First mount: Whitetail Doe{Update with pics on page2}

[Keyda81]

im a newby but for a first i think it looks good! my first deer i mount will be a doe also. she was a wooly booger. hair on her head and neck was about 2.5in long! rest of her body was normal. which form did you use? also, when you made the cut to remove the skull, did you cut down the neck or across? keep up the good work! I love to see someone say that it took x amount of years to finally kill a deer, or " I aint killed a deer in 4 years, maybe ill get one next next year" That's what huntin is all about. My Dad always told me, its called huntin not killin.

Mine is pretty hairy too, can't tell from the pics though, cause she's still wet.  I used a left turn semi sneak form.  WTV-2540.  I made a cut across between her ears, and then down the back of her neck.  Pretty much like the do with bucks.  I wanted to give myself room to get in there and work on the ear butts.  It was quite a pain sewing her back up, but worth the extra room.  Hunting is one of my favorite things to do.  The state land where we hunt is like my home away from home, I love it out there.  It's typically the same group of us hunting out there every year.  My father in law comes with me and my husband, and hubby's uncle's come out too.  It's great to just hang out at camp and hear everyone's story's about their first deer, and others they've gotten.  I've missed two doe over the years, got a shot on one opening day this last season, and she moved right when I pulled the trigger.  Landed up gut shooting her, and never could track her down.  She went on posted property, and into a creek, so we lost the blood trail.  I was really disappointed that day.  But hubby convinced me to brave the cold weather and go out for the last weekend of shotgun.  I'm really glad I did. 

[kirk33]

T pins in the tear ducts not quilting pins, screen works better for carding the ears cuz you can curl it back for a much softer look, eye shape is close but not quite rite, more clay in the ear butts. Great job for your first!

[Keyda81]

Thank you.  I used what I had laying around the house, lol.  I'm on hubby's budget, so I can spend what he lets me.  So I had to improvise a few things, lol. 

[Keyda81]

I've made a few small adjustments over the past few days, and put a habitat on to cover up the brisket area.  She looks a whole lot less scraggly now that she's dried a bit more, lol.  I know my basement is a disaster area, and yes I have my deer mounted to an engine stand.  I had to improvise, lol!  So what do you think?  I love her!  So glad I took the time to mount her, it was a great learning experience. 

[u2cme21999]

 Nice job Keyda looks very good you should be proud of it,keep working at it you are on the right track.
   Some times we have to use what is at hand,engine stand good for you.

[Keyda81]

Thank you!  I am proud of it, put a lot of hours into it, lol.  The engine was the closest thing I could think of that would work.  It worked out pretty well, aside from not being able to adjust it all for my comfort, lol. 

[bmdakk (Bryan)]

Looks decent for your first. Take some better close up pics of the ears,nose and lipline. From what I can see you nostrils are open too much and your lip line doesnt look like its tucked enough. But I cant tell from the pics. Keep up the good work.

[Keyda81]

Thank you!  The flash on my camera made the nostrils look huge, they really aren't that open.  I got the lips tucked as much as I could, her skin is pretty tight on the manikin.  Should have shaved the form down a little bit, but I didn't want to risk messing up the shape.  I've surely figured out some things that I will do different next time.  I'm pretty pleased overall with her being my first mount.

[jockamoe]

OK, now get that laundry put away, like a good girl !

[Keyda81]

OK, now get that laundry put away, like a good girl !

I did, lol.  My basement is a disaster area!  It's where all the junk I don't know what to do with lands up.  Once spring comes most of it will be garage sale stuff.  I wish I had more room to work, but for now it's a corner in the basement, lol.

[Keyda81]

She's finally up on the wall!  Along with Hubby's trophy's.  The big seven pointer is one he had professionally done last year.  She looks so small next to him!  I'll just have to get a bigger one this year! Lol.

[Mill Creek Taxidermy (fozzie)]

You should be very proud.....on to the next one!!

[Keyda81]

Thank you!  Hopefully deer season this year I'll get myself a buck, lol.

[SpringCreek94]

This looks real good. My first deer mount looked more like a frog than it did a deer. It had eyes that looked like Clackers and a smile from ear to ear. LOL, but you've done a good job on your first and your well on your way to be a very good taxidermist.

[Keyda81]

Thank you.  It's just a hobby right now.  Maybe one day I'll start a business.  Wish I would have started a long time ago!