A question on becoming a "Master" taxidermist

[KMA]

A fella goes to a State Show and enters (2) mounts in the "Professional Division". When it's all said and done, it turns out to be a weak show and he is lucky enough to earn (2) blue ribbons, with one even being a Best of Category.

He's purdy happy with the results until guess what?  He is told that according to the rules, he must compete in the "Master's Division" the following year.  He dutifully shows up the following year with his (2) mounts and is summarily ripped to shreds and languishes in the master's division until he either becomes disgusted and quits competing all together or somehow gets good enough over the next several years to actually feel like he belongs in, and can compete in that division.

I don't have a solution for this problem, and I don't know much, but I do know that winning (2) blue ribbons at your first state show sure as hell don't make you a "Master".

I see the word "Master Taxidermist" on business cards all the time and I just can't believe that many exist....at least with the Certification Programs you would have something to point to as proof.     

[RDA]

GK,  I would consult your local association  they will have the info....   I believe there was a point system  for each ribbon earned in open division  and when yuou accumulate enough points,  your get your masters award in that catagory  (birds)  (watrfowl)  (lifesize) etc   then you must compete in the masters division in those catagorys.......

[elkhunter1313]

I'd prefer to be called a "Grasshopper Taxidermist" myself....

[Monte]

The word Master Taxidermist has been around a lot longer than any competition.
On the front cover of Jonas-Game Trails in the early seventies and others earlier
I have used it in the sixties. I don't now. I have never heard a client use it in discribing us.

[GravityKills]

Yeah, I will check it out. Again, I would love to have the title, but I am NO WAY ready for it competition wise. I would like to think I have many years of Open division critiques before being torn to shreds in the Masters.

And, Bird Works, THAT is just what I am afraid of. This was my 2nd state show, first time showing in Open, and I DID get two first place ribbons, one being BOC. For the ribbons themselves, I am happy. But to be bumped to master because of it, YIKES,..... no no no..... I am hoping for the accumlated point system!

[KMA]

And, Bird Works, THAT is just what I am afraid of. This was my 2nd state show, first time showing in Open, and I DID get two first place ribbons, one being BOC. For the ribbons themselves, I am happy. But to be bumped to master because of it, YIKES,..... no no no..... I am hoping for the accumlated point system!

I definitely think that the Accumulated Point System along with  being able to compete for a minimum of 2 years at any level would be much more fair.  I spoke with a veteran of the shows about this last night and he says that was the way it used to be but has been changed in recent years.  I'm sure there is some reasoning behind it.  I noticed that Mr. Bauman's association rules up in Oklahoma indicate that the competitor is "asked" to move to the next level after 2 blue ribbons are won. Seems like this would at least give someone an option depending on that guy or gal's situation.      

[James Marsico]

Master, An artist or performer with great and exemplary skills. A worker qualified to teach apprentices. An expert.  I know several master taxidermists that have never entered a competition years before or even now after this new generation of ribbon whipper snappers. Joe Romero and Brent Jones of Alaska and Dan Herring of Wyoming as just a very few of many great examples that come to my mind at once.

[George Roof]

You left Jim Marsico's name off that list.

I look at "Master Taxidermist" the same way I do at the guy wearing the T-shirt that says, "World's #1 Dad".  I'll bet that ain't the only T-shirt they made with that title.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=World%27s+%231+Dad&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

[James Marsico]

Thanks George, I used to compete in the 80's and I have won a few ribbons including even a blue. I go to competitions now only to buy up every supplier booth I can afford with discounts and attend some of the great class's. My favorite T- shirt says "#1 GRANDPA!"

[Lone Wolf Taxidermy]

Gravity K thanks for asking this question. I have wanted to for a while now but didn't want to deal with all the opinions. So this allows me to throw mine in here to be considered.

Ron you answered well on the matter as did George.

Now as far as the Masters categories at competitions, I see it as a way to separate the better guys and gals in their categories they compete in so all have a fair shot at winning and not getting discoraged by being beat by the same person every time. I like to compete in fish but let's face it...I'm probably never gonna beat Frank Kotula or Gary Bruch, not to mention several others. So I stay in Professional and try to improve enough to wander out into the deep water later.

That defined as I see it .... If you are going to call yourself or be proclaimed a "Master" in any trade.... You better damn well be able to do it "ALL" in that trade. Now, can one master a certain aspect of the trade and excel in it. Of course...but does that make you a "Master of The Trade"...Well...not quite. Ya gotta be able to do it all to be a true master and an innovator as were the Akeley's of the day.

There are today many innovative folks in this trade but I believe we have more "Specialists" than "Masters" and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. Maybe I'm wrong but there are few "Masters" in any trade so I don't think I am too far off the mark.