im doing my first competition whitetail, and was looking for input on ear liners and eyes of the proper quality.
also looking for pointers on areas of interest. like where the judges look and critique that i may not be thinking of?
thanks brad
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im not a beginner, not that it matters, i was in this forum and hit the add new message.
wanted it in deer, but this will do just fine.
brad
Eppley and Rick Carter earliners are a good choice. As for eyes, Eppley is a good choice if 32mm will work or Tohickon IQ. I've also used Joe Coombs with the nic. membrane attached. Things to watch are the little things. Paint on eyes,raspberry noses, nose hair blending to inners, tight lip tucking, nic. membrane position correct and visible, eye and lid symetry accurate and colored convincingly, incision invisible and not lumpy,whites of legs in proper position,proper ear butt anatomy,general grooming,and did you make your deer correct for the pose you were trying to pull off. Theres a lot more but I thought I'd share a few for thought. Good Luck! Jeff F.
exactly what i was looking for
thanks a bunch
brad
At most competitions, you get extra points for making your own parts. To make your earliners, first tan the skin and oil the ears real good. Then, mix up some ear magic or bondo/resin and proceed just like you're doing a bonded method. Once the ear magic or bondo sets up good, remove it from the ear. Let it completely harden, then sand it down real thin along the edges. You can mold in the detail with Apoxie sculpt. You can make the veins with hot glue or Apoxie sculpt. When you're ready to mount the ear, remove the cartilage and soak the ear in acetone or laquer thinner to remove the oil.
As far as eyes, definitely the Tohickon 250 IQ.
Some things Jeff didn't mention, but will kill you are:
Make sure antlers are securely attached.
Make sure your ears are securely attached.
Make sure the mount is stable if its a pedestal.
Good luck!
thanks guys,
im not expecting to see a ribbon soon but i want to do my best anyhow.
i know ill take alot away from this after the judges help me with my problem areas. is the inner ear detail a must or is it a plus?
how about the inner nose/septum?
You'll think you've done your best yet, and it may be, BUT when they get done with your critique it can be very deflating. Take it with a positive attitude, talk with the person who does your critique, and strive to do better next time. It will make you better IF you let it. Best Wishes. Jeff F. P.S. I'd definately work on inner ear and some sort of septum detail. It all counts. Remember what you're trying to portray!
If you can get a hold of a deer head that won't be mounted, save the head and freeze it until you are ready to do your mount. Not skinned and intact. It makes a great reference to work from. You will able to move the ears and, feel the proper muscle placement after it thaws. If you look close you will be able to see the correct hair patterns and, much more. Finally I can't stress enough, good Reference Photos! Good Luck!
thanks guys i'm getting myself ready for a thrashin'
lol thanks again
I competed last year in my 1st comp. got 84 out of 100. very happy. But i got more out of listening to the critque by the judge.Compete then listen, it's not a thrashen it's a lessen.