I'm just getting started, sorry, but can anyone tell me the best way to line up the eyes on a whitetail manikin so it doesn't look like Marty Feldman with antlers.
thanks.
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Check out the last issue of Taxidermy Today, there's a nice article on different eye types and how to use them. Should help you a lot.
Joe, Mike is right--there are so many types but in general I do it this way. After the manninkin is ruffed up I use a level to get the mannikin set level to the floor. Then I draw a level line on the back board of the mannikin -this lets me adjust the mannikin back to level quickly using the level on the drawn line. After it's level I set the eyes one at a time again using the level to line up the pupil. After they are both in place I stand in front and compare the 2 eyes and make slight adjustment as necessary. Now, I set eyes with Apoxiesculpt days before mounting. I use just enough leaving plenty of room for clay work. By presetting the eyes they cannotshift when tucking the eyelids. I prefer Joe Medar eyes as they have accurate shape and good color -no Marty Feldman look. I avoid the basic dome type eyes because they look flat to me. Enjoy-Aaron H.
Deer can have the Marty Feldman look, usually thier head is up and they are trying to look down.
Buckeye use to sell some fairly good reference.