The Australian Association of Wildlife Artists (AUSAWA) held its sixth annual Australian Taxidermy Championships in Lilydale on the weekend of February 22 and 23.

AUSAWA was established in 2014 to educate and improve the standards for the Australian taxidermy industry.

The awards feature international judges and highlight the cutting edge of wildlife art, not just locally, but around the world.

Brittany Porter was rewarded for her study of a red fox.

Rodney Jones took out third prize in the novice section for his raccoon on a log.

Geoff Mantle took out awards for his stunning reproduction octopus.

Gavin Counsell’s stunning hog deer habitat piece took out the awards in the Masters division.

Thomas Sloane presented a terrific mount of a Californian Quail.

Olivia Simpson took out a ribbon in the novice division for her study of a house sparrow in habitat.