Submitted by Pete on 2/8/1999. ( lebaronp@pilot.msu.edu )
I know this is an odd, if not completely ridiculous question, but I feel this is the most likely areana to get an answer of any sort. My question: I was wondering if any experienced taxidermist out there, who works on both ducks and fish, could convey to me the relative "degree of difficulty" in mounting these completely different animals. My reasoning is that while I have had some success mounting ducks, someday I want to begin doing fish. Would you say that it takes more money and experience to mount fish? This is my opinion looking from the outside in, but everything complicated seems difficult until it is attempted, and once done a few times becomes simple. My point is bird taxidermy can be learned via videos to at least become a novice, but fish taxidermy seems like it would take much more effort. I realize this is somewhat like comparing apples and oranges, but for those of you who have attempted both techniques, could you please give me a frank interpretation as to your opinion on this "gray-
area" question. Thanks a lot.
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This response submitted by Jim on 2/8/1999. ( birdspec@wtp.net )
Pete, I can't give you idea on how difficult it is to do a fish, because I've never attempted to do one. But I would guess you would have alot more wrapped up in paint doing a fishie then there is in a duckie. All I can say is I LOVE BIRDIES !!!!
This response submitted by Bob C on 2/8/1999. ( bobswildlife@webtv.net )
Pete, Tough one to answer. To do a real good job on either it is tough. One thing I can say is you have to have some artist in you to paint a fish.(realisticly) Doing both fish and birds I have great admiration for those who do either well. Bob C
This response submitted by Bill on 2/8/1999. ( yoxtax@aol.com )
When we mount any animal we are trying to mimic nature, and most of the work is in the final shape of the subject, with some pigment to be added later. Fish are different. We still need to be shaped realistically but so much more of the process is devoted to the pigmentation, if you will. To top that, we are probably making them look more like how we WANT to see them as opposed to how they really appear. Lets face it, a bass under water looks lime green, or silver, or sometimes almost transparent! But we know how they look coming OUT of the water and how we have accepted it through the industry and by customer requests. The reason why I say this is because it makes it sometimes difficult and you DO have to please the customer. In my opinion a good fish taxidermist has MY respect as being quite an artist. The shapes cant hide behind ANY hair or feathers. Bird taxidermy is tough but the fish are really a challenge, at the top end. Im glad I do mostly mammals and heads!!!
This response submitted by Jeff M on 2/8/1999. ( fullsneak@hotmail.com )
Pete; dont be scared of the fish they are easy to come by go catch or have somebody donate a small to med sized fish. I would suggest bass or walleye and give it a shot. It might be a good idea to buy a manual or a video from WASCO or another supply co.In my eyes ducks rank up there with the hard stuff I cosider fish a lot easyer myself and I been at this for 20 years thats my opinon. good luck see ya; jeff
This response submitted by Pete on 2/8/1999. ( )
Well for asking such an open-ended question, i am very pleased with all the help. I decided to order an abbreviated "how to" booklet for fish from WASCO, just to note the steps involved, then maybe try some medium fish before getting more into it to see if it's for me. Is there any alternative means to painting a fish besides airbrushing? I am decent with a brush, but don't want to have to purchase airbrushing equiptment (graduate student income limiting). Maybe if i like it you will be hearing a lot more from me, Jeff. Thanks everybody.
This response submitted by Mick on 2/9/1999. ( MicD63@aol.com )
Before anyone jumps on me for this, and tells me about the thousands of fish that they've painted by hand with an artist brush, let me just state this is only my opinion.....
Pete in order to do a repectable job on fish you will need the airbrush equipment. All is not lost though, there are inexpensive models out there to be had, and you quite likely can pick up a compressor used at a real savings. Although I still use an artist brush for some detailing steps and scale tipping, without the airbrush, I may as well be fishing with no hook.....Save your money until you can make the investment.
happy trails,
Mick
This response submitted by Mike Nakielski on 2/12/1999. ( )
Pete, First of all, fish taxidermy or any taxidermy isn't easy, if it was, everyone would do it and we'd be out of buisiness. However, to answer your question in my opinion, once you master fish, they're easier than birds because you don't have to deal with feather tracking. Which can be tough at times. Although I prefer birds, 'cause I've done so many more than fish, it didn't take me long to learn. If you've mastered birds, I'd say you can definitally do fish.
Good Luck
Mike N.
This response submitted by Bob in Nebr. on 2/16/1999. ( )
I've been doing taxidermy (as a second income) for nearly 30 years. If I had to pick only one thing to do, it would be fish. I do game heads, birds, etc. In order to be good at anything, you have to (1)want to do it and (2)enjoy what you're doing. If you're convinced that you can't or don't want to do fish, you're fighting an uphill battle. Once you get the hang of it, fish are easier for me than anything else, especially waterfowl. Get some good instructional books or tapes and pick the "goodie" out of each one. I have a process all my own, by using a little of this and a little of that. Good luck. Don't give up before you try. Bob in Nebr.
This response submitted by Chuck on 3/19/99. ( KPartak@aol.com )
Pete, I'm beginning also so take this as you wish. When Idid my first bass (class) The first thing I ordered besides flexeyes was Tom Sextons two part video ($25 from WASCO) BASS A TO Z . What an investment ! in two hours I turned out the envy of the class .The instructor thought I had paid a pro to do it for me.It started out kind of rough but once the paint started flowing the fish really aren't that difficult to do.Buy the fish sampler paint kit from WASCO at $30 and a paasch vl 1 or 3 $50-60 and watch Tom"s video twice and you'll see results to be proud of.Take your time , let me know how yours turns out, hope I helped you somehow.
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