National Taxidermists
Association · Est. 1972
Become a Member
Solid-walnut and cherry sculptures, crystal medallions, gift certificates and cash purses — plus memorial awards carrying the names of the people who built this association.
Competitors must have an active membership, a Full Convention Registration, be present at the convention, attend the Convention Banquet, and be photographed with ribbons and trophies to receive cash awards. It is the responsibility of the competitor to read the award criteria below as well as the competition rules.
The taxidermist whose piece best demonstrates artistry which captures, with exquisite use of positive and negative space and extraordinary skill of taxidermy craftsmanship, the essence of the specimen — making it the year’s single finest achievement. Chosen from Distinguished entries that earned a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal, and North American entries that earned a Gold medal.
This piece compels the viewer’s attention. Its position portrays an advanced degree of difficulty while showcasing correctness of specimen and fine taxidermy skill. Chosen from Distinguished entries with a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal, North American and National entries with a Gold medal, and the Collective Artists entry that earned the Championship trophy.
Medallions for Champion Title, 2nd Place and 3rd Place at scores of 90 or greater. A multiple-ribbon division. The piece must be entered at the NTA Convention as a single entry. There are no categories — pieces go head-to-head. Scored by the respective judge, with final selection by the judge panel.
Medallions for Champion Title, 2nd Place and 3rd Place at scores of 90 or greater, plus the North American Champion Hat for the title winner. Chosen from 18 categories; multiple ribbon categories. The North American Competitor’s Award adds crystal medallions for 1st, 2nd and 3rd with cash prizes, selected by the judge panel on accuracy, originality and difficulty.
Medallions for Champion Title, 2nd Place and 3rd Place at scores of 90 or greater, plus the National Champion Hat. Chosen from 18 categories; multiple ribbon categories. The National Competitor’s Award adds crystal medallions for 1st, 2nd and 3rd with cash prizes, selected by the judge panel on accuracy, originality and difficulty.
A multiple ribbon division for pieces created by more than one competitor; past LIVE Warrior pieces are permitted. Critique sheet by the respective judge, with final selection made by the judge panel from all blue ribbons. Judged on the impression made by apparent multiple-artist contribution.
Champion takes the Standing Bison Sculpture with a cash and gift certificate prize; second and third take gift certificate prizes. Five categories within the division, multiple ribbon categories. Critique sheet by the respective judge; final selection by the judge panel from all blue ribbons.
Champion takes the Triple Buck Jumping Sculpture with a gift certificate prize; 2nd through 6th win gift certificate prizes. Five categories, multiple ribbon categories. Foam, wrap, carve, cast or any combination — images of the process are encouraged. Judged on necessary detail for the species, anatomical accuracy, balance and locomotion, pose, and degree of difficulty. The surface does not require scoring or roughing up; showing all alterations is key to accumulating points.
Judged on WOW factor, ingenuity in design and seamless execution, dynamic pose for the species, accuracy of species depiction, correctness of anatomy and locomotion — with added points for the four-hour mounting time limit.
Open to Distinguished Taxidermist, North American, National and Collective Artists entries. Awarded for the most strikingly innovative artistry.
Any visually realistic portrayal of naturally occurring material — a presentation that represents the specimen in its natural environment. Habitat materials may be made from any material but are judged on realistic appearance.
Any supportive base or complementary composition which does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of visual reality — a presentation that incorporates natural and/or man-made materials in a manner that is purposefully unrealistic, but complementary to the subject.
Eligible: Distinguished Taxidermist, North American, National and Collective Artists.
Awarded on the respective judge’s opinion of the most impressive representation — whitetail.
Awarded on the respective judge’s opinion of the most impressive representation — gamehead.
Awarded on the respective judge’s opinion of the most impressive representation — lifesize mount the size of a squirrel or smaller.
Wasco Award and gift certificate, for the most artistic piece as seen through the eyes of the National Taxidermists Association’s photographer of 34 years, Ken Edwards.
NTA Eagle cherry plaque and gift certificates. Eligible from Distinguished Taxidermist and North American division entries, chosen by majority vote — one vote per competitor entered into either or both of those divisions.
An NTA Eagle on a solid cherry platform with double brass plates, and gift certificates. The favourite mount voted on by each competitor, one vote per competitor.