2023 National Taxidermists Association Competition Rules
Updated: November 22, 2022
To be eligible, all competitors must be NTA members in good standing, registered for the full convention, be present at the convention, attend the convention banquet, be photographed & recognized in order to win any awards.
The NTA offers a huge lineup of AWARDS & HONORS – it is the responsibility of the competitor to read the competition rules & award criteria requirements.
The Competition Chairperson will resolve any questions arising from and concerning the NTA competition and their decision will be final.
The following rules are a general overview of the competition rules – the NTA reserves the right to review and amend these rules at any time deemed necessary.
All entries will be photographed and then placed in the room by a board or committee member. If you accompany them with placement, please be respectful of the process and take direction from the Competition Floor Designer.
Anything judged “Fatal Flaw” will be given a scoresheet but no ribbons or awards will be given. Any mounts with offensive odors will be removed from the competition area and not judged.
The Competition Chairperson reserves the right to refuse any entry that does not comply with NTA Competition Rules or is deemed to be inappropriate or detrimental to the image of taxidermy.
Any infraction of an NTA competition rules will result in disqualification of the entry and forfeiture of any awards won by that entry. Registration and entry fees will not be refunded.
All competitors must sign a form releasing the NTA from any liability for mounts entered in competition. While the NTA tries to provide security, everyone knows that accidents are possible and that competitors should purchase insurance on their competition entries through their local insurance agent. The NTA, its Officers, Directors, Competition Chairperson, Competition Floor Designer, Photographer, or Staff shall not be responsible for any mounts entered in competition under any circumstances.
A best of category in a division automatically advances the competitor to the next highest division in that category. Example: A best of category in a novice division whitetail advances the competitor to the open division in that category.
Winners of WTC Medallions are limited to the Distinguished Taxidermist Division for NTA competition.
WTC Master Competitors must compete in Division of Excellence (Master’s level) when competing in the same category.
Multiple ribbons are awarded in most categories. Any entry receiving 90% of a perfect score is awarded a first place, 80% of a perfect score is second place and 70% of a perfect score is a third place. There is no honorable mention.
Half-life size entries will be assigned and compete in the Gamehead category.
Any young or partially grown species, 75 pounds or smaller, will be judged in the small mammal category.
If any entry contains more than one specimen (Example: a pair of wood ducks), an entry fee must be paid for each mount that will be judged. When judging a piece with multiple entries each individual mount may win its own award. If only one entry fee is paid the competitor must designate which of the individual mounts they wish to have judged. This rule does not apply to entries in the Collective Artists or Challenge of the Art Divisions where an entry containing multiple specimens must be entered as a single piece and judged in its entirety.
The competitor must specify if the entry is competing for any other special entry awards.
No competitor identification on any entries.
No floor mounts will be accepted without rollers:
Any pedestal or floor mount must have roller casters. Mounts must be securely attached and mechanically sound so that they do not wobble and cannot tip over.
Entries in cases must have removable top and sides for judging and must be removed by competitor before judging begins.
Protected species need proper permits to place with their entry. In some cases, special permits are also required to cross into the U.S. or to cross state lines. The competitor is responsible for knowing and following all such laws pertaining to protected species.
Entries may be made only at the posted times and NO entries will be removed from the competition area before the posted times. Any entry not picked up by the posted deadline will be left unsecured and unattended.
The number of entries per category is unlimited except in Live Mounting.
No mount that has previously been entered in an NTA Competition can be entered in a NTA Competition again. Once a piece has been entered as a Collective Artist entry at any show it may not be entered at the NTA, as whole or any part of, other than as a Collective Artist piece.
Any entry may be ineligible if in the opinion of the Competition Chairperson, too many of the judging criteria are hidden from view or are not included in the mount, and it is not in conjunction with another mount that is judgeable. Example: Single wood duck head coming out of a hole in tree.
There will be one NTA judge for each category. Their decision is final, and they alone decide upon the score an entry receives. Each judge will score each entry separately on a NTA approved score sheet, with score written with blue ink and initialed by said judge. All scores will be recorded and electronic record of scores will remain with the NTAHQ’s for a minimum of one year.
Touching or moving of any mount without express permission of the competitor by anyone other than a Judge and/or the Competition Chairperson/Staff is expressly forbidden and grounds for disqualification and removal from the NTA Convention.
Competition Chairperson will be responsible for resolving any problems related to the competition and judging.
There will be no Competitor Score Sheet PROTESTS or CHALLENGES!
Any conduct by the competitor that is deemed unsportsmanlike could result in disqualification and forfeiture of any and all NTA awards. Unruly or disruptive behavior towards judges or show officials will not be tolerated and the individual will be asked to leave without refund and will be barred from future competitions.
Please compete within the obvious rules. If you are in doubt, please call ahead or write a message via the website portal. If you are tempted to try to push a limit or slip through a loophole, you may not be given the benefit of the doubt. The Competition Chairperson will make a quick decision and it might not go in your favor. Fairness and integrity are the practiced cornerstones of the NTA.
DIVISION OF EXCELLENCE
ELIGIBILITY: Open to all NTA members that are registered for the convention. Commercial mannikins, eyes and earliners are allowed in this division. Judges will score the Division of Excellence entries harder than the Open Division.
CATEGORIES: Selected by which specimen constitutes the major portion of the entry.
Birds
Waterfowl
Turkey
Coldwater Fish – Skin Mount – Ex: Trout, Salmon & Char
Coldwater Fish – Reproduction – Ex: Trout, Salmon & Char
Warmwater Fish – Skin Mount – Ex: Panfish, Bass, Pike & Saltwater
Warmwater Fish – Reproduction – Ex: Panfish, Bass, Pike & Saltwater
Marine Aquatic Non-Fish
Reptile – (Amphibian/Arachnid) Skin Mount
Reptile – (Amphibian/Arachnid) Reproduction
Small Mammals – Coyote or smaller
Large Mammals – Larger than a coyote
Small Gameheads – Coyote or smaller
Large Gameheads – Larger than a coyote
Whitetail – Closed Mouth –
Exposed lower lip & teeth are allowable – no inner mouth detail visible.
Whitetail – Open Mouth –
Inner mouth detail visible – upper palate, teeth & tongue.
Re-Creations (see subcategories & additional rules)
AWARDS: In each of the seventeen (17) major awards categories, the Highest Numerical Score with a first-place ribbon shall earn the title “North American Champion.” Entries in the re-creation category will have one North American Champion chosen from the highest score of the re-creation subcategories.
DIVISION OF EXCELLENCE RE-CREATIONS – for the purpose of this category, mounts are defined as renderings, which include NO natural parts of the animal portrayed. A re-creation can use natural parts, provided the parts are not from the species portrayed. For instance, a re-creation eagle could be constructed using turkey feathers, or a cowhide could be used to simulate African game. Re-creations entries must have been scientifically named, now extinct, or currently inhabiting the earth. Mythical creatures will not be allowed to compete in this division.
RE-CREATION SUBCATEGORIES:
Mammals
Birds
Fish
Reptiles, Amphibians, other
Re-Creation Group
RE-CREATION AWARDS: One North American Champion will be selected based on the highest scoring entry in the re-creation subcategories. Multiple first, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in accordance with the division rules.
DIVISION OF EXCELLENCE FREEZE-DRY: The Freeze-Dry Subcategories have been set aside for all mounts employing freeze dry technology. If a freeze dryer is used to preserve the flesh of any part of the entry (without skinning) it must be entered in one of the Freeze-Dry Subcategories. Exception: Freeze dried velvet antlers on a conventionally mounted head may be entered in the open competition. Also freeze-dried turkey heads or other that have been skinned, mounted, and freeze dried to prevent shrinkage. Any use of reproduction or freeze dry in whole or part is forbidden unless done completely by the competitor. The competitor must do all preparation, set-up, and finish work on freeze dried parts.
FREEZE-DRY SUBCATEGORIES:
Lifesize Mammals
Birds
Fish
Reptiles – Amphibians
FREEZE DRY AWARDS: Multiple first, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in accordance with the division rules. Freeze-Dry entries are not eligible for North American Champion.
OPEN DIVISION
ELIGIBILITY:
Open to all NTA members that are registered for the convention.
CATEGORIES: Selected by which specimen constitutes the major portion of the entry.
Birds
Waterfowl
Turkey
Coldwater Fish – Skin Mount – Ex: Trout, Salmon & Char
Coldwater Fish – Reproduction – Ex: Trout, Salmon & Char
Warmwater Fish – Skin Mount – Ex: Panfish, Bass, Pike & Saltwater
Warmwater Fish – Reproduction – Ex: Panfish, Bass, Pike & Saltwater
Marine Aquatic Non-Fish
Reptile – (Amphibian/Arachnid) Skin Mount
Reptile – (Amphibian/Arachnid) Reproduction
Small Mammals – Coyote or smaller
Large Mammals – Larger than a coyote
Small Gameheads – Coyote or smaller
Large Gameheads – Larger than a coyote
Whitetail – Closed Mouth –
Exposed lower lip & teeth are allowable – no inner mouth detail visible.
Whitetail – Open Mouth –
Inner mouth detail visible – upper palate, teeth & tongue.
Re-Creations (see subcategories & additional rules)
AWARDS: In each of the seventeen (17) major categories, the Highest Numerical Score with a first-place ribbon shall earn the title “National Champion”. Entries in the re-creation category will have one National Champion chosen from the highest score of the re-creation subcategories.
OPEN DIVISION RE-CREATIONS – for the purpose of this category, mounts are defined as renderings, which include NO natural parts of the animal portrayed. A re-creation can use natural parts, provided the parts are not from the species portrayed. For instance, a re-creation eagle could be constructed using turkey feathers, or a cowhide could be used to simulate African game. Re-creations entries must have been scientifically named, now extinct, or currently inhabiting the earth. Mythical creatures will not be allowed to compete in this division.
RE-CREATION SUBCATEGORIES:
Mammals
Birds
Fish
Reptiles, Amphibians, other
Re-Creation Group
RE-CREATION AWARDS: One National Champion will be selected based on the highest scoring entry in the re-creation subcategories. Multiple first, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in accordance with the division rules.
OPEN DIVISION FREEZE-DRY: This division is for all mounts using freeze dry technology. If a freeze dryer is used to preserve the flesh of any part of the entry (without skinning) it must be entered in this division. Exception: Freeze dried velvet antlers on a conventionally mounted head may be entered in the open competition. Also, freeze-dried turkey heads that have been skinned, mounted, and freeze dried to prevent shrinkage. Any use of reproduction or freeze dry in whole or part is forbidden unless done completely by the competitor. The competitor must do all preparation, set-up, and finish work on freeze dried parts.
FREEZE-DRY SUBCATEGORIES:
Lifesize Mammals
Birds
Fish
Reptiles – Amphibians
FREEZE DRY AWARDS: Multiple first, second and third place ribbons will be awarded in accordance with the division rules. Freeze dry entries are not eligible for National Champion.
HABITAT DIVISION
ELIGIBILITY:
Division of Excellence and Open Division pieces will be automatically entered into this division at no cost.
CATEGORIES:
The following categories are available in the Habitat Division.
Natural/Realistic:
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 will be judged on realistic appearance.
Abstract/Unconventional:
Any supportive base or complimentary 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 complimentary to the subject.
AWARDS:
Division of Excellence and Open Divisions will each have 1st, 2nd, 3rd for each category. Each category will also have one (1) overall winner.
NOVICE DIVISION
This division is for beginning taxidermists who feel their skills have not developed enough to compete in the Open Division. Judges will be more lenient in this division, with the primary emphasis on teaching competitors.
Multiple first, second and third place ribbons will be awarded. Persons entering this level should be more interested in learning than in winning awards.
CATEGORIES: Selected by which specimen constitutes the major portion of the entry.
Birds, Waterfowl, and Turkey
Fish
Reptiles and Amphibians
Lifesize Mammals
Deer and Gamehead
AWARDS: Multiple 1st, 2nd, 3rd place ribbons will be rewarded in each category. The highest scoring blue ribbon piece in each category (5) will receive a Best of Category ribbon. The 5 Best of Category winners will compete for Novice Best of Division. 10 and younger receive free entry.
TAXIDERMY SCULPTURE DIVISION
ELIGIBILITY:
Limited to manikins or sculptures made specifically for use in taxidermy. An original taxidermy sculpture premolded – no post molded cast parts allowed. No manufactured parts. The Sculptures may be in the form of clay, paper, foam, wax, or some other medium. Competitors will receive scoresheets.
CATEGORIES:
Birds, Waterfowl, and Turkey
Fish
Reptiles and Amphibians
Lifesize Mammals
Deer and Gamehead
AWARDS:
Each category will receive a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbon. Winners of 1st place in five (5) categories will compete for Taxidermy Sculpture Best of Division; scored by the judges collectively.
COLLECTIVE ARTISTS DIVISION
ELIGIBILITY: This division is for competition entries worked on by more than one competitor; all competitors must be identified and registered and attending the convention. Collective Artists entries are not eligible for National or North American Champion titles or Award of Excellence.
CATEGORIES: There are no category assignments.
AWARDS: Must score 90 or above by the judge of the competitor’s category to be considered for a 1st, 2nd, 3rd place ribbons, 1st place cash award, cash award contingent on division having three or more entries. Final selected by the judges collectively on overall merit.
NTA DISTINGUISHED TAXIDERMIST DIVISION
ELIGIBILITY: Limited to competitors whose entry has previously won a “Judges Best of Show” at a State or Regional Show and WTC Medallion Winners. The competitor will be required to sign a verification form for eligibility. Piece must be entered at NTA Convention as a single entry. State and Region Best of Show winners are also eligible to enter and compete with the same piece in other divisions provided all appropriate entry fees are paid and the other division’s rules are followed.
CATEGORIES: There are no category assignments.
JUDGING: Judges select the winner collectively and numerical score does not bind them. Selection will be based on the mounts overall merit.
AWARDS: One Winner
ORIGINAL ART DIVISIONS
ELIGIBILITY:
Open to all NTA members that are registered for the convention.
ORIGINAL ART CATEGORIES:
Bronzes or Castings – Limited to sculptures which have been casted in bronze or some other medium to create a finished piece of art. These items could be bust, miniatures or lifesize.
Carvings – Limited to birds, fish, mammals and reptiles, which have been carved from wood or some other medium and finished. These could be busts, miniatures or life size.
Flat Art – All mediums permitted.
Reproductions – Parts of mammals, fish, birds and reptiles, which have been molded directly from the actual species and reproduced in some type casting material. The above reproductions can be either designed to be incorporated as part of a mount or finished as a completed piece representing a specific species.
Reproductions, such as antlers, should be entered in this division.
Skeletons – Limited to osteological specimens and art.
Other – Anything that doesn’t fit into the above categories.
AWARDS: Each category will receive a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbon. Winners of 1st place in six (6) categories will compete for Original Art Best of Division; scored by the judges collectively.
CHALLENGE OF THE ART DIVISION
ELIGIBILITY:
Judged on Overall Artistic Impression. This is a judge’s interpretation division open to all species collectively. It will be judged for aesthetics, not mechanics. Any species of a bird, fish, reptile, mammal, or a combination or parts thereof can be entered to be viewed and interpreted 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. It is open to all NTA members. Entries may be executed by a single or multiple individuals. Company entries are allowed as long as these same rules are followed. 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 division’s rules are followed.
CATEGORIES:
There are no category assignments in this division.
JUDGING:
Judges will select the winners judged on overall artistic impression.
AWARDS:
A maximum of one first, second, third place ribbon will be awarded.