Beginners...Join your states association!

[adamstaxidermy]

confirmed! NTA is in July in Rogers Arkansas, and Kentucky has theirs the end of July. Click on the "Associations" page at the top of your screen and it will give a listing, by state.

[Doug Montgomery]

 that will work Jerry, I will let the others know.Thank you.....

[pir^2h]

Click on the "Associations" page at the top of your screen and it will give a listing, by state.

I looked at several of these and most do not have the convention dates posted for 2012.  Tennessee's page is still from 2010. 

[mr.T aka mr. friendly]

Click on the "Associations" page at the top of your screen and it will give a listing, by state.

I looked at several of these and most do not have the convention dates posted for 2012.  Tennessee's page is still from 2010. 

You do know that you can drive to another State and join their membership, plenty of people do.

[CharlaB]

this was a really informative post, thanks guys. Got one question, is there ever a beginners division at the competitions or does that vary by state? Missouri has there convention in August and I plan to work on as many of our little furry firends as possible by then. But lets face it, I am a newbie and what I can do will not compare to the pros.

[adamstaxidermy]

yes, there is normally an amateur division. Be realistic in your expections and understand that by entering them into a competition, you are asking for a critique. Your mount will be judged against a score sheet, not against other mounts. Your mount will be judged from a technical standpoint against that score sheets criteria. What your customers, friends, and family may think is pleasing to their eyes, doesn't always agree with the score sheet. However, in addition to workmanship, a judge will also judge by its resemblance to a live animal. As you move up in divisions, the judging becomes much more thourough. It's meant as a learning tool, not to make you feel good or bad about your work.

[CharlaB]

So go in with low expectations, lol. Great info, thanks.

[Cole]

this was a really informative post, thanks guys. Got one question, is there ever a beginners division at the competitions or does that vary by state? Missouri has there convention in August and I plan to work on as many of our little furry firends as possible by then. But lets face it, I am a newbie and what I can do will not compare to the pros.

I'm a board member in MO so if you have any questions feel free to PM me any time. MO does have an amateur division that anyone can enter as long as they don't do customer work for money. Once you start taking pay for your work, you are asked to compete in the Professional Division. Every show has competitors of all skill levels participating, so don't be afraid that your work isn't "good enough". Attend every seminar, don't be shy when it comes to asking questions, and most importantly have fun.

[CharlaB]

this was a really informative post, thanks guys. Got one question, is there ever a beginners division at the competitions or does that vary by state? Missouri has there convention in August and I plan to work on as many of our little furry firends as possible by then. But lets face it, I am a newbie and what I can do will not compare to the pros.

I'm a board member in MO so if you have any questions feel free to PM me any time. MO does have an amateur division that anyone can enter as long as they don't do customer work for money. Once you start taking pay for your work, you are asked to compete in the Professional Division. Every show has competitors of all skill levels participating, so don't be afraid that your work isn't "good enough". Attend every seminar, don't be shy when it comes to asking questions, and most importantly have fun.

Cole - Thank you! sending pm in a bit

[adamstaxidermy]

CharlaB...Sorry, I didn't mean that in a bad way. Like I said, Its meant to be a fun learning experience. Some enter a competion expecting a judge to say the same things to them that their mother might say. The judges tell you not only what is right about your entry, but they also show you areas that are not. Best wishes!!!

[CharlaB]

CharlaB...Sorry, I didn't mean that in a bad way. Like I said, Its meant to be a fun learning experience. Some enter a competion expecting a judge to say the same things to them that their mother might say. The judges tell you not only what is right about your entry, but they also show you areas that are not. Best wishes!!!

adamstaxidermy - don't worry! I understood what you were trying to get across. thanks!

[pir^2h]

You do know that you can drive to another State and join their membership, plenty of people do.

Mr. T., I am aware of this and have entertained this idea.  That is why in my original post I was looking for border states to Tennessee and if they had any shows in June or July.  I don't know that I plan to enter anything. 

This site if fantastic to get informations off of but I want to go for the siminars and meet others in the business.  It is a lot easier to discuss technical issues face to face vs. via a computer screen.

Vic

[Cole]

MO also borders TN and our show is in Aug.