turkey Mount

[Carl Edwards]

Just wanted to test posting a pic. First turkey mount. Hazel Creek head painted by me.

[mike welch]

Great looking head is it freeze dried or replica

[Western Rivers]

I'd say it's the real head freeze-dried.

[Carl Edwards]

That's the actual head from that Tom. I froze it and sent it to HC for freeze drying. It was a learning experience because the cost to overnight it was 50 bucks! There I am standing at the UPS counter with that "deer in the headlights" look after she told me the price. After paying HC for their service and shipping it was pretty pricey. Next time, I'll probably buy a head from their stock. Carl

[JonHarleTX]

After paying HC for their service and shipping it was pretty pricey. Next time, I'll probably buy a head from their stock. Carl

I usually save all my heads from the season.. Buy stock heads, and then at the end of the year send in a box of frozen heads.  I think they are paying $8 per head.  I am close enough to HC that I can freeze many (20+) in a baggie and then insulate the heck out of it and ship it ground.. It usually arrives in 2 days.  If I ship in the winter there really is no concern.  The mass is large enough to remain frozen/cold over the 48 hours and I have never heard back from HC that they arrived in bad shape.. Instead I get a nice check in the mail.

Also,  I buy 2nd quality heads from HC.. they usually have some minor imperfection that 10 minutes and a pea sized ball of apoxie sculpt will fix.  They are usually about $10 to $20 cheaper than their normal heads.. and in all sincerity, I have gotten better heads this way..I  figure I have 60 to 90 minutes in prep time on a stock head anyways... whats another 10 minutes...??

Just somehting to think about..

Jon~

[Western Rivers]

One of these days they will sell repo's with hair.

[long spur]

Carl that's quite impressive, considering it's your first turkey makes it even more so.  The paint job on the head is outstanding.  I know of people that have done hundreds that can't come close to that.  I assume you're looking for constructive criticism.  I think you're bird's legs are a little short (kind of like a domestic), the Scapulars are a little puffy, and the red is a tad too dark on the wattles.  All in all, if that's the worst turkey you ever mount, you'll never have complaints from your customers.  Again, congratulations, that's a great looking turkey mount.

[joe simmons]

nice looking for a first turkey, i would like to see a little bit better blending on the paint not a sharp edge looking stop if you know what i am trying to say , spray a little red at an angle on the snood towards the head.all in all good job

[Carl Edwards]

Joe and Spur, Thanks for the comments, and compliments. I realy do appreciate them. I purposely avoided saying "please critique" or "What do you think?". (See Georges "ugly babies" post!). I pretty much knew what was wrong with it any way, but there comes a point for me at which I go by the addage that "Better is good enoughs worst enemy". I'm still struggling with the air brush. If I could get the hang of that thing more my work would improve. My customer was thrilled though and that always makes me feel good about my work.  I'll also charge more on the next one! Take care all, Carl