02/28/2006
Taxidermists Win Big at NWTF Convention
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Taxidermists from across the country competed for top honors at the National Wild Turkey Federation's Grand National Taxidermy Contest during the NWTF's 30th annual Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 23 to Feb. 26.
The competition, sponsored by The Lodge at Cabin Bluff in Sea Island, Ga., has white-tailed deer and wild turkey categories in both professional and masters skill divisions. The professional division is for those who may not have as much experience as those in the masters division. Poses included open and closed mouth for deer, and standing, strutting and group for turkey.
"Few people realize the dedication required in the art of taxidermy," said Karen Cavender, NWTF special events coordinator. "It takes years to get to the level of these competitors."
The WASCO (Wildlife Artist Supply Company) professional Best of Show award winner was Shane Smith, Bridgeport, Ala.
The Best of Show winner of the WASCO commercial division award was Jeff McHugh, Lake City, Minn.
White-tailed Deer Professional
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
Best Closed Mouth: John Metzger, Vesuvius, Ky.
Best Open Mouth Deer: Tommy Hall, Indian Trail, N.C.
Best of Show: Tommy Hall, Indian Trail, N.C.
Wild Turkey Professional
Best Standing: Terry Vest, West Liberty, Ky.
Best of Show: Terry Vest, West Liberty, Ky.
Wild Turkey Masters
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.
People's Choice Awards
White-tailed deer: Bazie Dulen III, West Liberty, Ky.
Turkey: Shane Smith, Bridgeport, Ala.
To register for this next year's event, or to learn more about the NWTF, call (800) THE-NWTF.
2006 NWTF Convention and Sport Show Sponsors
BASF, Bass Pro Shops, Browning-USRAC, Callmakers and Collectors Association of America, Cardiac Diagnostic Services of Virginia, Chevrolet, Federal Cartridge Company, Henkel Harris Furniture, Jeanette Rudy, The Lodge at Cabin Bluff, Marlin Firearms/H & R 1871, Mathews, Inc., MBNA, Mossberg Firearms, The Outdoor Channel, The Outdoor Connection, Remington Arms Company, T.I. Industries Frame Molding, USDA-Forest Service, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, Wild Turkey Bourbon, Winchester/Olin Company.
