MEET OUR 2026 JUDGES
Mammals & Gameheads
My name is Cody Benge, and I am a professional taxidermist with a lifelong connection to the craft. I grew up in Oregon, where taxidermy was part of my life from an early age and quickly became more than just a skill, It became a passion. That early start shaped my respect for wildlife, attention to detail, and commitment to creating accurate, lifelike work. I now am fortunate enough to call Wyoming home.
I currently work under Dawayne Dewey, as well as running a shop with my fiance Melanie Hughes, gaining valuable experience and refining my techniques every day. I have competed in taxidermy competitions across the western United States as well as at the World Taxidermy Championships, always pushing myself to improve. Outside the shop, I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors, drawing inspiration from the landscapes and wildlife that fuel my work
Whitetails
Fred Barilla is the owner and operator of Wild Memories Taxidermy on Long Island, NY.
Fred has won numerous top awards, including the Breakthrough Award, Wasco Award, National Champion, North American Champion, and Second in World titles.
He has judged and performed seminars throughout the northeastern United States and Canada, including the National Taxidermists Association and World Taxidermy Championships.
Fred is well known for incorporating artistic design and composition into his pieces.
We look forward to having him share his knowledge with everyone at the show!
Birds & Fish
I am Terry Weick and I’m honored to have the great opportunity to Judge and share at your up-and-coming Convention. I have been involved in Taxidermy since the age of 11, now at 58 I still live in Hopkins Michigan where I grew up. In 1990 I joined the Michigan Taxidermist Association and recently have been inducted in the Michigan Taxidermist Hall of Fame. Being a part of several Taxidermy associations over the years, allowed me to meet and learn from some very talented people. In 1992 I opened a full-time studio doing all phases of Taxidermy, with Fish being my favorite. The willingness to learn from other instructors, along with attending seminars and competing helped shaped my success. For the last 15 plus years I have been fortunate to be a Judge /instructor for several State shows as well as Ontario, Quebec, New Zealand and Australia.
At that beginning, learning was from trial and error. The Northwest School of Taxidermy correspondence course gave me direction. Today we are fortunate to have great associations and mentors willing to share the latest techniques. During my struggles with Taxidermy I never gave up and always was looking for a solution to my disastrous attempts.
Competing is something I still enjoy but rarely have time for, it pushes my focus to do the very best that I’m capable of and gives myself creativity we often don’t get in a commercial setting. Twenty plus years of attending Taxidermy conventions I have been blessed with many awards including Several Breakthrough’s and 3 Gold Ackley “World” medallions. But the Best awards are the friendships and connections I have made. I am truly honored to be your judge and instructor for the 2026 convention.
Thank you,
Terry Weick