Getting ready to do my first lifesize (Red Fox) The measurements I have are 2 1/4 nose to corner of eye, 13 1/2 mid section, 25 1/2 nose to base of tail, these are all prior to skinning. I plan on doing a standing mount (nothing fancy) closed mouth. I can't find I form that matches all measurements. I'm woundering which are most important. Some advice on form ordering so that I don't run into troubles latter. Also I plan on tanning this hide.
Thanks Jeff
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Hi Jeff, The first thing you learn in taxidermy work, you can't take to many measurements. I've been in the feild for over 20 years.I BUILD A LOT OF MY OWN BODIES , an I also buy forms. I always take measurements : eye to nose, eye to the back of skull, around back the at the ear an neck, go 2 more inches down measurement around the neck, measure from nose to base of tail an then around the middle of the body. All measurements are important. I don't know who you are ording from maybe McKenzie your (A) IS nose to eye (B) is not listed your(C) is around belly (D) is your length from nose to tail make sure you run the length with the body shape. DIDyou measure with hair on or off? With hair on I would drop the measurementfrom 13 1/2 to 12 1/2 if you tan the hide. With the measuremnt with the hide off drop the measurement to13. GOOD LUCK IF YOU NEED ANY MORE HELP E-MAIL ME PATRICIA
That 2 1/2 inch eye to nose measurement would probably indicate it was a young animal.I would wait till I skinned it then measure the carcass before I ordered the form.Sounds like you're going to need a form with about a 12" chest measurement.Save and freeze the carcass and when the form arrives hold them up side by side and you'll be able to see where you need to alter the form,if at all.
Looking at some referance pictures. It may be a Grey Fox. In MN all I ever trapped was red, this is in NC, what is the best way to tell for sure. I saw it get hit by a car on my way back from duck hunting, it's in very good condiion.
A grey fox has course,salt & pepper gaurd hairs on its back and upper legs.A red has long soft fur covering its entire body,no real gaurd hairs as such.Reds are also much larger than a grey,and will have black"stockings"on the front legs.
We're dealing with a Grey. Now the manikin sizes make more sense (shorter nose to eye).
Jeff