Big Rock Sports Hosts Second Annual Taxidermy Championship
OutdoorHub 02.03.14
Some of the best taxidermists in North America converged in Raleigh, NC January 10–11 for Big Rock Sports’ second annual taxidermy competition. The event was held in conjunction with the company’s East Dealer Show. The North American Taxidermy Championship was led by the team from Head Quarters Taxidermy Supply, which Big Rock acquired in 2012.
The number of mounts entered was double the amount last year, and they were placed in five divisions: Youth, Amateur, Master’s, Professional and Dealer’s Choice. Judges included renowned taxidermists Rick Krane, Brenda Duvall, Fred Vanderburgh and Dale Manning.
“The quality of the taxidermy was bar none,” said Duvall. “It excited me to see that kind of quality at a show like this.”
“The show has provided such opportunity for not just a new taxidermist coming in, but also taxidermists who are seasoned competitors,” Krane said.
Results of the competition:
Youth Division
Brianna Rouse: Wild Boar
Amateur Division
Billy Elder: Bear Shoulder Mount
Professional Division
Best Open Mouth Whitetail Shoulder Mount: Justin Hinson
Best Closed Mouth Whitetail Shoulder Mount: Justin Hinson
Best Small Gamehead: Justin Hinson – Coyote pedestal mount
Best Large Gamehead: Steve Tugwell – Wild Boar pair
Best Small Life-size Mammal: Martin Bess – Piglet
Best Waterfowl: Martin Bess – Mallard
Best Non-waterfowl: Paul Wilson – Pheasant
Best Skin Mount Fish: Vincent Fleming – Largemouth Bass
Best Reproduction Fish: Vincent Fleming – Steelhead
Best Reptile: Kevin Hastings – Snapping Turtle
Best Reproduction/Art: Michael Brittain – Bluegill
Professional Best of Show: Justin Hinson – Open Mouth Whitetail Shoulder Mount
Master’s Division
Best Open Mouth Whitetail Shoulder Mount: Tommy Hall
Best Small Gamehead: Chris Horne – Piglet
Best Large Gamehead: Chris Horne – Wild Boar
Best Small Life-size Mammal: Chris Horne – Piglet pair
Best Large Life-size Mammal: Chris Horne – Wild Boar
Best Reptile: Chris Horne – Alligator
Best Waterfowl: Page Nethercutt – Green Winged Teal
Master’s Best of Show: Chris Horne – Alligator
Safari Club International Most Creative Life-size Animal: Chris Horne – Alligator
Safari Club International Most Creative Gamehead: Steve Tugwell – Wild Boar pair
UTA Artisan Award: Paul Miller – Snapping Turtle
Dealers’ Choice Voted on by Big Rock Sports Dealers: Joshua Hussey – Mountain Lion
The Big Rock North American Taxidermy Championship was sponsored by HQ Taxidermy Supply, Plano, Eagle Claw, Smith & Wesson, Thompson Center, Remington Ammunition and Gary Herbert’s New Zealand Hunting.
