Dear Wildlife Artists,

I want to begin by thanking our loyal customers, friends, and our amazing employees who have done such an awesome job for so many years.

WASCO has been a huge part of my life for over 25 years; first as an employee, and later as a business owner with my partner Ken Edwards. During that time, I have had the opportunity to reflect on my life, and I realize that there have been four things that have been very dear to me. In order of importance, these four things are God, my family, WASCO, and my deer.

It is because of this special love and commitment that I have had to WASCO that the time had come to make some very difficult decisions. It is said that if you release something that you love, it will fly away to grow and prosper on its own. At this particular time, in order for WASCO to remain as a leader in the taxidermy industry, it was time to let it go.

When Ken and I decided it was time to sell WASCO, I knew there was only one place that we were willing for it to go. My longtime friendship with Tom Powell led me to call him about the future of WASCO. I knew in my heart that Tom and the McKenzie team was the only group that I had confidence in to continue on with our company. And now, with McKenzie's support, Ken and I will be able to be involved in bringing many new things to fruition that we have had in mind for many years, but were unable to accomplish.

Because McKenzie and WASCO both share the same commitment to the importance of whitetail deer to our industry, McKenzie has generously offered to assist with the continuing research projects into CDW, EHD, and other issues facing the health of deer in the wild. The WASCO/ McKenzie deer research facility will continue to be on the forefront of tomorrow's solutions to these problems.

My prayer is that our loyal customers will continue to show the same loyalty to McKenzie, knowing that Ken and I will always be there; not only physically but in spirit as well, forever.

Sallie Dahmes, President
e-mail: sallie@taxidermy.net

I am pleased to announce some exciting news about WASCO (Wildlife Artist Supply Company) of Monroe, Georgia. WASCO has changed ownership. We are now a part of the McKenzie Sports Products group, headquartered in North Carolina.

WASCO has been in business for 28 years, offering the taxidermy industry the best in supplies and service. For the past few years, the worldwide economic downturn has affected many fine businesses, and WASCO has been no exception. The owners of WASCO, Sallie Dahmes and myself, did not want to see the outstanding company that we have poured our heart and soul into become stagnant. At this stage in our lives, our desire to maintain a positive influence in the industry we so dearly love led to our decision to sell the company.

When Sallie Dahmes and I considered the possibility of selling WASCO, there was only one clear choice as to where we would turn. Having worked closely with McKenzie for over twenty years, in roles as varied as supplier, vendor, distributor, and friendly competitor, we knew right away that McKenzie was the type of company that we could rely on to continue on with the standards we have maintained for WASCO throughout the years. We have found that the fine people at McKenzie always do the right thing, no matter how difficult or expensive. Their business ethics are beyond reproach and we are incredibly proud to be passing on our business into their capable hands.

McKenzie is the leading supply company in the taxidermy industry, and they have the strength and vision to maintain the tradition of excellence that WASCO has always strived for.

When we looked at who would be a good match for WASCO's strengths, McKenzie immediately came to mind. WASCO is known for our book publishing, instructional DVDs, paint manufacturing, internet presence, huge art and airbrush supply selection, and artistic support. These qualities merged perfectly with the strengths of McKenzie, including their vast urethane mannikin selection, innovative product line, and their impeccable customer care. We are pleased to be handing over the reins to a company that can not only continue on with the traditions of WASCO, but can improve and expand them in ways that we never could alone. By joining McKenzie's talented team of artists with our own, the future is even brighter for innovative new products on the horizon.

What will this mean to you, as a loyal WASCO customer? It's all good! Even better customer service, faster and more economical shipping, fewer backorders, better selection, and the outstanding same-day shipping service that McKenzie is famous for. Plus more new and innovative products are on the horizon from the creative minds of the combined WASCO and McKenzie teams.

Sallie Dahmes and I will still be around, and we will maintain a presence in the industry. Sallie will continue to operate the WASCO/McKenzie deer research facility in Georgia, while I will stay on as the webmaster for the Taxidermy.Net website and assist with videos, advertising and catalog development for WASCO and McKenzie. I'm sure you will continue to see me at conventions. On a personal note, I am really looking forward to working with some of the best and brightest people in the industry. I have enormous respect for Tom Powell and the talented team he has assembled. I am very enthusiastic about the possibilities that this change in ownership will bring for good within the taxidermy industry.

Ken Edwards
Chief Executive Officer, WASCO
Wildlife Artist Supply Company

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