out by the appointee until the return of the absent or the next meeting of the Association, whichever occurs first.

SECTION IX:        RESIGNATION
Any officer may resign his office at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Secretary.  The resignation shall become effective upon the date specified
therein, or if no date is specified, upon receipt thereof by the Secretary.  Acceptance shall not be necessary to render the resignation effective.
ARTICLE IV:        DIRECTORS

SECTION I:           NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of this association shall consist of the officers and one (1) director for each twenty-five (25) individual members.  The number of members
at convention pre-registration deadline shall determine the number of directors for each year.

SECTION II:        INCUMBENT PRESIDENT
The incumbent President shall automatically become a member of the Board of Directors for a term of two years after the presidency term expires, unless he/she
is elected to another office.  In such case, an additional Board member position shall be added to the election process for the remaining term.

SECTION III:        TERM OF OFFICE
By membership number, those elected will serve a two-year term.

SECTION IV:        GENERAL POWERS
The property, business and affairs of the OKTA shall be under the direction and control of the Board of Directors.






SECTION V:        REMOVAL
A member of the Board of Directors may be removed from office by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the active membership present at a duly convened meeting for any
act or failure to act if that act or failure to act is deemed detrimental to the purpose of the OKTA.

A.        A Director may be removed from the Board for two (2) unexcused
absences of duly convened meetings and will be replaced with the
elected alternate.                                         1/27/07

SECTION VI:        RESIGNATION
Any director may resign his directorship at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Secretary.  The resignation shall become effective upon the date
specified therein, or if no date is specified, upon receipt thereof by the Secretary.


ARTICLE V:        MEETINGS

SECTION I:        MEETING DATES

                    A.        Quarterly Meetings - shall be held as deemed necessary by the Board of Directors to coordinate with the annual convention.  Additional
meetings may be called as necessary.
                    B.        Annual Meeting - shall be held in conjunction with the annual competition/exhibition and seminars (also referred to as annual convention).
                    C.        Board of Directors Meetings - shall coincide with general membership meetings and be open to general membership.

SECTION II:        ANNUAL CONVENTION
An annual convention, including competition, exhibition, seminars, awards banquet, and annual membership meeting shall be hosted by the OKTA each year.  
The competition/exhibition and seminars shall be open to registered non-members and the exhibit portion open to the general public. (revised, Competition
Committee, 6/26/05)

SECTION III:        MEETING SITES
The site for the quarterly membership/Board meetings shall be determined by members at the prior meeting.  Annual convention meeting sites shall be
determined by majority vote at the previous annual meeting.  In the event that a site is chosen that has not been previously utilized by the OKTA, a quarterly
meeting shall be held at that site prior to the convention.


SECTION IV:        ACTION WITHOUT MEETING
Any action required to be taken at a meeting of members or directors may be taken without a meeting if a written consent, stating the action so taken, shall be
signed by all members or directors, as the case may be, who are entitled to vote with respect thereto.  Verification of consent may be made by telephone or in
person to the Secretary.

SECTION V:        SPECIAL MEETINGS
                    Special meetings may be called any time the Board of Directors deems
necessary.  Minutes will be available upon request to the general membership. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)

SECTION VI:        EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE BOARD
The Board of Directors may declare an executive session to discuss matters of a delicate nature at which general membership attendance will not be permitted.


ARTICLE VI:        FISCAL YEAR

SECTION I:        DATES
                    The fiscal year of the OKTA shall be from convention pre-registration
deadline to the convention pre-registration deadline of the following year.



ARTICLE VII:        DISSOLUTION

SECTION I:        DISSOLUTION
A resolution to dissolve this association and end its affairs shall be initiated by resolution of the Directors recommending such dissolution and directing that the
question be submitted to a vote of the members.  The resolution of dissolution shall thereafter be adopted by vote of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the
membership present at a meeting duly convened for that purpose.  Notice shall be given as provided in ARTICLE V, SECTION V of these By-Laws.  Upon
adoption of such resolution by the members, the Association shall cease to conduct its business, except insofar as may be necessary for the termination thereof.  
It shall immediately cause a notice of the proposed dissolution to be mailed to each of its known creditors and shall proceed to collect its assets and distribute
them as membership shall see fit.



ARTICLE VIII:        AMENDMENTS

SECTION I:        AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of members present at a duly convened meeting of the OKTA after having been presented two (2) consecutive
times; one (1) via written notice and (2) at the next subsequent meeting of the Association.

Other None By-Law Documents

MEMBERSHIP

A member is one who has paid current dues in the OKTA and who abides by the OKTA
Code of Ethics.

MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP:  consists of an individual participating in, or learning,
the art of taxidermy.

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP:  consists of an individual participating in, or learning, the art
of taxidermy, and his/her spouse and children living within the same household. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP: available to individuals 14 years of age and under, who are not included in a family membership.                                                
6/16/2000                
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP:  available to non-taxidermists, such as guides, hunters,
fishermen, trappers, etc, who are interested in promoting taxidermy.  An organization
requesting associate membership shall not have individual membership rights.

SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP: available to members 60 years and above.
                                                                              9/23/06
FAMILY SENIOR CITIZEN MEMBERSHIP: consists of an individual participating in, or learning, the art of taxidermy, and his/her spouse and children living
within the same household.                                                                 1/27/07

LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP:  includes family, at a cost 10 times the regular family dues                                                                                 9/29/01


RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

Each active member over the age of fourteen (14) has the right to one (1) vote on all
matters affecting the operation of the OKTA, which is properly presented for their
consideration at duly constituted meetings.

•        An active member is one who has paid current dues in OKTA prior to the time at
which the voting takes place.

•        Associate members are not eligible to vote.  

•        New members beginning their membership at the convention shall be eligible to vote
at the first meeting following the convention.


PERMITS/LICENSES

All members are encouraged to obtain applicable permits and/or licenses for taxidermy
and related fields from State and Federal authorities. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)
DUES

•        Annual membership dues are set by a majority vote of the membership.  In the case
   of a proposed increase, a written proposal must be submitted to the membership prior
   to a duly convened meeting, at which time, a majority vote of the membership will
   determine the fee.
•        There are no joint memberships.
•        All dues are payable in advance and are due by convention registration deadline
   each year.
•        Any member who has not renewed membership by the deadline shall automatically
   lose membership.
•        Memberships acquired thirty (30) days prior to the annual convention shall be rolled over to the next fiscal year’s membership.
     (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)

Individual Membership:               $35.00                                                   3/09/13
Family Membership:                    $40.00                                                   3/09/13
Youth Membership:                     $15.00                                                 3/09/13
Associate Membership:                $25.00                                                 3/09/13
Sr. Citizen Membership                $15.00                                                 3/09/13
Family Sr. Citizen Membership    $20.00                                                 3/09/13
Lifetime Membership:                  $400.00 (or 10 times the family dues)                 3/09/13

COMMITTEES


COMPETITION COMMITTEE

The Competition Committee shall consist of the officers, the Board of Directors. and a Points Keeper.  The duties of the committee shall include (revised,
Competition Committee, 6/26/05)
•        Securing the location of the next convention, and/or working with the person who organized the bid. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)
•        Selecting at least three judges for the competition, including negotiating judging fees, seminar topics, and transportation arrangements.
•        Arranging seminar instructors and topics.
•        Preparing a tentative schedule of events for the convention
•        Selecting an alternate judge or judges, in the event of a challenge by a competitor.
•        Arranging for an appropriate banquet speaker and an auctioneer for the auction that follows the awards banquet.
•        The Points Keeper keeps track of the scores and awards at the convention.
 9/03/05

Any problems which develop with seminars or the convention shall be handled by the committee under the advice of the President and the officers and Board of
Directors.  Additional committee members may be added as necessary.


NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Nomination Committee shall consist of the Vice President, serving as Chairman, and two assistants who are selected on a voluntary basis or chosen by the
President.  Duties shall include
•        Seeking out OKTA members interested in holding an office.
•        Compiling a list of candidates from the current membership list.

Resulting telephone charges from committee members may be submitted to the Secretary for reimbursement.


MEMBER OF THE YEAR COMMITTEE

The Member of the Year Committee shall consist of the OKTA Vice-President, serving  as Chairman, and two assistants.  Duties shall include
•        Polling the membership for nominations of deserving members whose services for the association have been above and beyond the call of duty.
All members of the Board of Directors and Officers will vote on the nominees for the award.                                                                                  9/23/06


HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE

The Hospitality Committee shall consist of a Chairperson and two or more assistants, as deemed necessary.  The President shall appoint the committee under
voluntary conditions.  Duties shall include
•        Preparing the hospitality suite during the convention, including purchases of drinks, snacks, and complete meals, if necessary.


BROCHURE COMMITTEE
The Brochure Committee may consist of one or more members, most often chosen on a voluntary basis.  Duties shall include
•        Compiling all information necessary for the production of the Convention Brochure, including such information as rules, seminars, judges, schedules,
registration and pre-registration information, hotel and site location, announcements of those running for offices, and any other pertinent information.


RULES COMMITTEE

The Rules Committee consists of Gary Henry, Rick Reid, and Kenneth Bauman.  An official rule book will be assembled by __________ which will include all
current rules and rule changes as they occur.  Revisions will be kept in a permanent file.  All members of the committee and the President will retain up-to-date
books. (revised, Competition Committee, 6/26/05)                         


ETHICS COMMITTEE

The Ethics Committee consists of the officers and the Board of Directors, and any questions or concerns dealing with ethics will be decided by the committee.
                                                                              8/26/2000

Fund Raising Committee
The Fund Raising Committee is in charge of developing ideas on how to raise money through raffles, hunts, auctions, and such.  01/12/14