Submitted by BJ on 12/3/1998. ( bjfields@webtv.net )
My friend brought a bobcat over for me to mount for him (My First). He requested a lying down pose. after looking at our options in the catalogs he chose 3 or 4 poses that he liked, I told him after the cat thawed out and I could get measurements I would choose the right size manikin for his cat. got the measurements, got the manikin (lying on a limb).
The cat was field dressed (cut from the sturnom to anus) and also had a pretty good size exit wound from a small caliber rifle inbetween the right front leg and chest area. I skinned the animal out and cut down the backs of all four legs. My questions are: was this the right kinds of incisions to make? What do I do with the skin were the back legs are on top of one another? do I cut inbetween the legs and tuck the hyde or what? Do I mount the head then attatch it to the manikin or attatch the head first then mount? Will there be enough skin to close the exit wound, or should I suggest another pose for my friend? I didn't make any incisions around the head area I plan to work the ears from the ear canal outside in, will this work? It probably sounds like I'm frantic here, however I'm very confident that I can do this. Just a few things that I'm a little concerned about. Any Information would be greatly appreciated.
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This response submitted by John Bellucci on 12/3/1998. ( ArtistExpr@aol.com )
You're right, frantic would be a good description! Here comes a classic Bellucci response. I Know I'm going to start this one off on the wrong foot, but that's me.
Sometimes I just cannot believe the line of questions you all ask.
First off, it's a little too late to be worrying if you made the right incisions on the legs, don't you think? I mean, the horese has already left the barn.
Secondly, I'm utterly amazed that no one wants to read a book anymore! As I've told numerous people here, buy "The Breakthrough Mammal Mounting Manual" - available from WASCO as well as many other suppliers. There is a whole chapter in there on mounting a laying-down bobcat that will answer all your questions.
Look, I know we all have to start somewhere, but at least arm yourself with the knowledge you need BEFORE accepting a job, then looking for someone else to solve the problems.
WASCO also has a brand new video on mounting a bobcat. Check that out as well. Trying to explain the procedures without the advantage of photos to illustrate it is nearly futile.
Open both eyes before you leap - anyone. I'm not just picking on you BJ, but anyone who accepts an animal to work on without first finding out all they can is in for mighty big headaches. And the forum really isn't the place to give a lesson this in-depth.
Belive it or not, I've known guys who take in their first big African animal without knowing jack-spit, then want me to talk them through the entire mounting procedure. I tell them to sign up for one of my courses. Then they'll learn - but only AFTER I have them read up on the methods involved.
Only then will they, or you, be armed with the knowledge needed to proceed, and if need be, ask very specific questions. In this way, clear and intelligent answers can be given in a way that you will understand.
Freeze the skin, get the book and read it through, then watch the tape, then we can "talk". Best to you... John B.
This response submitted by Bill on 12/3/1998. ( yoxtax@aol.com )
Like John said...the dorsal incision was the choice you should have made. Now, before you think John is blunt, he is, so am I, Take his advice. See, some of the questions lately are coming from folks with no interest in finding the answers for themselves. The forum started with tips and advice and has fast become an on-going manual of sorts, which none of us has time to write in this format. Like John said, don't take this personal, you just asked the kind of question, like so many others lately, thats hard to answer. Yes, you can fit the head form into the skin, then attach the form together from inside the skin. You can do the body and/or legs with that pose that way, too. Get the info/basics from the manual, and come on back for details. We'll still be here, and we really aren't that grumpy!
This response submitted by bj on 12/4/1998. ( )
Thank you both for straightening me out. I took a half day off of work this morning and drove to WASCO for the book and video. I've been kicking myself all the home after just thumbing through the pages of the book at stop lights. The worst part is I know these basic instructions are out there "KICK", I've recommended them to other beginners in the past, in this forum!!! "SLAP" Let me just say to all beginners out there, don't say; "Sure I can do that for you." if you don't know to do it. Fish are different from birds. Game Heads are different from lifesize. Just because you know one you probably don't know the other. I know first hand. Thanks again John and Bill, I think I might need to tighten up the lid on my laquer thinner or check my mask filters. I must have been real bad to have sent that question to you guys. Maybe I should suggest a "Here's Your Sign" category for my question and others like it.
This response submitted by John Bellucci on 12/4/1998. ( ArtistExpr@aol.com )
It's really easy to get so caught up in something, common sense sometimes gets blurred. It happens... it's just human nature. At least you took what we said with the sense of humor we, sometimes failingly, try to provide.
Glad Bill and I were able to help, even if it was just to steer you in the right direction to get started. Sometimes that's all we can hope for.
Good luck in you endeavors... John B.
This response submitted by Bill on 12/4/1998. ( )
I was just clarifying. John can come on strong but if thats what it took to get you to buy the book, good! The others who misunderstand will see our ways some time, when they are ready to and we learn how to express our selves online. In this case John did just that, right BJ ?
This response submitted by Sly Yarborough on 12/10/1998. ( IDBobcat @aol.com )
Thanks for chewing BJ out I was going to ask if the WASCO book and video on bobcats and other small mammals was any good. Evidently they are will put my order in today. Thanks Sly
This response submitted by Kevin (bushwacker) on 1/21/1999. ( )
BJ, sounds like you have your hands full, what I would like to know is where do you find the WASCO book or books I am knew and wanrt to get my hands on all I can about taxidermy. I am frally interested in learning about but dont know where to start,I have some book stores around my house can someone give me some good titles. I tahnk any and all in advance
This response submitted by 22 on 1/22/1999. ( )
W ildlife A rtist S upply C ompany , sound familiar now???
This response submitted by bushwacker on 1/22/1999. ( )
I told you I was new at this, but I really do appriciate the help this is a real treat to be able to talk to people that has the same interest as me, again thanks for the info.
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