NWTF Taxidermy Competition

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

1. All participants must register no later than Friday, Jan. 26, 2024. If registering AFTER Jan. 26th an ADDITONAL FEE of $25 will be charged on top of the ORIGINAL entry fee.
Please make sure to register no later than Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 to avoid additional fees.
2. Unlimited entries per person. When entering THREE OR MORE mounts, you will receive one entry free. EXAMPLE: If you enter three mounts total, you will pay the entry fees for
two (2) of the mounts AND the third mount will be free. Competitors in the Masters Division OR Master of Masters Divisions are not eligible to enter in the Commercial Division.
3. Competitors must declare a category for each mount, either standing, strutting, flying, or group. Entrants must choose one category for each mount. If there are multiple turkeys
attached to the same base, and they are entered into the group category, they cannot be entered individually. Competitors may not change category choice after Jan. 26, 2024. For Deer Entries either Open Mouth or Closed Mouth are the choices.
4. Mount deliveries and grooming must be done from 1-6 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 14 or 8-11 a.m. on Thursday Feb. 15.
5. All mounts must remain on display until 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 17 (no exceptions) and are required to be picked up no later than 7 p.m. Any contestant who removes his/her mounts
before this time will forfeit all prizes and awards and will be ineligible to compete in the 37th Annual Grand National Wild Turkey and White-tailed Deer Taxidermy Competition.
6. Neither the NWTF, NTA nor TTA are responsible for loss or damage; all mounts are entered at the owner's risk. All competitors must sign a form releasing the NWTF from any liability
for mounts entered in competition. While the NWTF strives to be as careful as possible with all mounts, everyone is advised that accidents are possible and that competitors should
purchase insurance on their competition entries. The NWTF, its officials, Board of Directors or Competition Committee shall not be responsible for any mounts entered in competition
under any circumstances.
7. Mounts must be the work of the entrant. The entrant must paint freeze-dried turkey heads. All exposed areas of mounts must be completely finished. Mounts are judged disregarding
habitat, but outstanding habitat may add to the mount and receive bonus points.
8. Wild turkey mounts will be displayed on a table or pedistal and wall-hung mounts must have their own support. All deer mounts, unless table-mounted or pedistal, will be displayed on a wall; if table-mounted,
you must provide your own stand. Any glass cases might need to be removed prior to judging. All floor-mounted entries must be on rollers. The NWTF will not provide electricity for displays.
All contestants are encouraged to bring a dolly for loading and unloading of mounts from parking area to taxidermy area. The NWTF reserves the right to move mounts within the
taxidermy area. 
9. All competitors must stay out of the judging area during judging.
10. Children are not allowed in the main taxidermy area except Youth Division registrants.
11. No score sheet will be released until all judging is complete and awards have been placed on entries. Judges’ decisions are final. Entrants may place business cards on or near their mounts after judging is complete. The Judges will post the contestants score on the NWTF Conventions Taxidermy Site for the taxidermists to see their own score. The judges may fill out a paper score sheet for reviwing with the competitors as well.
12. National Taxidermist Score Sheet: 90-100 = 1st Place; 80-89 = 2nd Place; 70-79 = 3rd Place. There can be more than one 1st,
2nd, or 3rd place ribbon.
13. Contestants must receive a 1st Place Ribbon to be eligible for "Best of Category" in any division. If a 2nd Place Ribbon is the highest score in a division, then no "Best of Category"
will be given. Contestants will automatically be moved up into the Masters Division after winning either two Blue Ribbons or a "Best of Category" in any prior NWTF Grand National
Competition. To be eligible for Master of Masters, you must win one "Best of Show" or three "Best of Categories" in the Masters Division in any prior NWTF Grand National Competition.
When you qualify for Master of Masters, you will automatically be moved up into Master of Masters Division. No Masters level or higher contestants can enter the commercial
division.
14. Any complaints regarding judging should be brought to the attention of the NWTF Competition Committee - NOT to the judges. Sportsmanlike conduct is expected at all times.
NWTF Competition Committee will address complaints or inquiries after awards are presented Feb. 17, 2024.
15. Technical issues related to professional taxidermy techniques will be covered by the NWTF Competition rules. The NWTF Competition Committee will resolve any questions arising
from the competition. Its decision will be final.
16. The NWTF Competition Committee reserves the right to reject any entry deemed inappropriate or detrimental to the image of taxidermy, hunting, fishing, trapping or any other
outdoor-related activity.
17. Any infraction of an NWTF Grand National rule will result in disqualification of the entry and forfeiture of any awards won by that entry. Registration fees will not be refunded.
18. All awards will be presented on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 17 . Any monetary awards will be mailed to winners after convention.
19. Sale of mounts is not permitted.