NWTF Taxidermy Competition

NWTF Taxidermy Competition

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE

  1. All participants must register no later than Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. If registering after Jan. 31, 2026, an additional fee of $30 will be charged on top of the original entry fee. Please make sure to register no later than Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026 to avoid additional fees.

  2. Unlimited entries per person. When entering three (3) 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) mounts and the third mount will be free. Competitors in the Masters Division or Master of Masters Division are not eligible to enter the Commercial Division.

  3. Competitors must declare a category for each mount: standing, strutting, flying, or group. Entrants must choose one category per mount. If multiple turkeys are attached to the same base and entered into the group category, they cannot be entered individually. Competitors may not change category choice after Jan. 31, 2026.
    For deer entries, either Open Mouth or Closed Mouth must be selected.

  4. Mount deliveries and grooming must be done from 1:00–6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, or 8:00–11:00 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.

  5. All mounts must remain on display until 6:00 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (no exceptions) and are required to be picked up no later than 7:00 p.m. NWTF cannot be responsible for mounts left past this time. Any contestant who removes mounts early will forfeit all prizes and awards and will be ineligible to compete in the 39th 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 liability release form. While every effort is made to protect entries, accidents are possible, and competitors are encouraged to insure their mounts. Under no circumstances shall the NWTF, its officials, Board of Directors, or Competition Committee be held responsible for entered mounts.

  7. Mounts must be the work of the entrant. The entrant must paint freeze-dried turkey heads. All exposed areas must be completely finished. Habitat is not judged, but outstanding habitat may receive bonus points.

  8. Wild turkey mounts will be displayed on a table or pedestal; wall-hung mounts must have their own support. All deer mounts (unless table-mounted or pedestal-mounted) will be displayed on a wall. If table-mounted, you must provide your own stand. Glass cases may need to be removed prior to judging. All floor-mounted entries must be on rollers. Electricity will not be provided. Contestants are encouraged to bring a dolly. 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 sheets will be released until all judging is complete and awards are placed. Judges’ decisions are final. Business cards may be placed after judging. Scores will be posted on the NWTF Convention Taxidermy site. Judges may also complete paper score sheets for review with competitors.

  12. National Taxidermist Score Sheet:
    90–100 = 1st Place
    80–89 = 2nd Place
    70–79 = 3rd Place
    Multiple ribbons may be awarded per placement.

  13. Contestants must receive a 1st Place Ribbon to be eligible for Best of Category. If a 2nd Place ribbon is the highest score, no Best of Category will be awarded. Contestants move to the Masters Division after winning two Blue Ribbons or one Best of Category. Eligibility for Master of Masters requires one Best of Show or three Best of Categories in Masters. No Masters-level or higher contestants may enter the Commercial Division.

  14. Any complaints regarding judging must be brought to the NWTF Competition Committee, not the judges. Sportsmanlike conduct is expected at all times. Complaints or inquiries will be addressed after awards are presented on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.

  15. Technical issues related to professional taxidermy techniques will be governed by NWTF Competition Rules. The Competition Committee’s decisions are final.

  16. The Competition Committee reserves the right to reject any entry deemed inappropriate or detrimental to the image of taxidermy or outdoor activities.

  17. Any infraction of NWTF Grand National rules will result in disqualification and forfeiture of awards. Registration fees are non-refundable.

  18. Awards will be presented at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. Monetary awards will be mailed after the convention.

  19. Sale of mounts is not permitted.