1st buck shot + 1st deer mount...please critique :)

[Shannon Tobey]

I just got this done. I already know somethings that need to be fixed 1. Eyes needs a little more tucking I think
                                                                                                   2. nose is crooked
                                                                                                   3. I think I need to dremel the nostrils more
                                                                                                   4. corners of lips are off
                                                                                                   5. Ears may need to be rotated down a little more?
** I have not sewn him up yet because my kids were getting sick of being in the shop...so some of the pictures show that the hair in the back is off because of that reason**

Also, the pins in the nose are not there now, I stuffed the nostrils already. Everything I mentioned needs fixing I am going to do later tonight

Please let me know what you see and what you suggest doing.

[Shannon Tobey]

more

[Shannon Tobey]

more

[Shannon Tobey]

more

[ktm]

One thing I see that you didn't mention is it looks like the antlers are set a little crooked. They seem to be off center to the left side of the deer.

[Shannon Tobey]

I didn't notice that..but you're right! Since I haven't sewn him yet I could probably fix it since the clay is still wet. Thank you!!

[Paul B]

Eye shape is close from side view, needs more tucking and definition in the front corners and as they go up towards the top of the eye, check shape of eye in front view with reference, there's no eye brow crease. Pull forehead skin out towards eyes to give you more skin to use. Nose pad needs to be up and over nose wings more or it might be plastic in nostrils I'm seeing. Can't see ears, needs grooming as it dries. Check all reference pics that members have posted.

[J Cook]

bottom lip needs tucked more

[ccook63]

Use good reference pictures and tweak it. Nature don't lie, if you see it in your reference pictures put it in your mount like eye shape ear butt location antler angle hair patterns the list goes on and on. It is very exciting to get the first one done and under your belt but the longer you do it the better you get at interpreting your reference and it will show in your mounts as you evolve in to a great taxidermist. I look at some of my first ones and just cringe at the sight of them.

[Keyda81]

We've got a little bit too much in common here!  I mounted the first deer(doe)I shot, and it's my first mount.  Just finished it the other day, and you live in WNY.  Lol.
Lots of reference pics will help.  I had my computer in the basement with me while mounting my deer.  It took me about seven hours to mount mine. 

[Shannon Tobey]

Thank you everyone for your responses! I have since fixed just about all of it, ot tried to at least LOL  His nose is a little off still because I had to make the manikin longer and I believe I messed it up from the beginning and put it back together a little crooked :/  My computer wouldn't work while I was mounting but I had a lot of reference pics when I fixed it!

[garywenz1]

I've just finished a doe mount as well  waiting for it to dry, about a month right lol I've been babysitting it to. just hope it doesn't
 come apart in the end. it looks good   (I think) I will post some pics for the critics I need that as well   I have a small buck to mount for my nephew its all done and in the freezer but I can't find a manikin that will fit
   neck to small   any suggestions?  the cape is  7 1/4  13   do I buy a doe and change the head or what?

[Shannon Tobey]

You could probably do that...My neck was small also, what I did was oirder the right neck size and lengthened the nose to what I needed.  Just becareful because I made mine a little crroked when I put it back together LOL

[garywenz1]

you mean cut the nose off and put back?

[Shannon Tobey]

lol essentially yes  I cut it about mid way and stabilized it with 3 wires, then I filled the gap with foam , cut off any excess and smoothed it, then I clayed over it a little to have a smooth transition...it was about an inch that I had to lengthen