1111 Roseland N.W.
Massillon, OH. 44647
Phone (330) 832-1784 Fax (330) 832-2525
NTA Certification
There are approximately 75,000
people in the United States who practice taxidermy. These
findings are based on yellow page listings, mailing lists from
taxidermy supply companies, suscribers to trade publications and
the liscensing requirements of some states. Many are hobbyists
while some are museum curators, but the vast majority are
part-time and full-time taxidermists who solicit money for their
services. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of such
taxidermists have no professional training per se, nor have they
been trained or tested in their abilities or knowledge to perform
professional work.
Only a small percent of these taxidermists are affiliated with any taxidermy organizations, and less than 4% belong to an organization which certifies its members.
The National Taxidermists Association was organized in 1973 and is recognized as the largest orgainization in the profession. The development of the NTA Certification Program began in 1983 and was implemented during the 1985 Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida. Since it's beginning, it has been recognized and written about in national publications such as Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Bass Magazine, and the NRA publication American Hunter.
Only NTA members who have met the Certification requirements can use the Symbol of Excellence shown at the top of this page.
NTA Certification and What It
Means
The National Taxidermists
Association held its first taxidermy competition in the summer of
1978. There are now over forty NTA sanctioned competitions each
year where thousands of beautiful mounts are displayed for
viewing. The mounts are judged by highly respected taxidermists
noted for their expertise in the various categories of mammals,
birds, fish and reptiles. NTA score sheets and judging criteria
are used.
The elements evaluated in each mount are mechanical soundness, craftsmanship and anatomical accuracy. Bonus points can also be given for originality, creativity and the difficulty of the subject. The resulting score for each entry can earn a first, second, or third place ribbon.
Each level of winning earns a point value. When the required number of points are reached in an individual category (mammals, birds, fish, reptiles) the NTA member is allowed to apply for Certification.
Certification can be issued in any of the individual categories or all four if the point requirements are met. The Certification certificate displayed by each recipient indicates the category or categories in which he or she is certified
Certified Taxidermmists have worked long and hard for their recognition. They have proven their abilities and the service
they offer are worth far more than the price they charge.
Send mail to garys@cannet.com with questions or comments about this web sight
Copyright © 1999&2000 Gary's Archery & Taxidermy
Updated Feb. 2000
