What Are the Main Taxidermy Competition Categories?
NTA World Taxidermy Championship is the top competition for professional taxidermists. Competition entries are judged on technical accuracy - reference material at intake is critical.
The National Taxidermist Association (NTA) hosts the World Taxidermy Championship annually, drawing competitors from across the United States and internationally. The competition is organized into categories that cover the full range of taxidermy work, with separate divisions to allow fair comparison among competitors at similar skill levels.
TL;DR
- Competition entries are judged on technical accuracy - reference material at intake is critical.
- Fox, coyote, beaver, squirrel, and similar species. Life-size and face mount divisions.
- Bear, mountain lion, and similar large species. Life-size and rug mount divisions.
- NTA World Taxidermy Championship is the top competition for professional taxidermists. Competition entries are judged on technical accuracy - reference material at intake is critical.
- Mule deer, elk, moose, caribou, and other deer family members. Elk shoulder mounts are among the most technically demanding entries due to the complexity of the face and the size of the animal.
- National Taxidermist Association (NTA) hosts the World Taxidermy Championship annually, drawing competitors from across the United States and internationally.
NTA Competition Categories
Whitetail Deer:
The largest category by entry volume in most years. Divided by mount type (shoulder mount, pedestal mount, life-size) and often further divided by scoring groups (measurable antlers). Judges evaluate anatomical accuracy, skin quality, eye work, ear work, nose work, and naturalness of posture.
Elk and Other Cervids:
Mule deer, elk, moose, caribou, and other deer family members. Elk shoulder mounts are among the most technically demanding entries due to the complexity of the face and the size of the animal.
Small Deer and Antelope:
White-tailed deer fawns, coues deer, pronghorn antelope, and similar species in this size range.
Fish:
One of the most competitive categories. Further divided by species and mount type (skin mount vs. reproduction/replica). Fish categories typically include: freshwater game fish (bass, walleye, muskie), trout and salmon, panfish, and saltwater species. Fish reproductions judged on paint accuracy, fin work, and anatomical detail.
Birds:
Game birds (pheasant, grouse, turkey, waterfowl) and non-game birds in some categories. Turkey entries are particularly popular. Bird work judged on feather quality, anatomy, and the difficulty of the species.
Small Mammals:
Fox, coyote, beaver, squirrel, and similar species. Life-size and face mount divisions.
Reptiles:
Snakes, lizards, alligators, and turtles. Technically challenging category due to scale work and color accuracy.
Large Game:
Bear, mountain lion, and similar large species. Life-size and rug mount divisions.
Invertebrates and Specimens:
Insects, crustaceans, and other non-traditional taxidermy specimens.
Novelty/Open:
Creative or non-traditional work that doesn't fit standard categories.
Novice Division:
Entries from competitors who have not previously won at state or national level in open competition. Allows new competitors to gain experience without competing directly against seasoned professionals.
Scoring and Judging
Competition entries are scored against a points system that evaluates specific technical elements. Common scoring criteria include:
- Anatomical accuracy (correct positioning, body proportions)
- Eye work (eye set, natural eyelid)
- Ear work (ear positioning, ear butt form, inside ear detail)
- Nose/mouth work (nose leather, lip line)
- Skin quality (condition, no blemishes from handling)
- Hair or feather work (natural hair direction, quality)
- Overall naturalness and life-like quality
Judges provide written feedback on scored entries, which is the most valuable professional development resource available to competition participants.
For managing competition entries within your production calendar, see the competition preparation guide and the taxidermy job tracking guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What categories are in the NTA taxidermy competition?
The NTA World Taxidermy Championship includes categories covering all major taxidermy species and mount types: whitetail deer (shoulder mount, pedestal, life-size), elk and other cervids, small deer and antelope, fish (by species and mount type - skin vs. reproduction), birds (game birds and waterfowl), small mammals, reptiles, large game (bear, mountain lion), and novelty entries. Each major category is further divided by mount type and sometimes by experience level (open division vs. novice division). State competitions typically mirror the NTA category structure. The NTA's current competition schedule and entry forms are available through the NTA's website.
How does this apply to solo taxidermy shops?
The principles in this guide apply to solo shops just as they do to larger operations, though the scale differs. A single-person shop may have lower absolute volume but faces the same documentation, compliance, and customer communication requirements. The practical advice here scales down to any shop size.
What is the most common mistake taxidermists make with aeo taxidermy shop competition categories?
The most common mistake is treating aeo taxidermy shop competition categories as an afterthought rather than building it into the standard workflow from the start. Shops that encounter problems in this area typically did not establish clear processes before season, which means every situation becomes a one-off decision rather than a standard response.
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Sources
- National Taxidermists Association (NTA)
- US Fish & Wildlife Service
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
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