i want to mount waterfowl!

[waterfowler3133]

hello everyone, im just getting started into taxidermy.  i have done some basic things like whitetail skull mounts and a turkey fan mount.  i really want to get into mounting waterfowl, so i have been studying books and watching dvds.  im in the process of building my own tumbler and my own flesher.  now im going to practice skinning birds and practiceing.  is there any thing that im forgeting?  does anyone have any advice or tips for me?

thanks
shane

[Ryan.]

The cleaner you get them the better they will turn out.

[Curt]

Rinse,Rinse ,Rinse...  Then Rinse one last time then you might be good to go depending on what type of bird.

[Redwolf]

Just make sure you get ALL the fat off, wash them good (skin and feathers) and dry the feathers really good.
You will need LOTS of reference pics. The more the better. You may want to start off with a diver because they are easier to hit on the wheel.
Good luck.

[bābak]

i don't know what is available there as a degreaser,but find a cheap and plentiful material as degreaser.they r really fatty and greasy.Todd triplette's waterfowl taxidermy book was  useful for me.i think you(Americans) have many opportunities as film,schools seminars, books,magazines ,reference books,...etc.think if you live in my country!!!!!!!!!find eugene"wingman" he is grand master,and he will share his knowledge with taxi lovers.i think he must has 300 y o,very experienced in bird's.

[waterfowler3133]

thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge and keep it coming im more then open to constructive criticism (sp) and always looking for advice.  ill be sure to post up my projects as i complete them.  and please keep all the info coming.

[duff83]

and what ever you do... KNOW ALL THE LAWS involved w/ waterfowl taxidermy!!!

[Redwolf]

Duff, THAT was prolly the best advice anyone could have given.

[waterfowler3133]

yeah thats for sure thats a whole different side to the taxidermy trade is all the laws and stipulations! and ill be sure to hit the books on all of the laws before i even try to do birds for others!!

[drakeman]

Skip the tumbler, you don't need it.  Just flesh very well, wash even better, and blow dry.  No tumbler!

[waterfowler3133]

drakeman why so against the tumbler? i mean its just a question.  but its not like im going to stay w/ mounting waterfowl ill eventually expand to other things but i want to start here w/ waterfowl.

[BHarris]

Use the tumbler with corn cob grit. saves time and you can do other things while the birds tumbling.