Since I graduated from the Pennsylvania Institute of Taxidermy, I have been a Board of Directors member for the New England Association of Taxidermists. It’s a taxidermy organization with education in mind. Every June, we have our annual convention and competition. We have world-class judges and seminarians teaching new techniques and tips on how to be a better taxidermist. We hold a competition to test our new skills at all different levels. We have an amateur, professional, masters, and award of excellence division. The higher the level, the tougher the critiques and competition become.
My first year I competed at the amateur level and did very well. I brought five pieces and was awarded five ribbons. One third place, two second place, and two first place ribbons.
I received a best of show amateur plaque and a best of show warm water fish plaque.
Over the next few years I’ve competed professionally and done well, receiving several third and second place ribbons. I will continue to compete and be actively involved in our association. It only makes us better taxidermists in the end, and our clients deserve the best. |
