competition tips

[circleh]

Just thought I'd see if anybody wanted to share tips on how to prepare yourself and your mounts for competition. I know its something I would like to do very soon, and it might help some of us get ready for when the time comes. Thanks for your time.

[kerby]

Lots of tips, but not limited to:

Go to seminars at competitions, even if you don't compete.

Subscribe to Breakthrough magazine.

Get some Breakthrough manuals. I used those when I taught taxidermy at Yavapai Community College 15 years ago.

Get a nice specimen (little damage), easier to finish with a nice piece if you start with one.

Reference materials...did I say reference material already? oh yea, reference materials

Find a critique sheet and see what the judge is looking for.

Certain areas will kill your mount everytime depending upon what category and species, BUT.... eyes, nose, mouth, ears, toes are the "attention to detail" parts that will hurt you on the critique sheet.

Other than that...there is nothing to it! LOL

Actually the fact that you want to learn and succeed will make you successful. IT IS A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE.



Kerby...

[kerby]

PLAN AHEAD! Don't wait until the last minute.

Kerby...

[deer4ager]

REFERENCE. Know what it should look like. I learned a-lot from my 1 competition. If you wrap the body study the skeletal structure of that animal. I really lost points on that, No joints in the knee and ankle. Pose your mount properly. If you pose the ears the same on each side make sure they are exactly the same.
Enter a competition to learn, Not to compete. I thought I knew every thing that was wrong with the Skunk I entered.....Boy was I wrong. But they didn't dog me or belittle me, It was very constructive.

[gina]

What is wrapping the body, I keep hearing it, but what is it exactly?

[nal2009]

wrapping the body is just making your own form using jeweler's tow or other material