Im not a total novice at this but Im doing my first deer head and could use some of the great advise Ive seen in this forum. Ive kept the cape with skull intact in a cooler since mid november and just this past weekend started fleshing it out, I admit I could have done a much better job caring for it but thats another story. Anyway, its been cold and the cape seems in good condition. It did have some odor to it but seems to get better the more flesh I remove. I have done a good job so far by removing the ears at the base and skinning out the eyes, I stopped when turning the ears became an issue and I did some damage to the left ear on the inside. Since then I found this site and have spent to nights reading the archives, I now feel confident in being able to finish the ears and face. (I feel like Im in a room full of taxidermists) There are one or two small spots on the cape that seemed dry and thin and I have done nothing else to the cape. Ive been reading a lot on salt treating, drying and pickling and am a little confused on what I should do here.
I have ordered Van Dykes Synchron Eyes deer mounting kit without form and have ordered a full sneak/left turn form. Chemicals included in the kit are sodium bicarbinate, pickling crystals,syn-oil tan and sodium carbonate.
With these products in mind, what else do I need to do to my cape to achive the best results.
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I don't know where to start on this one, but I think a very good place would be a dump. There is no way this is going to work as you've allowed the meat to putrify, which means that the hair will very likely fall out. A cooler is a breeding ground for bacteria and though many think I have a cast iron stomach, your description alone made my pizza uneasy. Unless some of your story is missing, I fear you're in the cockpit flying an airplane and you don't have a clue aobut what should be done. Cut the horns (OK, ANTLERS) off this deer and toss that mess. Order a WASCO catalog and then get their tapes and books for beginners. Understand what you WANT to do before you attempt to pull it off. Taxidermy isn't rocket science, but it ain't like boiling water either. Personally, I think you're over your head and unless you start from the ground up, taxidermy won't prove to be very much fun for you.
Please clarify if you meant cooler or freezer. If it has only been in a cooler and not completely frozen for the last 5-6 wks then I would have to agree with George;you should probably try again on another deer when you are a little bit more prepared(videos,books,etc.)
Looking at the bright side,you can practice your fleshing on this one and save the supplies for the next try if this one don't work out for you. Thats what I did with my first one. I can still remember how hacked up those eye lids were after I tried to "flesh" them.
Good luck! Jeff
Although Georges words were a bit harsh I am not easily daunted and will chalk this one up as a learning experience. I came here seeking good advise and thats what I got, good or bad I thank you.
I am not a wealthy man and am raising a family so at times I am forced to take shortcuts and must learn by trial and error rather than schools and teaching aids hence my coming here for advise. I will be buying a new cape but I will also take jeffs advise and continue with this one for practice. I would further appreciate any wisdom anyone could share with me concerning proper care of a fresh cape in prepping it for mounting. I accept my poor treatment of this cape as a poor choice on my behalf but I disagree that Im in over my head as Im an adept learner with a fair degree of intelligence and while Im a bit disapointed in the results, I have no one to blame but myself, this does not take the fun out of taxidermy for me. I enjoy doing this and I have every intention of becoming very good at it.
Is that you have admitted and learned from your mistakes. Those who don't learn from them will never excell in anything in life.
George is not harsh in his responses,but he doesn't candy coat them either. Good info., staight from the cuff.
Your cape should go straight from the animal a.s.a.p., into the freezer, or fleshed, (all the red meat off) and salted to drain several times untill rock hard.
It may be possible to learn most everything you need to know right here in the archives. Check the supplier catalogs. There are videos and manuals very reasonably priced.
and "intelligence" has nothing to do with it. All you have to do is understand the principles BEFORE you start something. First lesson, ANY CORNER YOU CUT ENDS UP ROUNDED! If you want a sharp corner, that'd better be the first thing you get out of your mind. No taxidermist is rich and those that are frugal, wise, and invest wise, still have to work their butts off to maintain. I always compare taxidermy to Pinochle. Pinochle is a game that you should watch for a few days and learn the rules. Still, you'll never learn how to actually play it until you have those cards in your hands. You not only need a tape or book for beginners, you MUST have one to get a head start. Tapes aren't so expensive that you can't afford them on a limited budget. They cost less that what you'll spend on a mannikin, earliners, eyes and the chemicals you'll need to prepare for the job.
George I'm am truly suprized that you are not running for the presidents race in 2004,it seems to me that you are so intellegent with your strong words of advice actually I'm filling you full of it!
This kid is just getting started we all have been there I still am so with a little bit of thought from your brain think about this I guess the first time you did a deer mount it was blue ribbon quality right!
I don't think so! No one does they may actually look good,but thats a long ways from being right any way enough of the hog wash I do agree with george on one thing You have got to purchase some videos,in all honestly thats what I done I purchased all the videos I could and watched them to all hours of the night and you will be suprized at what all you can learn you can read all the books you want but there is nothing like actually seeing it done for yourself I'm suprized George dosen't have a video series for taxidermy it would probably sell more copies thank Gone With The Wind! George hang in there and quit being a Scrooge its Christmas Time and to all Merry Christmas God Bless
is actually 43 years old but really appreciates the kind thought. I also respect Georges imput and I will also be ordering some videos on the subject. I asked for the straight poop and I got it, It puts a ripple in my hopes for this deer but Im ok with it, not discouraged and I am truely grateful to all of you for responding to me at all. I hope that in the future I can return the jesture by helping others in this forum as you all have been. Ill be hanging around Taxidermy.net from now on looking to glean all I can from the helpful words of those who have achieved success in taxidermy and hope that someday I will be among them.
Wis
If you can believe what you read, at least. Methinks the phony "President" can't read the written word well and if he really were, he'd have had the testicular fortitude to sign his real name to his comments. And I DON'T have a video series because my work is STILL at the beginners level. I just read a lot.
I ask this question so often, but...Why is it that beginner taxidermist must be viewed as infantile? The guy already stated that hes raising a family, how much of a kid is he? I wish MORE folks would speak like George. Straight forward and frank. That sure beats the slimey BS and crap behind your back you get from many nowadays. Wisachgak, you keep listening to George, hes a good egg, and he will tell you like it really is. Enjoy your taxidermy and this site, too. Good luck. By the way, taxidermy is one of those procedures that cant really be done in increments as you learn. It needs some review first, then jump in!
I called Van Dykes this morning and cancelled the order which had neither been filled or billed. I then logged on to WASCO and ordered the 4 hour Sallie Dahmes vidieo on deer mounting and the Serious Sportsmans Taxidermy for Beginners series. Im cooling my jets and doing things right. Thanks again for all the good advise.
For a kid, you arent such a bad guy, you beginner! Seriously, good luck and have fun.