DIVISIONS OF COMPETITION
Division of Excellence: Open to all NTA members that are registered for the convention. This is the most difficult level of competition. Any use of reproduction parts in whole or part is forbidden unless done completely by the competitor. Commercial mannikins, eyes and earliners are allowed in this division.
Open Division: Open to all NTA members that are registered for the convention. This division is geared toward Professional Taxidermists and judged less critical than the Division of Excellence.
Novice Division: Open to all NTA members that are registered for the convention. This division is for beginning taxidermists and judged more lenient with the primary emphasis on teaching competitors.
Collective Artists Division: This division is for competition entries worked on by more than one NTA Taxidermist; all competitors must be identified, registered & attending the convention.
Commercial Division: Open to all NTA members registered for the convention. Judged without the use of a flashlight – no scoresheet only a brief comment – no critique given.
Youth Division: Limited to NTA family member’s youth present at the convention 15 – 17 years of age.
Children’s Division: Limited to NTA family member’s children present at the convention 14 years of age and under.
Taxidermy Sculpture & Original Art Divisions: Open to all NTA members registered for the convention.
Masters Choice Division: Open to all Judges, Competition Staff, or North American Champions who don’t want to or can’t compete in the Division of Excellence & are registered for the convention. Winners are selected by the voting of the registered convention members. These entries are not eligible for any other NTA Awards.
Distinguished Taxidermist Division: Limited to competitors whose entry has previously won a “Judges Best of Show” at a State, Regional or WTC event. Judges select the winner collectively and numerical score does not bind them. Selection is based on the mounts overall merit. Competitors are also eligible to enter and compete with the same piece in other divisions provided all appropriate entry fees are paid and the other divisions rules are followed.
Challenge of the Art Division: Judges interpretation division open to all species collectively – judged on aesthetics not mechanics. Viewed by the judges without the use of a flashlight. This division is considered a very creative division that allows all work to be judged equally. Entries may be executed by single or multiple individuals. Competitors are also eligible to enter and compete with the same piece in other divisions provided all appropriate entry fees are paid and the other divisions rules are followed.
~ AWARD OF EXCELLENCE ~
To earn an Award of Excellence the competitor will be required to compete in the Division of Excellence and have earned two blue ribbons (in the same category) or a Best of Category in the Division of Excellence.