Well I just helped/watched my neighbor mount his first whitetail deer. It was the greatest experience ever. He got the video from Randy Life "how to mount whitetail deer" I liked the video, I only saw some of it. It was pretty interesting learing how everything goes. I can't wait till next fall to try and mount a deer of my own. Is there any other good videos out there to try? I know I will never be able to produce a competition style mount but I think it will be an enjoyable experience. I'll probably end up trying to mount everything I shoot...now that will be a problem. Thanks
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Don't even start thinking like that. Why start with a defeated attitude. Of course you will be able to produce Competition quality mounts. Provided you put your mind to it. I live with a full time taxidermist. And I never thought I would be able to do it. When I asked him if he would teach me. He pointed me here. and told me to read the archives. I did. when I felt I knew enough. I went back to him, and he walked me through a mount (He did the mount.) then gave me a cape, and materials and told me to have at it. He interfered in no way. if I did not know it from reading here, or watching the guys in the shop. I was to discover it for Myself. With only 4 months experience at Taxidermy. I entered My first competition. Mind you it was in the novice category. But, all my mounts placed. with 5th being the worst. I am just an ordinary 17 year old. Nothing special about me. if I can do it so can you. Give it your all. Live the art. and it will become a part of you. Tenbears taught me that. and It was the best thing anyone has ever given me.
Bravo, I am impressed. That was an outstanding response. I went to my instructor about the smelly hide thing and he said could be a number of reasons but needed more info. but hey can I ask you a question? I don't want to tie up the forum but (and I already looked in the archives and did not find my answer) How can I skin a road kill skunk that already released its smell without getting covered in the stuff? Can I soak it in something first without ruining it? Got a beautiful marked coat and just looks like he was conked in the head? No damage that I can see. I'd like to give it a shot. I'll start a new thread if you want me to. Thanks for taking the time
I'm a little over twice his age, and have been in taxidermy a short while. My competition piece, my first, is a jake turkey that I am entering in our yearly competition. You just ahve to jump in and go for it. I spent alot of time reading and studying to learn the "process" but you really do not learn until you get your hands in there and do it. There are all sorts of videos out there and plenty of books. I would reccomend hitting the suppliers sites (above) and look for the Breakthrough series of books. WASCO has them I am sure. There is some outstanding info in those books. The next thing I would do is see about joning your state organization and find out when and where your state competition is. Those events are filled with more info than you can digest in a week and people who are more than glad to help you with your questions. The seminars are normally worth it alone. Take a notebook and jot down every question you can think of and ask away. Just remember that a good portion of the info you may recieve will not make sense until you put it into actual use. Don't get discouraged by mistakes and keep a positive attitude. If you enjoyed watching you will probably enjoy doing more! Go for it, nothing ventured nothing gained!
Mac
Nancy, You have me all wrong. I have and never will blast a post in the beginners forum. This is where the redundant, or simple questions belong. I am very patient with children, and beginners. However when a post is made in other categories then the poster has entered the realm of the harsh real world. Lack of insight, or due diligence in the real world can get you killed. And so is it when you talk with the big boys on their play field. as for the stinky deer question. That was to prove a point. no matter how good we are. We cannot properly answer a question without adequate information. for someone to post such a question is wasting their as well as my time.
As for the Skunk. I have never skinned a skunk that had sprayed. If I ever had one I would either pitch it. Or see if my trapper buddy would do it for me. Skunks are just something I do not care to mess with. No matter what the price. Sorry i can't help there
I called Amy Ritchie. She gave me a great recipe to calm it down enough to work on. I will see if it works today. It is really cold out right now so I left it in the solution overnight to take the smell out. I know it won't be totally gone but Oh well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. As far as the blasting thing goes, I understand what you are saying but it was much more pleasant to take an explantion from you when it wasn't being ramed down my throat with a double edge sword. You sound extremely knowledgable and I would like the opportunity to pick you brain once in a while. The stinky hide thing, I could have answered your question but you still would have been reading. Thanks again for the help.