Competitions

Being a taxidermist comes with many opportunities to better yourself and your work. Each state has their own taxidermy association with many members who compete in the main competition, and some smaller competitions through out the year.

Our association is called “The Michigan Taxidermy Association” (MTA). The MTA Competition is held annually in Grand Rapids at the DeVos Place in March. The World Show is held in the U.S. every other year at different locations.

 I have been competing in the MTA Competition since 2005. Each year I submit a few of my creations into the competition for judging. In 2009 I entered two buffleheads and came home with 2nd and 3rd place ribbons. Along with the competitions, there are also seminars you can attend to listen to other taxidermists who share their experiences and “how to” ideas. The judges are Master of Master Taxidermists who have received multiple blue ribbons and have a certain amount of points are then chosen to judge that category.

There are multiple categories and levels to choose from upon entering the competition: youth, novice, professional, master and master of master. I compete in the Professional level with the other taxidermists who have the advantage, because they have been working for many years more then me. Also the competition is statewide and anyone can enter. The judging is very critical and smallest error will cost you your ribbon. In birds they look for strength in wires, how well the animal is attached to the base, color of painted feet/bills, eye rings, levelness of body, head level with ground, position of feet and if they’re injected, position of neck, how they’re placed on base, etc.   On mammals they look for lines of symmetry in fur, smoothness of hair, any crinkles in the skin, how plump feet are, placement of ears, are their eyes even, are they looking the right way, is their nose pad evenly placed on the form, is there any drumming, are their claws positioned right for the base they’re on, etc.

Also each competition that I compete in my entrees may be extra animals that I have in my freezer that are for sale, so if you're interested in seeing what animals I may have then give me a call and I'll get you some pictures of what I have!