I've been in business on and off for about 13 years now. I have started to get the urge to bring in more business and possibly make it more of a real business rather than a hobby business. I was wondering if anyone had any pointers or even good or bad things to say about entering a deer head in a competition (Local to Iowa most likely). I've honestly never been to one and have NO idea what to expect. Is it possible to even do well w/ a heavy haired northern buck where u don't see near the detail? Do the judges give pointers or just tell you you're bad and go on? :) Just curious and would like to hear any input!
Thanks,
Jay
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I have stated for years, the best tool a taxidermist has for improving, is competition. A good judge will point out areas that need improvements during your critique. He or she will normally offer ways to accomplish this standard. Most don't mind if you walk around and hear other competitors critiques. This is also another great learning tool. Most competitions have numerous instructional seminars to attend also.
Hair length doesn't play much of a role. Recreating the animal as close to nature as possible, does. Many competitors get on here and "bitch" about competitions and judges basically because they can not take constructive critisism and didn't win the ribbon they wanted. Go into a competiton with an open mind and a willingness to learn and you will be amazed how much better your next deer will be. Keep trying to improve and the blue ribbons will come. Go into a competiton expecting a blue ribbon the first time and you will be in for a let down. Good Luck.
Jay,
Going to your states competition only helps your work and your customers. If you don't feel comfortable entering something the first year, don't, join and go as a spectator. Go to all the seminars you can, and ask questions. When the competition hall opens up, look at all the work 'closely' and ask judges particular questions about pieces, they don't have to be your pieces. Now if you want to mount up a piece(s) for competition, that's even a better experience, because now your work is being judged. Get good reference photo's and try to match your work to the photos the best you can. Remember, the judges are taxidermists too, and they're there to help fellow taxidermists, that grows your states organization and you. Go there with an open mind and a willingness to take constructive criticism if you enter a piece. good luck
Go to your state show you can also join surrounding state organizations also if you would like. The seminars are well worth the registration fees. There is also the IGT show coming up in Indiana June of 2005. Then the NTA is in July I believe. These shows are well worth the time it takes to travel to them. If you need information on the IGT convention drop me an e-mail and I am sure George can give you info on the NTA convention. Or check out the corresponding websites. If they are not updated they soon will be.
Todd B
todd@buckspromounttaxidermy.com
Enter the PRo division.
You will also find that following the judge around and listening to them critque everyone mounts and you will learn a ton. take notes orrrrrrr take a small tape recorder, so you can tape your comments on how your learning the different things.
Dont record the seminar or everyone elses critiques, you will never get them sorted out.
Before going make a list of how you will order the tapes. You can code these with each roll of film you take.
Now this will help you find your weak points, You can have a recording made of the judge when they go over your mount and this will also help you.
Jay,
My name is Jeff and I have been a Iowa Taxidermy member since 1997..We are a great group of taxi's and would love to have you climb aboard....
What part of Ia are ya from?
email at mountman@netins.net or give me a call at 319-721-4098 and I can tell ya more about us.
Jeff
Ive done the Iowa show a few times, and the folks there are very nice. Youll love it. Only word of caution with doing shows...dont let it consume you, and remember that your customers are your OTHER judge of your talents. Enjoy the competitions!