Very happy camper. I really want to get into taxidermy. I am getting ready to order WASCO's beginner videos. I have several squirrels and a couple deer capes. I also have a bobcat. I really want to mount it myself. I shot it today with a .22. I shot it right in front of the ear, and it left a very small hole with no exit wound. It is in really good shape. My question is in two parts...first, "Do you think I should try a few squirrel and deer heads to "get my feet wet"? and also, "Are there any specific "how to" videos someone could recommend on mounting a complete bobcat body mount?" It is hard to get specimens when you work full-time, little time to hunt. This is one critter I would hate to mess up or make a very big mistake on. I would very much appreciate any advice or comments anyone would have. Thank you..Tony.
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I think yes you better do several deerheads and several squirrels before beginning the bobcat.
Stretch the cat out in the freezer, DONOT CURL IT UP, it needs to freeze quickly and curling it up will not allow that.
If you want that bobcat to turn out real nice then yes, I would practice on lots of other things first. And I would get my hands on any material that will help you learn all that you can. Don't ever forget good reference material and to look at it carefully. I thaink your on the right track. Take it slow and Don't be afraid to make all the mistakes you can and learn what you did wrong and how to fix them. Take yor work to a taxidermist to look at your work and tell you waht you are doing right and wrong. I would even join a taxidermy association. These people are there to improve all aspects of taxidermy which includes helping you to learn more. This may be steering you in the right direction, or it may be that you can meet someone that is willing to be a mentore for you.
Good luck
JT
My measurements are: 1 3/8, 23 7/8, 12. Looks like my cat is not very big. It is still a trophy for me. All the sizes that match 1 3/8 "A" measurement, the "B" measurement 23 7/8 is like 26-27 inches, and the "C" measurement seems to be 1-3 inches larger than mine, with the fur on. I was checking on WASCO. John C., I have seen you answer a lot of questions and you seem to be an intelligent fellow, "Do you have any suggestions to any certain "how to" videos on bobcats?" and what should I do about these measurements? I will take your advice and wait, but it couldn't hurt to go ahead and order what I need. Thank you very much. Info. needed very badly...Tony.
Look through the selections carefully. Look at who judes shows or has won some shows with thier work.
Yes you cat is not a large one, but look closly for forms, dont be afraid to order a form without rods or wires and do some altering.
Get John Belluccis Big cat book from WASCO it has many helpful hints, do this before ordering supplies. Gather photos, and study the eyes and ears, look at house cats too. I use live cats for my reference many times. eyes and ears is hard to beat. Look carefully at the paws and the paw anatomy.
Thanks John Its people like you that makes this site great for beginners I have ordered bobcat mounting W/ Jan Van Hoesen from WASCO plus the "Mamal Taxidermy Manual" and also 2 Back issues of Breakthrough and also the entire beginers video course from WASCO. I wish thier was someone around here I could work under I asked one guy and he said he already had someone! I would work for free, Hell I would even do some side jobs around thier house, cutting wood, build them something! I'm sure taxidermy would go over good here in S-E Ky. Thier is plenty of game. Their is 3 taxi. 25-35 miles N-E and 1 20 miles S-E of me. thats all I know of. I told my wife, I am going to have to spend a lot of time in the shop and quit a bit of money before I can take on my first costemer. She is being very supportive. So far I have 4 squirrels one opposum, A doe cape, a button buck cape, and a bobcat, all of which are legal. going to check my traps in a few min. John does it seem to you I,m getting started off Ok Any cooments would be appreciated. I have a baby comming I can't go to school. Does any one have any comments? Thank you everone for all your help! I don't know what people like myself would do W/out this site and some caring people. Tony