I am interested in learning how to mount whitetail deer as a hobby. I will be getting the Breakthrough manual, and was wondering what videos would you recommend? Also, any other helpful advice for a newbie? Thanks in advance :)
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Sallie Dahme's video, Whitetails From A to Z. Can't do better than that. Plus as many pics of real deer as you can round up. Outdoor magazines, books, online. Look at them and know every angle and curve.
Second, this board, especially the archives and the "search" button over there <------------.
Third, (okay, more than two) patience, practice, and a willingness to seek out someone who will help you get over the rough spots. Learning from a video and a book is one thing. Having someone show you and all but hold your hand as you muddle thru things the first (couple) times is something else entirely. Where are you? Where do you live? maybe someone in your neighborhhod will see this and contact you. Include your e/m addy so they can write you directly. Above all else, locate your state association. Be at their next meeting. Join up and meet people. If you're bashful or not much of a "joiner", get over it. Going it alone will take you forever and you'll give up long before you're any good. And most of those guys in the associations are more than happy to help you out.
Fourth, don't expect miracles. Your first few deer will be rough around the edges. For now, you'll think they look great. Later on, you won't want anyone seeing them. But, look at each one as a great opportunity to make mistakes, and learn from them.
Fifth and final, have fun. And this is the most important, and self-explanatory. Good luck.
I started taxidermy last year on WT. I got the Sallie Dahmes Whitetail A-Z. It is a very good video. And get plenty of reference photos. I bought some and then I cut some out of hunting magazines and put in plastic sleves...
Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. I live near Winchester, VA.
I'm looking forward to doing this, it's something I've wanted to venture into for quite a while. I think I'll probably order a kit to do my first one, that way I should have what I need to get it done.
Also, would you recommend using a quick tan, like McKenzie...or actually have it tanned professionally? Thanks again :)
mcp,
I started out trying to do my own with a quick-type tan and had all kinds of trouble. There's so much more to cape prep than just the chemical tanning. Whereas you will probably want to some day learn the ins and outs of tanning your own capes, I would recommend that you salt dry it and send it off to a good tannery. What you'll get back will make the job of actually mounting the deer so much easier and more enjoyable. It'll also give you the chance to see what a properly prepared cape looks and feels like after being professionally tanned.