Convention Flyer (.pdf) | Convention Registration | Membership Application | Rules & Guidelines

GENERAL RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE
2010 MONTANA TAXIDERMISTS ASSOCIATION COMPETITION

1. All mounts entered in the 2010 MTA competition cannot have been entered in any previous MTA show.
2. No freeze-dried entries or freeze-dried parts. No exceptions for turkey heads.
3. Protected wildlife must have all necessary permits and paperwork with the mounts at all times.
4. All entries must be totally done by the competitor by themselves, unassisted. An exception to this being tanning, forms, eyes, etc.
5. Only paid entrants in the competition and / or their spouses can attend the clinics / seminars. A $25 individual fee or $75.00 for all clinics / seminars fee will be charged for all non-competing members or taxidermy vendors /  exhibitors wanting to attend the seminars.
6. Removal of entries will not be allowed until the conclusion of the public viewing on  Sunday, March 28, 2010. The only exception to this will be that of extreme weather / emergency.
7. The only way to enter the doors at the show will be by a competitor pass. Each entrant and spouse will receive one pass.
8. There will be time allowed for grooming and arranging each entry prior to judging.
9. Distasteful entries will not be allowed (wounds, traps, etc.) at the discretion of the directors.
10. Each mount will be given a numerical score (Scores necessary for winning ribbons are noted below).
11. Must have blue ribbon score to qualify for Best of Category.
12. The decision of the judges on each entry is final!  Discourteous behavior toward judges or show officials will not be tolerated. Behavior of this kind could lead to disqualification of a competitor and a request for them to leave with their entries.  Remember that all critiques are intended for the benefit of the taxidermist.
13. After judging has been completed, point ribbons will be displayed and you may, at this time, identify your mounts with business cards. Plaques and ribbons for major awards will be held and announced at the awards banquet.
14. The number of entries allowed is unlimited.
15. Entries in glass cases must have a removable top and sides to allow for judging. The top and sides must be removed prior to judging and then replaced by the competitor.
16. The Red Lion Colonial Hotel and competition staff will do all they can to see that your mounts are secure; however, they cannot insure them from danger or theft. All mounts entered into competition will be done so at owner's risk.

COMPETITION CATEGORIES

SINGLE CATEGORIES:

A single entered mount on any type of base.  The competition entry fee of $95.00 will cover three mounts for judging; if a fourth mount is entered, there would be an additional charge of $10.00 for the fourth piece.

GROUP CATEGORIES:

1. The entrant may choose to have only part of a Group Category entry judged (i.e. there are three pieces and the entrant would like to have two judged, etc.). If there are only two pieces in a group, the entrant wants only one judged, the piece would then be considered a Single Category entry.
2.  The competition entry fee of $95.00 will cover three mounts for judging; if a fourth mount is entered, there would be an additional charge of $10.00 for the fourth piece.  Each mount in any Group Category entry will be considered an individual piece when calculating entry fees.
3. Best of Category in all Group Categories will be determined by averaging the ribbon scores of each piece entered in an individual group. (I.e. if you have entered two pieces in a group of three, the score of the two pieces judged will be averaged to give you a final score that will be compared to all other averaged scores in your Group Category to determine the Best of Category winner. *** Mounts that are entered in a Group are not eligible for single category awards. They are score together.

MIXED GROUP CATEGORIES:

Must consist of two or more different species. Specimens must be on the same base.  Attention! If you have a Group Category entry, you must enter it as either a Group where at least two mounts are judged, or indicate that you'd like them judged as singles. You may not do both with the same entry. If You have additional mounts not included in the group, they may be entered as single entries.   In all cases, you must decide whether the pieces you enter will be either Single or Group.

COMPETING DIVISIONS EXPLAINED:

The Master, Professional, Adult Novice and Junior / Youth Novice Divisions of the MTA convention have always been a way for the competing taxidermist to enter themselves into a class of other taxidermists who are at a similar level of experience. It is a choice that each individual taxidermist can make on his/her own. In fact, it is even possible for the competitor to enter two different divisions. For example, if you are a Professional in birds, and a novice in fish, it is only fair that you be allowed to enter two different divisions. In essence, the MTA wants competitors to be able to compete in levels that will be most beneficial to their advancement in taxidermy. You cannot enter two like species in separate divisions. (I.e. you cannot bring two deer heads for competition and enter one in novice and one in professional. They must both be entered in one division).
For those of you who would like a little help in deciding which division is right for you, the following is a general guideline:

JUNIOR / Youth NOVICE: Pertains to novice competitors who are 17 years and younger. This division allows the judges to separate the Novice Adult from the Young Novice competitors, and tailor their score sheets accordingly.
ADULT NOVICE:  Pertains to someone who is over the age of 17 and is a beginner taxidermists and considers himself or herself to be in the early stages of learning.
PROFESSIONAL:  Pertains to someone who is a practiced taxidermist and is capable of performing taxidermy at a business or professional level.
MASTER:  Pertains to someone who has achieved a high level of expertise in his or her field, and has the ability to consistently produce award winning work.
BEST ALL AROUND: Only Master and Professional may enter. You must ribbon in all categories to qualify for this award.