I mounted a deer for my first project--just wanted to see if I could. It turned out pretty good, at least that is what everybody says that sees it. But, I can see my mistakes and they won't happen next time.
I have two questions.
1) After you split the ears, do most remove the cartilage? I didn't, and it still looks good. I tried to remove the cartilage-even after the pickle, but was scared that I was going to rip the ears, so I quit.
2)How many of you that own taxidermy businesses attended a school, or did it just start out as a hobby and progressed into a business?
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You really should remove the cartilage from the ears it just makes a nicer job and the mount will last longer as well. We all rip ears when removing catilage don't give up. You will get better the more you do. I did not attend a school for taxidermy but was lucky to find an old friend taxidermist who was getting out of the business and he gave me a great start. Now I am very bussy and intend to employ a helper this fall. Good luck to you Jack F
I am not sure why it would make the mount last longer if you didn't though. All it will do is curl up the ears as they dry over the years. I learned taxidermy initially from the Northwestern School of Taxidermy correspondence course. So I am pretty much self taught. What really helped me learn was the Breakthrough manuals and my state association competitions and seminars. It did start as a hobby and I am know doing a good amount of work. Not enought o quit my real job yet.
Todd B
Hiya mike. I was taught by a guy that has been in the business for about 25 years now. He makes a great living at it. I leave the cartilage in because i use bondo in the ears. Just the way i was taught and end up with good results.