Just curious. I'm honestly thinking about giving it a try this winter as a project to keep me busy. I've got the cape from the 8 pointer I shot earlier this year, and another 8 point rack that I've always wanted to get mounted for sentimental reasons. I figure I'll do a european mount on the 8 from this year and use his cape to mount the one that I've had sitting around for a couple years. I have always been very good at time consuming and highly detailed projects like this, and that's what is making me want to give it a shot. Also, Dan has completed an apprentice program for taxidermy years ago and did one of his own........and can help me learn along the way for a few beers and maybe some pizza. That guidance should help shorten my learning curve drastically. I figure worse case scenario I might screw it up, lose a couple hundred bucks on the form and supplies, but still have the rack to send off to a professional eventually. I've certainly blown a couple hundred bucks on dumber things before.........:d Anyone else tried it? Your thoughts or any pointers you can share? Would you have tried it again knowing what you learned through the process?
I have never tried it but if I do I would try it on something smaller first like a rabbit,squirrel or coon.The mounts are cheaper and you wouldn't accidently ruin your hard earned buck.
Matt I have several instruction manuals if you want them. If so send me a PM with your address and I'll mail them out. My MIL used to do taxi. She gave me the books and I have too many irons in the fire to try it. The books may give you a better idea of if you want to try it or not.
I've been doing taxidermy for about 10 years... not as a job, but for myself and family. It saves some money, but I mainly do it because I enjoy it. Like many things in life, the end result of taxidermy depends a lot on how much time & effort you put into it. The worst thing about it, is that now I can't go to deer displays to just look at antlers... I'm always looking at the mount quality! LOL The 1st thing I would do for starting out, is to go to Taxidermy.net and read the forums. Then buy a couple instructional video's and attend any local taxidermy convention you can. The conventions are a blast... I always learn something, usually come home with free taxidermy supplies/gift certificates, and always have a fun time.
I've mounted a bunch of my own stuff. Mostly small mammals and a couple of turkeys. I have also mounted a few of my smaller deer. Don't trust myself on the big guys. I mostly learned by watching my friend, who does it full time. I'll shoot you some pics later tonight from home.
iv watched my grandma do it(yes i know i have a cool grandma) and i have dabbled in it slightly. in my experience it appears that mounting deer is actually easier than mounting many other animals as u dnt hafta worry bout the paws and all
I'd recommend having the cape commercially tanned if you want a mount that will last........don't use some form of dry preservatives or you'll wind up with a dried out Frankenbuck down the road. If you screw it up you can always buy capes on ebay or check with your local taxidermist to get a line on another. You will need some pretty specialized tools too from what I gather including an airbrush kit. I've actually considered doing it myself and even opening up a shop. I'm very artistic to begin with and like you the nuts and bolts of something like this I think would come naturally. I know I am always looking at mounts now for flaws and mistakes as it is. One of those things I think I have an eye for but don't know quite where to start either.
I've mounted a few things. My best job was done on my brother's doe. The mount Is 16 years old and still In pretty good shape. It takes time and patience!!! You need patience In order to do a good job.
I have never done it but also was thinking of giveing it a try. I think it would be cool to look up and see not only the buck I shot but also mounted and just to say I did it:d
Oh, I have the airbrush and some other tools as well including a pnumatic fleshing machine. They are just taking up space in my shop. Matt if you don't want them maybe someone else could use them.
Help my buddy do euro mounts for his little side gig, not much to that, though. Also done a few turkeys. I plan on taking a few taxidermy classes soon.
Here are some critters I have done. A couple of deer. I have done all of the life size small animals and the flying turkey.
Matt, this is something i have pondered on for a very long time. I have a set of instructional tapes and some of the tools needed to mount Deer. I have some artistic ability so that should be a plus in this area. I was a long time trapper so im used to dealing with the fleshing and handling of hides/capes as well. I have talked with JM Buckhunter and NCTaxi on the subject. I was going to try my first on my buck from last season but never commited to it once again Im doing a euro on it right now. From what i gather studing reference guides and anotomy is a big part of it to. My taxi has also showed me a few of his techniques. I missed out on an opportunity back in the 80's. My Dad wanted me to go to college, i hated school and said no way He even offered to send me to taxidermy school...I declined DOH!!!!
I am sending Matt,(rick James), one airbrush and a few manuals. I have one more airbrush. Does anyone want it?
