First attempt at Taxidermy

[Buckfever]

This is my first attempt at taxidermy. Caping out the head wasn't bad and the initial fleshing before salting and pickling isn't bad. But the final fleshing/thinning before tanning was a enormous pain in the butt because I really didn't have the proficiency/knowledge to get to it deliberately and get er done. Wasted quite a few hours figuring things out, on that part. And I did a lot of watching on the intricate parts. The form I ordered wound up being too big and we had to shave and sand the neck. Still I am very pleased. I'm sure that someone who knows taxidermy would just pick it apart, but to actually do it, to go through that process, is just really cool. And I'm sure that I'll still need help on the next one, but except for the most intricate stuff I should be able to do most of it.

I'll have to get some better pictures, but it is just the coolest thing, to take an animal that you've taken and go through the process, it's like the animal is brought back to life. It was definitely a learning experience, but a very rewarding one.

[bionicrooster]

Not bad, keep practicing, every one will get easier!

[ncboman]

hey, that's not bad for the first one. The head on pic really looks good.

I've been thinkin along the same lines for a good while. My wife and I both use to do some taxidermy work but that was years ago.... before kids.

Did you use an ear turning tool to open the ears or did you hand skin them out?

[eshoremd]

looks pretty darn good to me. god, i cant even imagine what mine would look like if i tried

[freedomrules3]

I've always wanted to give it a try. always been afraid to after thinking more about it. it looks good, i also like it on the brick, looks nice. they should get easier as they go too.

[Buckfever]

"Did you use an ear turning tool to open the ears or did you hand skin them out?"

I used this one here:
www.vandykestaxidermy.com/product/01327761/

Van Dykes has a really good video that goes over the process pretty well. I watched it before and after and got a lot out of it.

[Twanger]

Nice work! I bet it's a ton of effort. I know someone that tanned a hide and said he'd never do it again, and what you just did has got to be 10-times harder.

[davep]

I have the same pliers and would NEVER think of turning an ear without them.
Dan Chase also has some decent instructional videos and products.All mine look okay.From a distance. ;D

[ncboman]

I guess the one I have is vintage. ;D

It's made from wood but works great. I got it from Van Dykes probably 30yrs ago.

Back then I sent my capes and skins to a tannery. The quality of a factory tan over home tanning is considerable as the tannerys had the fleshing equipt and were good at it. The tannerys have gone by the by though. Once they were numerous, now they are few if any geared for the taxidermist.

[tailnbone]

Why does that buck look crosseyed?

Just kidding buckfever. Looks really good. I don't think I would have the patience to do that.

The head on pic does look really good. Nice job.