cougar form

[bonedogg]

hello all, please help me with my decision.  I harvested a cougar several weeks ago and took it to my taxidermist.  He's not a huge tom by any means but I'm having trouble with choosing a form and having my taxidermist agree with me.  I have found a form by John Gordon up here in Alberta and its measurements are as follows:

   
Cougar Form #900 Sculpted in Clay
Dimensions: 3 1/4" X 17 1/4" X 52 1/2" X 30 1/2"
E-N X Neck X Length X Chest
 
my cats measurements were done by the taxidermist with a tape measure  and they were as follows:

3  x  16  x  54  x 29

the taxidermist is being so particular in using a form that is as close as possible to the measurements that the forms available were limited and in my opinion anatomically incorrect.  How hard would it be to make the form I want fit the cat I have? 
I think he just does not want to make the adjustments necessary and would rather go with the form he chose.  Should I consider taking the cat to a different taxidermist or is he right?  This is the only cougar I plan on taking in my life and have never had a mount as significant in size or price before and want it done right!!!!thanks,,,,Bonedogg

[John C]

That form is almost as good as it gets. Those measurments I think if correct the cat will easily fit that form WITHOUT ALTERATIONS.

3 1/4" X 17 1/4" X 52 1/2" X 30 1/2
3  x       16  x        54  x       29
 1/4 inch nothing to worry about

1 1/4 inch on the neck thats great it give plenty of room to taxi the skin around. It will be needed as thats where you get the extra skin to make up the face and ear structure.

2 inch in length, that neck skin will also help here.

1 1/2 inch girth on girth. again this is nothing but great and give the taxidermist more skin to make the cat look right.

When you start stretch cat hides things can get bad really quick and you dont want the hair laying down the slack hide is going to all for stacking of skin and get that awesome fluffy look. Sounds like a great fit fopr the skin.

I would certainly wonder if the taxidermist is huge up on form size, look at his mounts you may want to rethink the work!!!

[Jim B]

Everyone measures slightly differently,even form makers.The 54" measurement that was taken of your cat sounds a little long,compared to your other measrements.It may very well be a 52"-53" cat depending on how the tape was held.I never see a 3" nose to eye measurement on a 54" cat.It is usually 3 1/2".It may very well fit that form.You just never know until you try the skin on.There are a lot of decent cat forms available in the states and yours is a common size.What about the anatomy of these is bothering you? One of two things is happening here,if you can pick a better form than him,he is incompetent and you should find someone else or if he is competent and you insist on telling him how to do something that you've never done before,then he needs to get rid of you.I don't know either of you so I don't know which is the case so you two can sort that part out.I personally know how to pick the best form for a mount and if a customer suggested to me he could pick a form better,I would encourage him to mount himself.I'm sure it would turn out best that way.

[bonedogg]

the form he chose is the cat coming down hill,with his rear hips two feet of the ground and his front leg straight as an arrow.  Too me if a cougar is coming down hill he would be closer to the ground and not off balanced in the rear end, esp. with that wonderful tail of theirs.  The front leg being so straight removes the elbow and looks awkward to me.the form I want is a cat going uphill in a more natural pose.  I can't stand the form he wants to use and need to know more before pushing the envelope!

[cattrax]

To correct you a little, John Gordon doesn't have a lion form coming downhill. He has only three. Two are uphill and one is lying down. If you saw a form descending, it wasn't John's. The forms he has are what you say that you want. Uphill with a very nice sweeping turn. Very natural pose. I like his forms. Don't know your taxidermist but if you don't trust him and you want to trust one of us who you never met, like Jim said, something is wrong and maybe you should part company.

[oldterryr]

why not listen to your taxidermist................. oh maybe i missed the part where you had been doing taxidermy for years

[Jim B]

bonedogg,I understand what you are saying now.I have to say,there are some of those downhill forms I'm not too fond of either.They just look a little awkward without some serious work.for some reason,there just aren't a lot of uphill mountain lion forms available.There is one available that I am sure would fit your cat.McKenzie Taxidermy Supply,no.RM380.This form will fit a cat that size.It is listed as 3X21 1/2"X33 1/2" x53".The last one of these I bought measured longer than advertised,at least 54".Personally,I'd cut it back a little in length which is easy because it comes cut in half and has to be put back together anyway.The neck is a little heavy on this form but can easily rasped to fit your skin.Your cat is a little lean in girth and these cats often "let out" when tanned and probably will fit the forms 33" girth.If not, it would be a simple matter to rasp down.See if this works for you.I'm sure also,the form you are talking about would fit well.Is there a website for John Gordon?This is one mounted on RM380.

[Jim B]

cattrax,I believe what he means is,he wants the John Gordon uphill form and his taxidermist found another that was downhill,I assume a different supplier.I'd be interested in seeing the Gordon forms.

[bonedogg]

John's forms are on his Summit taxidermy website.  I love the 905 but its too big I think, and like the 900 as its should be closer in size and is pretty simular.  The base he makes to fit looks nice to customize as well.  I appreciate all of your time and knowledge.  thanks!  and yes, I would like an uphill position. 

[bonedogg]

the RM-380 was my second pick originally but the taxi eliminated it due to the huge neck and girth measurements.  VERY MAJESTIC POSE!!!!!  Love that mount of yours Jim B.  My cat also has a bright orange nose and a very white chin.

[Jim B]

bonedogg,I found John Gordon's site last night and that form does look excellent.For sure the 905 is too big but I would expect your skin to go right on the #900 with little or no fine tuning.I believe you made a good choice.Stick to your guns on this one.I'm going to try some of those myself.

[bonedogg]

thanks Jim. I needed that!!!!

[Greg Waite]

Jim - if you could please post his site, it would be appreciated.

[Jim B]

http://www.summittaxidermy.com/forms.htm

[bonedogg]

I considered your advise as well old Terry until i saw the Mt. lion on your website!!!!!!