I've been kicking around the idea of entering a few birds in competition this year. Being in Texas, we have some great bird taxidermists here, but the competition seems kind of anti-bird to me. Now, I'm not bad mouthing the TTA or any of the judges, etc.,...,but it does seem to be tougher on us bird guys when we compete. My purpose here is to get some feedback about this subject as it relates to birds only.
It is my understanding that points are deducted for the following reasons; shrinkage in feet and bill, no eyerings and many disagreements about coloration of feet and bills. It is also my understanding that in many competitions a first place is not awarded to the best bird in that category.
My concern is really with color and the use of artificial bills/heads. I have been told that points are deducted if you use a Ferebee head, or one of the other heads on the market. If this is true, it would be my assumption that the judges are requiring you to use a head that you yourself cast. Yet, the manakins in the shoulder mount category are almost always from McKenzie, WASCO, etc.,...so why are points not deducted in that category ? Seems kind of unfair being that birds are a LOT more difficult to mount than any deer ever was.
Also, I've been to competitions where points were deducted because a judge felt the coloration of feet or bill(s) were not what his perspective is. I've also seen where judges deducted points because they said "this bird would not be in that position".
I suppose I'm looking for those who have/do compete give me some insight to competition. Or, where can you look over a score sheet for bird competition ? Again, I'm not complaining because I've not entered and regardless of what is said here - I'll enter anyway - just looking for feedback. Thank you to those with positive input and to he-double hockey sticks to those few idiots who will have something negative or stupid to say !
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I have to agree with you that birds can be more difficult to do than some other forms of taxidermy. Judges are hired for several reasons.
They have accomplished something and people want to see how they do it. Secondly, because they have earned the respect or notoriety that officers of an association believe will draw additional competitors. Most taxidermists want to be better at what they do and continuously strive to improve. Unfortunately, sometimes very talented people are not good teachers and vice versa. I have been competing and judging for many years. I still ask for critiques because I am still learning. I have changed some of my techniques because someone showed me a different way and I liked it better. The more you are exposed to, the more you will learn and the more you will find you are doing correctly.
As far as what heads you use. Who makes it is not as important as how it looks. And how YOU! used it. When I am judging, I don't pay much attention to whose parts are used, but much attention to anatomy and how the bird looks. Frankly I can't tell much of the time. You don't need to make your own head unless you enter the Division of Excellence at the NTA. The bottom line is how does your mount look.
State shows are judged similar to bigger shows. I sometimes will be more lenient, with points, at State shows , but not with comments or criticism. I think most judges will try to take a mount as far as the mount will let it.
Hope this helps call me if you would like to talk about it sometime. 909-886-8640
Tony
They don't get much better than Tony on that advice, but I will add only one thing. A mount is judged to a "standard". Taxidermy shows don't have ONE blue, red, yellow, white ribbon. If no bird meets the judges "standard", no blue is awarded. If 12 birds meet or exceed the standard, all 12 get blue ribbons. You don't compete against anyone other than yourself and the "standard" so multiple ribbons or no ribbons could be well within the judges purview.
Thanks to both of you for your answers. It kind of leads to more questions though.....It is my understanding that there are specific guidelines for do's and don'ts for bird competition. I was told that using a production head like Ferebee or Finazz or eye rings by Wayne Cooper was a deduction in points. The only ribbon awarded last year in the Texas competition was a second place and the cause was, in part, no eye rings. It was my understanding that the judge, Danny Owens, told the competitor he would have gotten a first place had he used or made eye rings. I'm confused because I have yet to find anyone who says that is in the score sheets of any competition. Since it is fairly expensive to go to a competition, it seems that as competitors we should be apprised of the rules. Part of my attempt here is to find out if there is some way to get these rules in writing ? I've looked through the archives, but other than a lot of griping and complaining, not much on what I'm looking for. Again, thanks for the help from everyone. I'm making an effort to be a good competitor before I go in totally blind.
Thanks to both of you for your answers. It kind of leads to more questions though.....It is my understanding that there are specific guidelines for do's and don'ts for bird competition. I was told that using a production head like Ferebee or Finazz or eye rings by Wayne Cooper was a deduction in points. The only ribbon awarded last year in the Texas competition was a second place and the cause was, in part, no eye rings. It was my understanding that the judge, Danny Owens, told the competitor he would have gotten a first place had he used or made eye rings. I'm confused because I have yet to find anyone who says that is in the score sheets of any competition. Since it is fairly expensive to go to a competition, it seems that as competitors we should be apprised of the rules. Part of my attempt here is to find out if there is some way to get these rules in writing ? I've looked through the archives, but other than a lot of griping and complaining, not much on what I'm looking for. Again, thanks for the help from everyone. I'm making an effort to be a good competitor before I go in totally blind.
If you are a member in Texas ask for and you will recieve the competition rules. Dont listen to the stuff you hear second hand. Find out in advance. I think its your responsibility as a competitor. I know youll be better off, and Im willing to bet youll feel more confident competing once you know first hand, from the source. Good luck to you on your birds, and I hope we hear about your success!
There is no such thing in our judging guidelines that issues a deduction of points for using mass produce bird heads or eye rings on your birds. My husband competes with birds and has used Finazzo, ferebee, and his own cast heads.If you look at your score sheet you will see no where to deduct for the reason you stated. As far as the competition rules book you recieved a new one last year at the convention. Leslie Holmes and I gave them out when you registered. We give them out every year at the show. So you should of had one from the previous year also. Matter of fact everyone who has renewed their dues for this year will be recieving an annual and a competition rule book anyday.If you have renewed your annual membership dues you to will recieve this mailing. If not go to our website www.ttai.org and it will list contact numbers for our officers and board members. Call our secretary and she will hook you up. Also, my husband is on the board and competes mainly with bird. If you have any questions just call or e-mail him he will be glad to help you out.
crittergedder@hotmail.com (979)548-6994 Hope this helps.
One of the biggest faults with competitons Rob, is the scoresheet itself. Understanding what is written and the intent behind it is one of the most difficult aspects of competing. As judges, we are forced to put our opinions down on an impersonal sheet of paper. We try to convey to the competitor what we THINK about their mount and sometimes, those opinions get misinterpreted by the competitor. I'm not "blaming" either party here-- its just a fact. Interpretation of the written word can sometimes vary greatly from person to person. What you take as a helpful tip another person may take as an insult. If you have ever spent any time in a chat room or on AOL Instant Messenger you know exactly what I'm talking about. This is why I stress the importance of getting a verbal critique from the judge. A judge can usually explain and/or demonstrate something to you in a way that is easy for you to understand and see for yourself.
As far as things like "eye rings" and "brands" of birdheads being the reason for awarding a lesser ribbon I would have to agree with Yox--don't listen to the whiners! There will always be a few people (ALWAYS the ones who don't bother to get critiques), that say a certain thing "cost" them an award. Making your own eyerings and casting your own head will definitely help you if you do it properly. Originality plays a big part in any piece of work. However, using someone else's product is fine too--- but you better use them correctly also. What judges' DON'T like to see is competitors using the cheapest product they can find and trying to pass it off as "fine art". Use quality materials (original or not), use them properly and enter the competition with an open mind. Get your scoresheet and get in line to talk to the judge. Listen to the critiques of those ahead of you in line and then listen intently to your own critique. Ask questions if you don't understand. Most judges like to talk (right Yox?) and are more than happy to go on and on. DO NOT enter a competition just to win! If you enter "just to win" YOU HAVE ALREADY LOST! Enjoy your convention and good luck with your pieces.
Much appreciation and I will take all of this to heart at the Texas show this year. Again....many thanks.