DIVISIONS OF COMPETITION
Live Skill Mounting: New for 2023 – the NTA Live Skill Mounting competition. Competitor teams of one, two, or three will compete live. Degree of difficulty is a factor, but the mount must be well executed. All three divisions are open to any type of mounts. Unfinished, partially finished, or finished bases are allowed. Design and composition may help though be careful as habitat and bases should not overwhelm the subject. Competitor must bring everything except: NTA supplies one table for single competitor category and two for all others, and plastic table coverings.
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.
Habitat Division: Open to all NTA members registered for the convention.
Taxidermy Sculpture & Original Art Divisions: Open to all NTA members registered for the convention.
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.