Exceptional Artistry from the 2024 Grand National Taxidermy Competition

Seth French, Ochlocknee, Georgia native and professional taxidermist has been turning heads in the taxidermy world with his exceptional skills and dedication to the craft. Competing in the Grand National Taxidermy Competition three years in a row, French has made a name for himself, earning recognition for his work.

During his first year competing in the 2022 Grand National Taxidermy Competition, French won the Professional Division Best of Show. In 2023, he continued to push the boundaries of his craft and clinched both the Masters Division Best of Show and Best Standing Turkey titles. His consistent excellence was recognized when he was crowned the 2024 Wild Turkey Master of Masters, the highest honor in the competition.

Reflecting on his journey, French credits much of his success to the support and guidance of his mentors and the community around him.

"I've been super blessed to have a lot of really good people in my corner as mentors," he shares. “I started my taxidermy three years ago, Deep South Strutters Taxidermy, and it has grown a lot in the last few years.”

Another familiar face in the competition, Cody Hodge, from Louisville, Kentucky, returned to the 2024 Grand National Taxidermy Competition, winning the Master of Masters division for white-tailed deer.

As a professional taxidermist, Hodge has spent the last decade honing his craft and making a name for himself in the taxidermy community. With a passion for preserving the beauty of wildlife and a drive for excellence, Hodge has achieved remarkable success in competitions and garnered recognition for his exceptional work.

Hodge's journey in the Grand National Taxidermy Competition began in 2017, as he embarked on his quest with a clear goal in mind.

"When I started in 2017, I told everybody that I wanted to try and win every division," he recalled.

This ambitious aspiration laid the foundation for what would become a series of impressive victories in the years to come.

Hodge's competitive journey began in the Amateur Division in 2017, where his initial triumph fueled his determination to push himself further and set his sights on higher levels of competition. In 2020, Hodge ascended to the Professional Division and secured another notable win. In 2022, Hodge reached new heights, winning the coveted Masters Division title. Despite facing setbacks in 2023, Hodge remained undeterred, determined to mount a comeback in 2024.

Achieving his goal in 2024, with a win of the Master of Masters division, his entry features an open-mouthed buck foraging on clover – reminiscent of the Texan landscape where it was harvested.

Reflecting on his success, Hodge expresses his gratitude to the National Wild Turkey Federation for their support and contribution to conserving wildlife and the preservation of our hunting heritage.

"I appreciate the NWTF for doing all that they do," Hodge said.

New to the Grand National Taxidermy Competition this year, the people’s choice award gave attendees the opportunity to cast their vote for their favorite entry. With over 500 votes tallied, the competition was fierce, and the winning entry emerged victorious by a mere three-vote margin.

Standing out amidst the array of impressive displays was Sam Moore's remarkable white-tailed deer mount, nicknamed "Ol’ Earl." Moore, a professional taxidermist based in Dickson, Tennessee, made his debut in the professional division of the competition this year, marking his fourth year participating in the event.

Moore's winning entry captivated audiences with its unique and creative design, earning him the People's Choice Award. Inspired by a moment shared with his father during a hunting expedition, Moore's vision for Ol’ Earl took shape, resulting in a mount that transcended traditional taxidermy conventions.

“I just wanted to think outside the box,” Moore explains. “It’s not the ordinary pedestal mount. I’ve probably got over 40 hours in it.”

Moore’s presentation challenges traditional notions of taxidermy, pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic avenues. Forgoing the traditional pedestal mount, Moore decided on a realistic portrayal of a hunter, skillfully capturing the essence and narrative of hunting tradition through visual storytelling.