I'm new to taxidermy and I want to enter a fish in the next taxidermy show in my state. I was wondering if the mounts had to be pedistal mounts or can they be wall mounts. Also I use a cut down side of body and cover seam with felt. Is this acceptiable for a show?
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Usually all or most taxidermy shows are all competition taxidermy and that my friend is a whole nother world! My advice is stay with taxidermy and develop new methods after you got the hang of mastering a wall mount. Good luck
No it is not a whole other world. It is where your QUALITY will be with experience.
Remember this will get you critiqued, and the Judge will mark your fish down from a possible 100.
You will need to a lot of epoxy work to repair shrinkage, but this is ok, have a fresh frozen specimen on hand to compare with! Reference! Since this is your first show, enter the novice class, the judging will be easier.
Remember though some JUDGES fall into the Ego catagory.
A wall mount will be fine for your first few mounts, but no felt! Close the seam with epoxy and use a scale roller from McKenzie Supply or one of the other companies. JUst when you get to doing this fish for show have photos and a fresh frozen one to reference from. Good Luck and Welcome to the world of learning. In a few years you will be able to knockout a very high grade fish and demand top dollar for your work.
Jim,
Different shows have different rules. In my state(PA) All
fish must be finished on both sides. I am aware that some
shows allow single sided/commercial entries.
I suggest that you contact the association and ask for the
rules and regulations. Good Luck with your endeavors.
Your a beginner would it not be totally assinine to have to do both sides perfect. Get f'in real, see already some greater than thou people attitude. Start slow or find a show that has a commercial class.
How better to discourage people for being a member than to make rules new taxidermist can not accomplish. Even with the oputzy testing they still are trying to limit taxidermist.
PA give it up I know at three taxidermist that are not licensed in your state, live in your state and operate full time shops and all from word of mouth, two have won some pretty good awards at big shows too.
...sounds a bit angry today. I can't understand the entire jist of John C's message for the grammar, but Gary gives good advice. John, sounds like you may be cinched up a bit tight today..? Maybe it's just me...
I simply answered the question that was asked. It sounds to me
that you are the one with some sort of attitude or issue. The
rules are to be followed and it is wise to review them since each association may differ. If the rules state both sides are to be finished than so be it. If you happen to be an amatuer just try your best. In my state association an amatuer is an unlicensed taxidermist. That individual may have many years of experience
and simply does not want to become licensed. I have trained a few
beginners and they can perfom a seamless mount. It really is not
that hard. Perhaps you should take some time away; go hunting, fishing or just plain relax. You seem to need it. I would have prefered to e-mail you directly however you do not allow that as an option.