....is what I thought to myself each time I picked up a mount from the taxidermist.
Now that I am doing it, I've already had a couple of guys think the same thing with their mounts. As a new taxidermist, I know that the mount is the same size as the deer that was brought it.
They always try to compare the neck on the mount to the neck of the deer in a picture. I explain to them that the position of the deer's head and neck in the pictures is not a natural position for the deer. I tell them to "scrunch" their head down to their shoulders and look at what it does to their neck.
That is usually enough to satisfy them.
What do you guys do in this situation?
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always looks bigger in the photo for the exact reason you gave them. Also most taxidermist when finishing amount, have the hair laying flat against the body, and in the photo the hair is standing up, making the neck apperance to be much larger. A couple of things you can do, ones is the write down all measurments and show the customer ahead of time, which is a hassel in it's self. Two, is to back brush the hair as the mount dries. This will cause the hair to appear soft and full, which will make the neck look bigger. Otherwise the way you are handling it is just fine. Remember too that most hunters think a deer weights in at 400 pounds and there is noway they shot a small body deer and their deer had a neck bigger round than a 5 gallon bucket. Take it in stride, you are doing the right thing.
.........for the vote of confidence. I will definitely take your grooming advice and "fluff" the hair.
Thanks a bunch,
Scott
It's the same with the alert versus the semi-sneak mounts. A deer on alert stretches the neck out yet some of the guys coming to my shop want the same muscle definition as the semi-sneak forms. Ain't happening and I explain the same phenomenon that you describe.
I measure it and note it on the contract before they sign it. Can't argue with that! Peace- Jeff F.
This is called stacking the hide. Will allow the hair to be a bit more fluffy.
The mulie I shot this year appeared to have a 26" neck when laying on the ground. The reason is the hair stands on end during stress etc, and that is what a hunter sees after he shoots it. Once I caped my deer and measured it, he was a standard 21" mulie cape. I always slick the hair down because to me it makes the deer look relaxed.
just curious what brand forms your using. I use mekenze forms and i'll usually go down 1/2 to 1'' in c and bump up the swell and they always look bigger than people can remember or looking a pictures. if its a small rack i'll try opposite to make rack fit the deer thats the only time it will look smaller