challenge

i am learning to do taxidermy, I have a bobcat. For the first bobcat mount does anyone have a suggestion as to which mount might be the best for a beginner? Standing, laying down open or closed mouth?
Thank You,
Bob Montenero

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closed mouth

Do a closed mouth for your first mount. It'll be to difficult to try cuting the form and puting a jaw set in.I would say do a standing mount.chase

Not such an easy answer

Mannikin quality can make or break this project. Ease based on pose
is tricky, some laying poses are more difficult than others, depends if the
legs are extended or not. Standing is "usually" easier. OM or CM is
a tough call. OM may not be too bad if the jaws are pre-installed/pre-
painted. In any of the above cases, mannikin quality and proper fit are
what is most important. Bottom line is that you are the best person to assess your
abilities, what do you feel confident in doing? Sooner or later, you
will probably have to face any combination of the above poses.

form

Order a good form i would sugest a closed mouth form from 1 of 2 companies: 1st rienhart get a c/m standing pre set eyes final generation manikin there on the money every time!Or research mankins are good also.If you haven't tanned your hide yet i would suggest having it comercialy tanned.I know a comercial tannery that will do it for you at a good price and all you have to do is skin it out they will fleash it, split eyes,lips,and turn the ears .And you will get it back in 2 weeks appr. from when you send it out ready to be mounted . E-mail me if you want his ph# adress is at top

FIRST BOBCAT

I agree with the other posts. The easiest mount would be a "standing,closed mouth". If you haven't skinned the cat as of yet, do a dorsal incision. If you have any further questions feel free to e-mail me.Good luck,

don

Study a house cat before doing the bobcat.

Get photos of the feet, the tail and rump, the ears and the angle they work. Some of my best bobcats have been done after watching the barn cats. CAts seldom show claws, so rolling the claws back into the claw as one of your final steps will work great, just push them in with a striaght pin by placing on the underside of thier claw.