John Schmidt, an employee of Van Dyke Supply of Woonsocket,. a Cabela Company, was a big winner at the recent World Taxidermy show held in Missouri. John garnered “Best in the World” with his 33 pound sneaking Bobcat in the live sculpting contest. The sculptors had only 22 hours to complete their forms during the show. John also received a blue ribbon for the Leaping Wolf he had pre-sculpted and entered into the show. The two forms are shown with John holding the plaque he won for his live sculpting of the bobcat. Also shown is the Carl Ackeley medallion which is a prestigious award given to few. These two forms will now be cast and put into production and placed in the catalog for sale to customers to mount their hides on. The inscription on the plaque reads, “ 2009 World Taxidermy Championships BEST IN THE WORLD Live Taxidermy Sculpting Division Selected as the Best Sculptor competing in the Live Sculpting Competition Presented to John Schmidt World Champion May 8, 2009 St, Charles, Missouri. He is the son of Margaret Schmidt, Lane.