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02/25/2006

Artist Showcase Their Stuff at NWTF Convention

America's top taxidermists gathered in Nashville, Tenn., this weekend to compete for the coveted title of Best of Show in one of the NWTF's most prestigious contests.

More than $5,000 in prizes was at stake during the Grand National Taxidermy Competition. Contestants competed in two species categories: white-tailed deer and wild turkey and two skill divisions: professional and masters.

Seven-time NWTF Grand National Champion Harry Whitehead, of Lexington, Ky., said the Grand Nationals are on the same level as the National Taxidermists Association's annual competition. Congratulations to this year's winners!

White-tailed Deer Professional Category

  • Best Closed Mouth: Bill Robinson, Scottsville, Ky.
  • Best Open Mouth: Denny Lecompte, Frankfort, Ky.
  • Best of Show: Bill Robinson, Scottsville, Ky.
  • Commercial: Anthony Johnson, Campton, Ky.

    White-tailed Deer Masters Category

  • Best Closed Mouth: John Metzger, Vesuvius, Va.
  • Best Open Mouth Deer: Tommy Hall, Indian Trail, N.C.
  • Best of Show: Tommy Hall, Indian Trail, N.C.

    Wild Turkey Professional Category

  • Best Standing: Terry Vest, West Liberty, Ky.
  • Best of Show: Terry Vest, West Liberty, Ky.

    Masters Category

  • Best Standing: Shane Smith, Bridgeport, Ala.
  • Best Strutting: Shane Smith, Bridgeport, Ala.
  • Best Flying: Jeff McHugh, Lake City, Minn.
  • Best of Show: Shane Smith, Bridgeport, Ala.

    WASCO (Wildlife Artist Supply Company) Award

  • Professional Best of Show: Shane Smith, Bridgeport, Ala.
  • Commercial Best of Show: Jeff McHugh, Lake City, Minn.

    People's Choice Award

  • White-tailed deer: Bazie Dulen III, West Liberty, Ky.
  • Turkey: Shane Smith, Bridgeport, Ala.

    The National Wild Turkey Federation's 19th Annual Grand National Taxidermy Competition was sponsored by Mossberg Firearms and Matthews Bows, Inc.

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