Columbia, Missouri
photos by Ken Edwards and Larry Bloomquist

The 31st Annual National Taxidermists Association Convention, Competition and Trade Show was held June 26-29, 2002, in Columbia, Missouri.

Nine-hundred-fifty taxidermists attended the 4-day event, with 73 exhibitors hosting 138 supply booths. Judges for this year’s competition were Bret Kirk, Rick Carter, Roy Cogburn, Tom Weickum, Jeff Brain, Tony Finazzo and Gary Powell.

Breakthrough Award for Judges’ Choice best of Show
Selected by the judges collectively from all National Champions and North American Champions. Judges are not bound by score but will consider a mount’s overall merit.

Chris D. Krueger Phoenix, AZ Otter
Taxidermist Of The Year
Limited to NTA members who have earned the NTA Award of Excellence and are present at the convention. Selected by the judges collectively from all mounts entered in the Division of Excellence. Judges are not bound by any numerical score but will make the selection based upon the mount’s overall merit.

Mike Ross Parker, CO Rainbow Trout
People’s Choice Best of Show
Chosen by registered convention members.
Chris D. Krueger Phoenix, AZ Otter
Best All Around Taxidermist
Person with the highest combined score with a bird, fish/reptile, mammal and shoulder mount.

John Lager Littleton, CO
Rock Ptarmigan, Walleye, Badger, Mountain Goat
Distinguished Taxidermist Award
Collectively selected by the judges from all mounts entered that have been recognized as winning a Judges’ Best of .....

...Continued in the Fall 2002 Issue of Breakthrough.

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