I am a bird taxidermist in Brookings, SD and have been specializing in waterfowl for the past 3 years.
This year the NTA is only a 45 min. drive from my house. I have never entered a competition before at any level. My friends here are telling me I should go to the NTA just to see what happens.Anyways, here are some pics of a pintail standing on a rock and a swimming Redhead drake on a table mount panel. I still have some habitat work I'm going to do on the Redhead. These are the 2 I would be thinking about entering if I get enough positive feedback. Basically what I'm trying to say is, I want to start competing, but does my work look good enough to go to the national level or should I start out smaller?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Trevor
Use this address for the pics. http://www.msnusers.com/taxidermypics/shoebox.msnw
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.....If you DIDN"T go and compete. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain. You will learn form judging critiques, seminars and just talking to other taxidermists. From what I see of your pictures you do a very decent bird. I've seen far worse in big competitions. Go for it!
would definately go. It also depends on whihc level you are wanting to compete at. Since my deployment was postponed, I am now going to be here for the NC State convention and am planning on going (my first also) if I can get the work done in time. I am still debating which level to compete at, and expect to get thrashed by the judges, but, I am trying to learn, and this is the best way I can see to improve.
I looked at you pics, and to me (as I said I am new) they looked good. look at the judging criteria for the different levels (usually similar but progressively stricter standards as the level increases) and maybe even get a score sheet to get a basic idea. your work looks good, give it a go
B2
and kick myself everytime I think about it. I'm only about an hour out. Those birds look nice. I really like the pintail but I'm partial to those ducks. Competitions are for learning and getting some critiquing of your pieces so if I were you I'd go for it. You have nothing to lose.
I agree with the other posts....you have nothing to lose but leave your pride at home. Judges do not sugar coat everything, they are blunt and to the point....just the way they need to be. That is the best learning tool. Once you know the basics you can fine tune with knowledge you pick up at competitions. Here is what I see with the birds (I would suggest entering amatuer division since it is your first and it is a big show):
Pintail. Your grooming is good but your feather tracts need a little work. The tertials seem a little overdone...nice for a customer pleasing mount but bad for a competition mount. Your head and neck also look a bit off. The neck is not bent down into the breast, it is bent up and back. The paint needs a little work also...look at reference for this.....reference, reference, reference. Your side pockets look a little long also and are hiding some of the flank. Overall a very nice bird though. They eyes look good which is unusual for a "beginner" and I use this loosely. You should do real well in the amatuer division with this bird.
The redhead overall looks good. The main thing to work on with him is body shape, balance and paint. He will do real good also in amateur. Hey, you got to start somewhere.....work your way to the top. It is obvious you love doing birds so go with it...you have the eye.
Good luck and let us know how you do!
If i were you i go for it ! good luck !