Definition of Levels of Carvers (indicate clearly on your entry form)
Novice – Carvers who have not won two Best of Shows, in the novice level in any IWCA Show or Competition.
Intermediate – Carvers who have progressed beyond the novice level by winning two Best of Shows at the novice level in any IWCA show or competition. A carver cannot enter who has previously won two Best of Shows in the intermediate level in any IWCA show or competition. A carver who wins a ribbon in the Open level cannot enter the intermediate level. IWCA Style Decoy awards, do not apply.
Open – All carvers may enter and must include carvers who have won two Best of Shows, from any IWCA show or competition at the intermediate level.
Awards
First, second, third, and honorable mention ribbons will be awarded when called for in the opinion of the judges. Medallions will be awarded where designated. Each entry will only receive the highest award for which it successfully competed. If there are three or more carvings of the same species, entered in the miscellaneous class or in any division where they are not specifically listed as a class, a separate class will be opened.
Acceptable Materials to be Used in Carvings
All parts of entries and compositions must be hand made, preferably of wood, except where needed for strength and support. Any exceptions to this rule, must be specifically noted in that category. Castings of any kind, duplicated carvings, styrofoam type carvings, or class carvings will not be allowed.
Judging Criteria for Decorative Entries
In the Decorative Floating, Decorative Life size, and Decorative Miniature categories, the judges will be looking for: Technique (carving and painting), Interpretation of Subject (realistic), Artistic Composition, Difficulty of Project, and Consistency among the above.
PFDA Hunting Decoys (Purchase award) #201-232
Decoys are handmade of wood, cork, canvas, or metal. Carvings are to be designed and made for hunting conditions. No fragile wing tips, bills, or tails. No burning or stone texturing. Chip carving, rasping, or stamping is acceptable. Decoys that deteriorate in the tank will be disqualified. Entries in this category need not self-right, but must have an anchor line attachment. Carvings should float in a lifelike and stable manner. Any weights, ballasts, or keels shall be practical and non-fouling. Judges are looking for sound workmanship in carving and finish, and for an unmistakable likeness to species. Final judging from 15 feet. Pairs are required for Marsh Duck and Diver Duck entries…. Single entries for Goose and Confidence. Novice carvers may enter singles in all categories, and will be judged in their own division. Awards: $650 purchase award goes to the winning open class carver, and the sponsor claims the winning entry. Cash awards for 2nd and 3rd are $150 and $100. BOS – Medallion.
Bob Petersen Gunning Shorebirds
(purchase award) #701-707
Entries are handmade of wood and mounted on a
detachable single wooden dowel. Entries may not
be textured, but realistic painting is expected. No
fragile wingtips or tails are allowed. No inserts.
No wading birds in this category. This category is
a purchase award for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Best of
Show… $700, $600, and $500 respectively. The
sponsor claims the winning entries. BOS – Medallions.
CWA “Carver of the Year” (purchase award) #810
Open to all carvers. Enter a single drake European Wigeon to be judged by the construction standards of a Traditional Hunting Decoy (see rules starting on page 3). Entries to be judged in the tank. Realistic painting is expected in this category. Special entry fee of $25 for this competition. The $1000 purchase award goes to the winning carver, and the sponsor claims the winning entry. California Waterfowl Association gets the carving for a statewide fund raiser. The winning entry will be reproduced by CWA. Cash awards for 2nd and 3rd place are $200 and $100 .
U. S. Fish and Wildlife Competitions (purchase awards) #860 (Game Bird) & #861 (Non Game Bird)
Open to all carvers.
1. Enter a single drake Surf Scoter to have its “construction” judged by the standards of a Traditional Hunting Decoy (see rules starting on a page 3). Entries judged in the tank. Realistic painting is expected in this category. The $400 purchase award goes to the winning carver, and the sponsor claims the winning entry. Winner takes all…. No 2nd or 3rd place cash awards.
2. Enter a single Cedar Waxwing. Carve and paint to your highest ability in this category. No restrictions on environment, and you may use hand made or store bought legs. The $400 purchase award goes to the winning carver, and the sponsor claims the winning entry. Winner takes all…. No 2nd or 3rd place cash awards.