TWO TRI-STATE COMPANIES TEAM UP TO PLACE THIRD IN WORLD TAXIDERMY COMPETITION

American Woodworking of Hannibal, Missouri and Pearse Taxidermy of Kane, Illinois, utilizing their combined professional efforts, recently placed third in the World Taxidermy Competition held March 21 through April 2 in Springfield, Illinois.

Held every two years, this International Competition attracted over 800 pieces from 14 countries. Reno, Nevada will host the competition in 2007.

These two companies were entered in the most prestigious Masters Collective Division (Collective meaning more than one individual worked on the piece). In order to even qualify for the Masters Division, the Taxidermist must win 1st place consistently in all the categories in the Professional Division before receiving the honor to be placed on the Master Level. Some Professional Taxidermist take 20 years to achieve Master Status, and some never reach it at all.

The piece, or "trophy", was a rare White-Striped Black Bear, taken in Northwestern Ontario, Canada by American Woodworking owner, Chad Taylor.

Of the North American Black Bear Species about 5% are colored (Colored being defined as Cinnamon, Blond, or Brown). This unique bear is comprised of all three colors: Brown Paws and Legs, Cinnamon Body, with a Blonde Mohawk Stripe running down its back.

Louis Pearse, Mike Pearse, and Mary Jane Clark of Pearse Taxidermy collectively created the impressive Trophy, paying close attention to detail while mounting the bear in a realistic background indigenous to Northwest Canada.

The display case, custom-designed and built by American Woodworking, is equally distinctive. Designed in Red Oak, the display stands eight feet tall and five feet wide. Recessed panels along the base and custom carved bear paws around the crown molding adds to the impressive look and works to tie the display to the Trophy-Mounted Bear.

American Woodworking's now distinctive trademark circles appear prominently above and below the actual display. Glass doors open on all four sides providing easy access to the Trophy. A round platform, which the display is mounted on, rotates slowly for full 360o viewing.

In addition, a third Tri-State business lent its services to the project. M.J. Burton Gifts and Engraving of Quincy, Illinois provided Custom-Engraved Plaques describing the overall efforts involved.