Submitted by Donna on 5/15/99. ( ddz@pdq.net )
I came across a cottontail rabbit that is in very good shape for mounting. I have heard that these critters can be very difficult to accomplish, even for the experienced taxidermist. My question is; Should a beginner (with only a 2 squirrel experience) even attempt such a chore at this stage? Do ya'll think it would help for experience or hurt because of the frustration and thinking you can't do it? Maybe I should wait until a get a few more things under my belt. I really would like it to turn out good. All answers are appreciated.
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This response submitted by Leanna on 5/15/99. ( scardeer@cornernet.com )
Donna, I think you should go for it. Think of the degree of difficulty you would accomplish (being VERY patient of course!) and then things will only seem easier for you. Just start out with the attitude of KNOWING how tough its going to be, plan on taking your time, expect difficulties, and your frustration level may be lessened. I like to purposefully pick a tough critter every once in awhile, just to slow myself down and work on "fine tuning" abilities! Rabbits tear easy by the way! Good luck and let us know how it went! Leanna
This response submitted by Damon on 5/17/99. ( GEngel039 )
Yeah, go ahead and give it a shot! I found the most difficult part of mounting a rabbit is the skinning. The reason being, the skin tears
VERY easily! Once it's skinned, just use normal caution when working with it, don't force any legs, etc in the mounting phase.
And, if all else fails, and you rip the skin, maybe you can salvage it like I did with my first one, and just make a "shoulder" mount out of it!
Good luck!
This response submitted by Donna on 5/17/99. ( )
Okay, I decided to go ahead with it after I do a coon and a mink. I might be ready for that challenge then. Because of the delicate skin, is dry preserve or regular tanning recommended?
This response submitted by Damon on 5/18/99. ( GEngel039 )
Donna, I know many people may not agree with me, but with the thin skin, I would use the dry preservative, if you have it. I used it on my first mounts--skunk, many squirrels, possum, muskrat, rabbits, etc--16 years ago, and what my Mom didn't throw away when I moved out, still look like they did when I mounted them. Just be sure to Moth protect!
I just do taxidermy for fun, but it works for me! Have fun with it!
This response submitted by Donna on 5/18/99. ( )
Thanks Damon. I kinda thought that way may be a little gentler to the skin just didn't know if it would hold up. I'll do it. Thanks again, Donna
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