We're thrilled to introduce a couple of exciting new awards this year! Make sure you check them out and see if you or someone you know qualifies. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate excellence!
This award recognizes outstanding taxidermy craftsmanship on animals from Wyoming and Colorado. Any species native to either state qualifies.
The award will be presented to the taxidermist whose mount receives the highest score based on overall quality of workmanship.
This award recognizes exceptional craftsmanship in custom wood base construction for taxidermy mounts. To qualify, taxidermists must build their own wood base for their mount entry—purchased or pre-made bases do not qualify.
Entries will be judged by Brad Otte, who will evaluate bases on quality of construction, design, finish work, and h
This award recognizes exceptional craftsmanship in custom wood base construction for taxidermy mounts. To qualify, taxidermists must build their own wood base for their mount entry—purchased or pre-made bases do not qualify.
Entries will be judged by Brad Otte, who will evaluate bases on quality of construction, design, finish work, and how well the base complements and enhances the overall presentation of the mount.
The National Taxidermist Award honors exceptional craftsmanship, artistry, and dedication within the field of taxidermy. Presented annually, this prestigious award recognizes the State Taxidermist of the Year, celebrating the individual whose work demonstrates the highest level of skill, creativity, and attention to detail.
This award honors the highest scoring elk mount in the competition. Open to all elk entries.
Sponsored in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, this award recognizes the organization's dedication to conserving elk habitat and preserving hunting heritage across North America.
The Mckenzie Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to professionalism, education, and the advancement of the art of taxidermy. The award recognizes the recipients dedication to the field and their impact on peers within the taxidermy community.
This award is presented to the entry that exemplifies the highest level of craftsmanship, realism, and artistic presentation in the fish category.
Chosen by fellow taxidermists, the award reflects the respect and admiration of peers within the industry. It recognizes the artist whose work best captures the natural beauty, lifelike detail, and essence of the species represented.
This award is presented to the entry that exemplifies the highest level of craftsmanship, realism, and artistic presentation in the fish category.
Chosen by fellow taxidermists, the award reflects the respect and admiration of peers within the industry. It recognizes the artist whose work best captures the natural beauty, lifelike detail, and essence of the species represented.
This award is presented to the entry that exemplifies the highest level of craftsmanship, realism, and artistic presentation in the fish category.
Chosen by fellow taxidermists, the award reflects the respect and admiration of peers within the industry. It recognizes the artist whose work best captures the natural beauty, lifelike detail, and essence of the species represented.
This award is presented to the entry that exemplifies the highest level of craftsmanship, realism, and artistic presentation in the fish category.
Chosen by fellow taxidermists, the award reflects the respect and admiration of peers within the industry. It recognizes the artist whose work best captures the natural beauty, lifelike detail, and essence of the species represented.
Chosen by fellow taxidermists presented for the Taxidermist Choice Best of Show, the Artisan Award highlights the work that stands above all others in overall impact, anatomical accuracy, and artistic expression. It symbolizes the highest level of achievement in the art of taxidermy and serves as a tribute to the dedication and skill of the winning artist.
The Conservation Award honors the deep connection between wildlife, artistry, and ethical hunting practices. Open to any category and any species, this award recognizes a piece that not only demonstrates exceptional taxidermy skill but also tells a meaningful story of the hunt.
Entries must include a written story describing the hunt. Jud
The Conservation Award honors the deep connection between wildlife, artistry, and ethical hunting practices. Open to any category and any species, this award recognizes a piece that not only demonstrates exceptional taxidermy skill but also tells a meaningful story of the hunt.
Entries must include a written story describing the hunt. Judging is based primarily on the story of the hunt emphasizing the personal journey behind the mount.
The Habitat Award recognizes outstanding achievement in habitat design and presentation. This award is presented to the entry that features the most realistic, creative, and well-executed habitat.
Presented to the highest-scoring mount in the professional Division, this award recognizes the artist whose work demonstrates superior technique, anatomical accuracy, and artistic presentation.
Eligibility for this award requires the use of Pro 1 products in the creation of the entry.
Presented to the highest-scoring mount in the Masters Division, this award recognizes the artist whose work demonstrates superior technique, anatomical accuracy, and artistic presentation.
Eligibility for this award requires the use of Pro 1 products in the creation of the entry.
The Competitors Award recognizes overall excellence and consistency across multiple entries in the taxidermy competition. To qualify, a taxidermist must have at least four mounts entered. The award is presented to the competitor with the highest all-around score, reflecting superior skill, creativity, and attention to detail across all pieces.
The Competitors Award recognizes overall excellence and consistency across multiple entries in the taxidermy competition. To qualify, a taxidermist must have at least four mounts entered. The award is presented to the competitor with the highest all-around score, reflecting superior skill, creativity, and attention to detail across all pieces.
The Most Artistic Award celebrates creativity, originality, and artistic expression in taxidermy. Presented to the most artistic mount at the competition, this award honors the piece that best showcases imaginative design, composition, and visual impact.
The Polytranspar Award is presented to recognize excellence in fish taxidermy painting. This award is given to the highest-scoring fish entry, including both skin mounts and reproductions, that has been painted using Polytranspar airbrush paints.
The Most Original/Creative Award recognizes innovation and imagination in taxidermy. Presented to the most original and creative mount, this award honors the artist who demonstrates exceptional creativity, unique concept, and artistic vision.
The Second2Nature Award honors outstanding craftsmanship and excellence in taxidermy using Second2Nature products. This award is presented to the highest-scoring mount in the competition that has been created using a Second2Nature form.
The Turkey Challenge Award recognizes excellence and mastery in Turkeys. Presented to the highest-scoring turkey entered in the annual challenge, this award highlights the artist who demonstrates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Fish Challenge Award recognizes excellence and mastery in fish. Presented to the highest-scoring fish entered in the annual challenge, this award highlights the artist who demonstrates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
To participate, competitors must mount the designated species for that year’s category.
The Mammal Challenge Award recognizes excellence and mastery in Taxidermy. Presented to the highest-scoring Entry in the annual challenge, this award highlights the artist who demonstrates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
To participate, competitors must mount the designated species for that year’s category.
The Mule Deer Challenge Award recognizes excellence and mastery in Mule Deer. Presented to the highest-scoring entry in the annual challenge, this award highlights the artist who demonstrates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Elk Challenge Award recognizes excellence and mastery in Elk. Presented to the highest-scoring entry in the annual challenge, this award highlights the artist who demonstrates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
The Bird Challenge Award recognizes excellence and mastery in birds. Presented to the highest-scoring bird entered in the annual challenge, this award highlights the artist who demonstrates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.
To participate, competitors must mount the designated species for that year’s category.
The Whitetail Challenge Award recognizes excellence and mastery in Whitetail. Presented to the highest-scoring entry in the annual challenge, this award highlights the artist who demonstrates superior craftsmanship and attention to detail.