Live Taxidermy Sculpture Division
Rules and Regulations
Note: This is an open division, but there are a limited number of spaces (eight) available. All sculptors wishing to enter the "live" competition should send a postcard or short letter stating this interest, or you may call (504) 345-7266, because the eight openings will be filled on a first-come, first-acceptance basis. After this request, an application blank will be mailed to you. The postmarked date on your returned application will be used to determine order of acceptance. Send to WTC Sculpting, P.O. Box 2945, Hammond, LA 70404-2945.

1. Entering. A maximum of eight sculpting positions will be allowed. A minimum of five positions must be filled in order for the competition to be held. In the event there are fewer than five positions filled, entry fees will be refunded. The entry fee will be $50.00. The last day for registering for this competition will be Friday, March 16, 2001, unless the eight positions are filled before this time. This will allow time for the judge selection process, as noted in Rule 9 below.

2. Awards. The first, second, and third place selections will receive the following recognition and awards:
First: Best in World Taxidermy Sculptor Title, Recognition Plaque, Akeley Gold Medallion, $500.00.
Second: Second in World Title, Recognition Plaque, $300.00.
Third: Third in World Title, Recognition Plaque, $200.00.

3. Eligibility. The sculptor must enter in his or her name, but can be sponsored by a supply company. Supply companies can sponsor no more than two sculptors in the competition. This rule is to prevent a monopoly, which could in theory occur.

4. Species. For this third World Sculpting Competition, the species selection can be either a fox, coyote, or bobcat lifesize sculpture. The completed sculpture should be finished as it would appear for the beginning of the molding process. No preset glass eyes can be left in place. The eye sockets should be completed and finished, ready to accept eyes. Full or partial earbutts may be sculpted on the form, but no artificial earliners can be placed into or onto the sculpted ear butts. The sculptors will have full freedom in determining position and expressions in their pieces. No props such as food or limbs can accompany the finished sculpture.

5. Armatures. The purpose of this criteria is so that each sculptor will start on an equal playing field. Each sculptor should bring a prepared armature. The base armature can be made or prepared in any material you desire as long as it meets the following criteria:
      A. Do not bring in an armature that is prepared beyond that of a typical skeletal armature. A skeletal armature (or a variation) is the standard of what will be accepted.
      B. The armature should show no application of musculature from clay or any other medium such as foam. However, clay, foam or epoxies can be used to strengthen, stabilize and support the armature.
      C. A carcass cast of the animal will not be allowed as part of the armature.
      D. Any rulings on armatures will be made by Larry Blomquist and Skip Skidmore.

6. Reference. All types of reference will be allowed as long as they are not used to directly impression or shape the sculpture. Example: A skin wrinkle or muscle casting may not be pressed onto the clay to shape it. Nor may a clay impression from a nose cast be applied to the sculpture. The entire model must be completed freehand.

7. Times. Each sculptor will have up to 25 hours to work on his or her piece. Established work times will be strictly enforced. These work times will be between the following periods: 
      Wednesday, April 4, 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.
      Thursday, April 5, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
      Friday, April 6, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Judging will take place Friday, April 6 after 12:00 noon. Winners will be announced at the 2001 WTC Awards Banquet.

8 Judging. Judging will be completed by a group of five qualified judges. Each judge will cast an individual ballot for his or her first, second, and third place selections. Point values will be assigned to each placing: First 5 points, Second 3 points, Third 1 point. The piece with the highest accumulative points will earn its sculptor the title of Best in World Taxidermy Sculptor. Second highest will be Second in World and third highest will be Third in World. If there is a tie for any of these positions the judges will be asked to cast ballots for those pieces only.

9. Judges. Selection of judges will be coordinated by Larry Blomquist and Competition Chairman Skip Skidmore. It will be their prime objective to select judges who will perform their duties with no bias.

Interpretations of all rulings or regulations (and any rules not provided for) will be decided by the World Taxidermy Championships® Regulatory Committee. If you have a specific question regarding the competition, contact Regulatory Committee Chairman, Skip Skidmore at Brigham Young University, 290 M.L. Bean Museum, Provo, UT 84602. Telephone: 801-378-5052.