FOLLOWING THE 2017 WORLD FISH CARVING CHAMPIONSHIPS,
a committee was established to evaluate all aspects of the WFCC and make recommendations to the show organizer and chairman Larry Blomquist. Entries numbers had dropped over the past few show where many of the categories (40 total) of the various levels had no entries or only one entry. Entries with no competition against them were winning ribbons by default. This committee was asked to submit a revised structure of the categories under the various divisions to better represent the changes the competition has seen over the past four WFCC shows. It was never the intentions of this competition to give ribbons in an uncontested way so it was time to reevaluate the entry process. The purpose of the WFCC competition is just that, to compete against other carvings and to determine which is the best.
The chairman asked the committee to determine a way by which most, if not all, entries would have competition within each established division and/or category. The committee came up with a rule that will be recognized as the Three and Three Rule. This rule means that when possible there should be at least six entries (three entries that receive ribbons and at least three that remain) that fit the criteria and intent of that division or category in order to establish a competitive group. Example: if there are not enough entries (six) to fill one of the listed categories, two or more of the categories may be combined, establishing a combined or general category in that division. The judges will make the final decision in combining categories as they will have the option of allowing five or even four entries to compete for ribbons if they feel they have very strong entries in all categories. The exceptions to the Three and Three Rule will be if a Level that has fewer than six entries, then those entries will compete against each other. An example is, If there were only five total entries in the Novice Level, the three Divisions of that Level would be combined and all entries in that Level would compete against each other. Also, this rule will not be in effect for the Youth Level. It was also decided to eliminate establishing classes in any of the levels unless entries numbers increase. (At the past two WFCC there was no need to establish classes even under less restrictive rules.) It was recommended that the rules and regulations be condensed into a format that would be easy to read and understand. All the rules and regulations are basically the same as before, but in a more concise and orderly way. Note: A WFCC competition committee has been established to rule on anything not addressed in these rules and regulations. This committee will consist of Larry Blomquist, Ken Edwards, and the two fish carving judges selected for each show. The only exception to the Three and Three Rule will be if a level has fewer than six entries, then those entries will compete against each other. An example is, if there were only five total entries under Decorative Miniature Division, the Freshwater and Saltwater categories would be combined and compete against each other.

Coyotes are native to North America. They are smaller than their close relatives, gray wolves, and slightly smaller than the closely related eastern wolves and red wolves. As of 2005, 19 coyote subspecies are recognized. This issue I will focus on the head details and still body poses. The categories I grouped the poses in are:

1. Head details and attitude

2. Still body poses

3. Walking, running

4. Howling

5. Pouncing

6. Fighting

7. With prey

To renew or subscribe, telephone us at 800-783-7266 or visit our website.

For the last 30 years or so I’ve been getting it up. This is not some kind of sexual statement, it’s about my carvings of fish and birds. This same philosophy can be applied to taxidermy as well. I’ve been trying to make them higher and closer to eye level than all the other carvings or mounts on a 30-inch-high table. To renew or subscribe, telephone us at 800-783-7266 or visit our website.

2019 WORLD SHOW NEWS & INFORMATION

Later this fall and winter, we will have all details of the coming World Taxidermy and Fish Carving Championships® completed. The majority of our judges have been determined and contacted, but not all commitments are in at this date. As usual, an all-star cast for our seminar program is nearly set. All details for the 2019 show will be published in our fall issue along with show registration information. The show booklet will be completed and mailed toward the end of this year and the World Show website up and completed. The hotels are ready now for you to book your rooms as you will find that information on the next few pages.

WORLD SHOW 2919 HOTEL INFORMATION

Our special rate at both hotels is $102.00 per night plus tax, and includes two breakfast

buffets for each day booked. You must call directly to receive this rate at the

University Plaza Hotel 417-864-7333 or Holiday Inn Express 417-862-0070 (ask for the group

rate for the World Taxidermy Championships) or go to these special websites: Use Group code WTC

http://bookings.ihotelier.com/bookings.jsp?groupID=2287411&hotelID=17728

University Plaza Hotel, Springfield, Missouri. (The Expo Civic Center is located across the street from this Hotel.)

Our overflow hotel is the Holiday Inn Express and Suites,

Springfield, Missouri, located three blocks downhill from

the Civic Center. Use Group code WTC

In Part 1 Mike Kirkhart related a great story of his friend and client’s memorable fishing trip fishing trip in Tennessee when Larry Jones caught his 45-inch, 40-pound striped bass. Mike quickly thought this is the perfect time to start a new series of articles he has been wanting to do, that he calls, “From the Water to the Walls.” Mike’s right-hand man is his son Buddy, and Buddy is a master at building, preparing, and finishing the renowned line of fish forms made by New Wave taxidermy. In Part 2, Mike and Buddy will take you through the final steps they use in the New Wave studio in preparing a fish reproduction for the painting process. To renew or subscribe, telephone us at 800-783-7266 or visit our website.