2011 Rules and Classifications (NEW RULES! READ CARFULLY!)

NEW RULES– Please read carefully! Judges decisions are FINAL!

Definition of Classes: YOUTH: 17 years old or younger. (May also compete as a Novice carver.) NOVICE: One who is new to the art and is considered to be at the entry level to competition. AMATEUR: One whose work has established oneself beyond Novice Level. (Best of Show Placements at the Novice Level Consistent would certify one to advance to Amateur status.) PROFESSIONAL: One whose carvings rank at the highest level of Artistic skill and expertise. OPEN: Highest level of competition, the standards for judging are the most demanding in this category. Usually reserved for Purchase Awards. (Competition is open to all levels of carvers.)

General Rules: 1. It is the responsibility of all carvers to select the category for their work. It is also the responsibility of the carvers to see that his or her entry is placed in the proper registered category. 2. Any carvings that do not conform with the rules will be disqualified if brought to the attention of the judging committee before any of the divisions are judged. 3. All registered entries will remain on the competition tables during judging. No entries will be moved or handled by anyone but the Festival Committee. 4. Any objections to proceedings during the judging shall be immediately brought to the attention of the judging coordinator. 5. All registrations are final. 6. Once a carving has been entered it cannot be touched up with paint, weights or keels added, moved or otherwise altered. This will result in disqualification. 7. No machine made carvings will be allowed. Also, no reworked birds. If they are suspected by the judges, they will be eliminated from competition. 8. Carvings can be entered by any documented team, and must be registered as such, with all names on the registration form. 9. The Festival will not be responsible for lost or damaged pieces! 10. Birds previously competed in the Cajun Heritage Festival cannot be re-entered. 11. All entries must remain on the competition tables until close of festival Sunday afternoon. 12. The Best of Show will be selected from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers from each division or category. The Best of Show will be one of the Best in Division or Category entries. Replacement rules applies for all contests. 13. Cast feet are not eligible in any contest except Novice and Amateur. Feet must be manufactured by the artist and if molds are used they must be made available to the judging committee. 14. Any member donating an original decoy, carved by the donor, for 100% auction donation, the registration fees for all other entries will be waived except for purchase award fees. 15. Members who donate a decoy for the raffle will have membership dues for one year waived. 16. The Judging Committee has the final Say on any interpretation of any rule in all competitions. The Judging Committee's decision is final! Auction Notes 75/25 split for all original carvings donated to the auction with the donor receiving 75% of final price. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! 1. Any carver wishing to have his or her carving to be auctioned can do so. 2. Carver has the option of setting a minimum bid for his or her piece. 3. Final auction price will be a split of 75% towards the carver and 25% to the festival. 4. Every piece entered into the auction must have an auction entry number. This is the responsibility of the donor to check in his or her donations for registry. 5. Cajun Heritage Festival does not assume responsibility on the Authenticity of Decoys and Art Work in the Auction. 6. Auction Items must be registered by 11:00 am on Sunday. Club is not responsible to register auction items for the carver.

Purchase Award Rules 1. These are open class contest, unless otherwise stated. 2. All carvings will be made of wood. Cast bills and cast feet are not allowed. If detected, entries will be disqualified. All elements must be made by the carver. Glass eyes are allowed. 3. All decorative decoys floated in the tank need not have exterior keels nor do they have to self-right. Fine detail in carving and painting will be required. 4. All decoys will be required to float perfectly, sinking birds will be removed. 5. Any work previously competed in the Cajun Heritage Festival cannot be re-entered. Carving can be entered by "Professional, Intermediate, or Novice" carvers, however, winning a Purchase Award will require moving up in classification at the next Festival.

Division "A" Competition Grade Decorative Decoy 3 Categories (in tank) Marsh Ducks, Diving Ducks, Confidence & Geese A highly decorative carving that features extreme detail and likeness to the specie. Raised primaries, authentic bill size and detailed painting are required. These decoys will be required to float perfectly, but need not self-right. Ribbons for 1st, 2nd & 3rd and Honorable Mention for each specie. Ribbons for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Best of Categories. Medallion, Ribbon and $75 for 1st Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $50 for 2nd Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $25 for 3rd Place Best of Show. Nov. & Am. - 1st $50, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20.

Division "B" Decorative Lifesize Wildfowl Carving Category (not in tank) The entry will consist of one or more birds of any species with emphasis on creating an innovative and artistic composition. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes. They are to be hand-formed with the exception of eyes. Entries will be judged on craftsmanship, accuracy, essence of the species and artistry. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in "Professional", "Amateur" and "Novice" categories. Medallion, Ribbon and $75 for 1st Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $50 for 2nd Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $25 for 3rd Place Best of Show. Amateur and Novice will receive medallion and ribbons for Best of Show Places. Monies will be awarded to "professionals" only. No tank or flat bottom decoys allowed. Nov. & Am. - 1st $50, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20.

Division "C" Decorative Miniature Wildfowl Carving Category (not in tank) The entry will consist of one or more birds of any species with emphasis on creating an innovative and artistic composition. Entries are to be made of wood. Other materials may be used for habitat and structural purposes. They are to be hand-formed with the exception of eyes. Decorative Miniature Wildfowl shall be one-half life-size or less. Entries will be judged on craftsmanship, accuracy, essence of the species and artistry. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in "Professional", "Amateur" and "Novice" categories. Medallion, Ribbon and $75 for 1st Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $50 for 2nd Place Best of Show. Ribbon and $25 for 3rd Place Best of Show ("Professional" only!) "Amateur" and "Novice" will receive medallion and ribbons for Best of Show. Nov. & Am. - 1st $50, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20.

Division "D" Interpretive Sculpture (Open Class) This is for entrants who may be interested in creating an interpretive piece rather than following the more traditional style of realism. Subject may be of entrant's choice, a Medallion and Ribbon for 1st Place Best of Show. 2nd Place Best of Show Ribbon and 3rd Place Best of Show Ribbon.

Division "E" Best on Gulf Coast - Stick Bird Open Class Any species of Shorebirds, doves, etc. is identified in the Audubon Field Guide to identifying shorebirds. One live-size bird is required, either male or female. All decoys must be hand made of wood. Glass eyes may be used. Decoys must be slick and may have raised primaries. A highly decorative paint job is desired. Pieces must be mounted on a stick or dowel on a base, no habitat required.

Division "F" Cajun Open Working Decoy "Open Class" (Bird Must be Donated) An open class division (any specie) in tank. 1st Place Medallion and Ribbon, 2nd and 3rd Place Ribbons. All donors will receive 75% of auction price of decoys. Number of entries are unlimited. No entry fee! Best of Show Ribbons. RULES: 1. Carving must be made strong and durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed, but no swinging weights are allowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed. 5. Bill must be sturdy, but may be dressed up. 6. Tail must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to individual's discretion. 9. Remember this is a working decoy.

Division "G" Louisiana State Championship Decorative Head (Open Class) An open class division (any specie). 1st - $50, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15. 3 Categories: Puddlers, Divers and Geese - Confidence. A highly decorative carving that features extreme detail and likeness to the specie.

Division "H" Louisiana State Championship Minature Boat (Open Class) 1. Contest will be comprised of 3 main categories: A. Heavy Industrial type boats (tugs, supply boats, crew boats, lift barges, etc.) B. Commercial fisheries (trawler, oyster, tuna, etc.) C. Pirogues and canoes (any accessories may be included) (Example: paddle, pushpole, etc.) 2. Boats must be hand crafted only. No kits. 3. All types of boats eligible. 4. No glass or plexiglass display case allowed during judging. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention Ribbons will be awarded in each of the 5 categories. All the 1st place winners in each category will be judged for Best of Show. 1st Place Best of Show Medallion and Rosette, 2nd and 3rd Place Rosettes. Best in Category and Best of Show Ribbons to be awarded. 1st - $50, 2nd - $30, 3rd - $20

Division "I" Jimmy Lynch Memorial (Open Class) Feather Carving 1. Carving may be a feather from any specie of wildfowl. 2. The carving must be mounted on a plaque, along with the real feather from which the carving was copied. Both must be viewed from front & back. 3. Carvings mustbe 98% wood. 4. Contestants may enter as many feathers as they wish. 1st - $50, 2nd - $25, 3rd - $15

Division "J" Cajun Classic Working Decoy 3 Categories: Puddlers, Divers and Geese - Confidence. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention in each category. Medallion for 1st Best of Show, Ribbons for 2nd and 3rd Best of Show. Professional - Amateur - Novice classes. 1. Carving must be made strong, durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. These decoys should be designed to be hunted over and be rugged enough to withstand the rigors to which gunning decoys are subjected. 3. All weights or keels used for self-righting or ballast must be practical and non-fouling in nature. No swinging weights are allowed. 4. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 5. Raised primaries allowed with NO undercutting. STRAIGHT CUT ONLY, NO ANGLE. SLICK BIRD ONLY! 6. Bill detail other than indention to define nostril not allowed. There will be no carving under nostril, no upper or lower mandible details, "no carving to show upper and lower mandible". 7. Painting will be traditional & have no extreme detail. Practical, simplified patterns which are easily reproduced will be allowed. 8. No blending or stipling to be viewed as vermiculation. No hand formed vermiculation. Block painting only. No feather splits or breakage. 9. Any decoy which is determined by the judging committee to be in violation of any of the rules will be removed from this class and entered in division "K".

Division "K" Cajun Classic Decorative Gunning Decoy 3 Categories: Puddlers, Divers and Geese - Confidence. 1st, 2nd, 3rd" and Honorable Mention in each category. Medallion for 1st Best of Show, Ribbons for 2nd and 3rd Best of Show. Professional - Amateur - Novice classes. RULES: 1. Carving must be made strong & durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed, but no swinging weights are allowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed with undercut. 5. Bill must be sturdy, but may be dressed up. 6. Tail must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to individual's discretion.

Division "L" Louisiana State Championship Fish Carving Competition (Open Class) All fish will be entered in 3 categories. 1st, 2nd , 3rd and Honorable Mention Ribbons in categories. 1st Place Best of Show - Medallion, 1st - $30, 2nd - $20, 3rd - $10. Freshwater fish - Saltwater fish - Exotic fish categories. A highly decorative carving that features extreme detail and likeness to the specie raised.

Division "N" - Stained or Natural Finish Wildfowl Carving (Open Class) Subject may be of entrant's choice. Medallion for 1st Place Best of Show, Ribbons for 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show.

Division "O" Youth This category is for our youths that are 17 and under. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. No entry fee for each category. Categories: A - Waterfowl, B - Songbirds, E - Any Gunner, F - Miniature, G - Miscellaneous. 1st Place Best of Show - $50, 2nd in Show - $30, 3rd in Show - $20.

Division "P" Backyard Carvers This category is for the carver who doesn't go to any class. This is what they do on their own at home. There will be no rules. It will be shelf judging "only." No floating. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. No limit to entries. Categories: A - Waterfowl, B - Songbirds, E - Any Gunner, F - Miniature, G - Miscellaneous. 1st Place Best of Show Medallion, 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show ribbons. 1st - $30, 2nd - $20, 3rd - $10

Division "Q" Decorative Shelf Decoy These decoys will not be floated. Same standards as Division "A". Professional, Amateur and Novice. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. Medallion for 1st Place Best in Show. 3 categories: Puddlers, Divers & Geese - Confidence.

Division "R" Anything Goes Open Competition Professional - Amateur - Novice classes. It can be anything that is not in the brochure. Anything goes. Example: Carrousel Horses, Chip Carvings, Caricatures, Figure Carvings, Animals, etc. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Honorable Mention ribbons. Medallion for 1st Place Best of Show.

Division "S" "Cajun Cocktail Class" - Open to All Carvers - (Decoy must be Donated) PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! 1. Subject may be any specie of waterfowl and must be carved as a decoy. 2. Subject decoy must not exceed 2 1/2 inches in length. (From tip of breast to tip of tail. Tailpin feathers of species such as Pintail, Old Squaw, etc. will not be included in this measurement.) 3. Decoy must float. Decoys will be floated in their respective wine glass. 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place Best of Show (Medallion for 1st). These decoys will be displayed and judged Friday night and will be voted on by the Public attending the "Wine & Cheese Dedication Social". These decoys will be auctioned Sunday with 75% of sale going to the carver. $100.00 - 1st Place, $50.00 - 2nd Place and $25.00 - 3rd Place.

Division "T" Walking Cane Competition An open Carving Competition. Open to any form and style of Walking Canes. Canes do not have to be functional. Creativity is encouraged. Carving, painting & form left to carver's discretion.

Division "U" Relief Carving Competition. An open class division. Carver's discretion. No size restrictions.

Division "V" Flower Carving Competition An open class division. Open to any species of flower. Carving, painting, base, & habitat left to carver's discretion. No size restrictions. Division "W" Hunting Pair Open contest to be judged in 3 categories: Puddlers, Divers & Geese - Confidence. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Best of Show. One Male and Female of the same species is required. Carving and painting left to carver's discretion but will be judged as a hunting decoy. Decoys will be floated. Division "X" Antique Ducks Entries can be inspired by old decoys from geographic areas. Must be the carver's original design and interpretation of an 'old' decoy. Decoys should be made to look old by the manner in which they are carved, painted and finished. Shorebirds and Wading Birds must be mounted on a dowel and have a simple base. Will be judged in 3 categories. 3 categories: Waterfowl, Shorebirds and All others. Medallion and ribbons awarded for 1st Place Best of Show, 2nd and 3rd Best of Show Ribbons.

Division I Cajun Heritage Decorative Miniature Wildfowl Championship - Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) 1st Place - (Purchase Award) $200, Medallion and Best of Show Rosette 2nd Place - $50 and show ribbon 3rd Place - $25 and show ribbon Entry fee is $5.00 per entry. This Carving is expected to be a fine art 3-dimensional original composition. The Carvings must be 1/2 size or less. Raised feathers, detailed bills, texturing, etc., will be expected. Anything else in nature can be added to set the scene, e.g. adding grass, leaves, stumps, or rocks as components, but must be carved or hand-formed. If encased in glass, the glass must be removed for judging. (No exceptions). These carvings will be judged on originality, pose, composition, likeness to specie, painting and degree of difficulty.

Division II Best In Louisiana Decorative Decoy Green Wing Teal Drake Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) Species will be judged to the live bird. Must float in lifelike attitude but need not self-right. 1st Place - (Purchase Award) - $1600 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $75 and Best of Show ribbon 3rd Place - $50 and Best of Show ribbon. Rules serve as Div. A. Entry fee $20 per entry.

Division III Best In Louisiana Working Decoy Canvasback Drake Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) Entry fee $5.00 per entry. No limit to entries. Rules: 1. Carvings must be made strong and durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed, but no swinging weights are allowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed. 5. Bill must be sturdy. 6. Tail must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to individual's discretion. 9. Remember this is a working decoy. 10. No cork decoys. 1st Place - $300 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $50 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $25 and Ribbon.

Division IV Best On Bayou Decorative Working Decoy Green Wing Teal Hen Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) Entry fee $15.00 per entry Rules for this contest are the same as Division "K" Cajun Classic Gunning Decoy. 1st Place - (Purchase Award) $1,000 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $50 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $25 and Ribbon. All Ribbons will be Best of Show. 75% at auction if donated.

Division V Best On Fourchon Ringneck Pair Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) The subject is a Miniature Pair Hen & Drake. Same rules as as Division "C", except that they will be floated. Entry fee $5.00 per entry. 1st Place - $300 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $30 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $20 and Ribbon.

Division VI Lafourche Cajun Carvers Wood Duck or Mallard Drake Purchase Award Rules Age 19 and Under Only Entry fee $5.00 per entry. No limit to entries. Species will be Wood Duck Drake. Rules for this Category are the same as Division "K" - Classic Working Decoy. Ages 19 years old and under. 1st Place - $200 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $30 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $20 and Ribbon. All Ribbons will be Best of Show.

Division VII Best In Grand Isle "Slick On A Stick" Shore Bird Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) Entry fee $5.00 per entry. Any species of shore bird may be selected that is identified in the Audubon Field Guide to identifying shorebirds. One life-size bird is required, either male or female. All decoys must be hand made of wood. Glass eyes may be used. Decoys must be slick and may have raised primaries. A highly decorative paint job is desired. Pieces must be mounted on a stick or dowel on a base, no habitat is required. 75% at auction if donated. 1st Place - $200 and Medallion. 2nd Place - $50 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $25 and Ribbon.

Division VIII Best In Louisiana Hummingbird Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) This category is open to all carvers. Carving can be any specie of Hummingbird. Life-size decorative carving, with the live bird as the model. The bird should be depicted in it's natural surroundings, habitat. Winning carving will be auctioned at the Festival, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Festival. $5.00 entry fee. 1st Place - (Purchase Award) - $150, with Show Ribbon and Medallion. 2nd Place - $30 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $20 and Ribbon. All other carvings are eligible for 75% auction, if donated.

Division IX Deep South Songbird Purchase Award Rules Open Class - ($5 Entry Fee) This category is open to all carvers. Carving can be any specie of songbird except Kinglet or Red Poll. Life-size decorative carving, with the live bird as the model. Bird should be depicted in it's natural surroundings, habitat. 1st Place - (Purchase Award) - $200, Best of Show Ribbon and Medallion. 2nd Place - $50 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $25 and Ribbon. Winning carving will be auctioned at the Festival, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Festival. $5.00 Entry Fee. All other carvings are eligible for 75% of auction, if donated.

Division X Old Style Decoy Purchase Award Rules This category is open to all carvers. Carving and painting left up to the carver. Entry fee $5.00 per entry, No limit to entries. 1st Place - $400, Best of Show Ribbon and Medallion. 2nd Place - $150 and Ribbon. 3rd Place - $100 and Ribbon. All other carvings are eligible for 75% auction, if donated. Decoys will be judged on shelf.

Division XI Deep South Decorative Decoy Purchase Award Rules (Open Class) Except Blue Winged Teal or Black Duck. Rules same as Div. "A". 75% of Decoy must be wood burned. DRAKES ONLY 1st - $1,200, 2nd - $75, 3rd - $50. Entry fee - $20.00.

Division XIV Heritage Classic Decorative Gunning Decoy (Open Class) RULES: 1. Open to any species of waterfowl. 2. Decoys will be floated in the tank and must have the ability to self-right. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed with NO undercut straight or angle-cut only. 5. Bill must be dressed up. 6. Tail must be durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. A highly decorative paintjob is desired. 1st Place - $1500 Purchase Award & Medallion 2nd Place - $200 & Ribbon 3rd Place - $100 & Ribbon

Division XII Deep South Black Duck One Life Size Black Duck is Required Rules: 1. Carving must be made strong and durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed, but no swinging weights are allowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed. 5. Bill must be sturdy. 6. Tail must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to individual's discretion. 1st Place - $400 & Medallion. 2nd Place - $15 & Ribbon. 3rd Place - $10 & Ribbon.

Division XIII Southern Classic Gunning Decoy Open to any species of Drake Decoy. RULES: 1. Carving must be made strong & durable and have the ability to self-right. 2. Keels are allowed, but no swinging weights are allowed. 3. No burning or stone texturing allowed. 4. Raised primaries allowed with no undercut. 5. Bill must be sturdy, but may be dressed up. 6. Tail must be thick and durable. 7. Feather groups allowed. 8. Painting left to individual's discretion. 1st Place - $600 & Medallion 2nd Place - $30 & Ribbon 3rd Place - $20 & Ribbon