I"m getting ready to try my first duck (A Mallard Drake). I have sent way for the kit. Waited for it. Forgot to order the mold. Ordered it. Waited. Realized that I didn"t get any eyes with the kit. Ordered it. Waited.
So, now that I think I have everything I need to get started, I hear people talking about using artificial bills. I was planning on using the original. It appears to be in great shape. But, I was told the bill would shrink and look all deformed if I use the original. I really don"t want my first duck to end up looking like a snipe. Should I take the time to order an artificial bill or try and use the original? If I try and use the original, are there any suggestions in keeping the bill from shrinking?
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Sean, like everything else everyone has a personal preference. I myself tend to use artificial heads often (not always). I use them for convenience. Some guys use the natural head -bill for convenience. The real bill will shrink - will you notice it - probably not, it is very minimal and in fact after the shrink takes place it still may very well be bigger than the artificial bill that you buy. If after it has dried any you are worried that it shank - you could fill in the divets with sculpt-all. How many artificial heads where used 30 years ago? For a first duck I would go ahead an mount it with the natural head, for two purposes, 1) to learn the anatomy 2) so that when you do use an artificial head you can compare the 2 systems to see what works best for you. Take your time and use your reference material and you will do fine. I'm sure you will be proud of the finished product but in a few years from now you will be so good that this first one will probably not show up in your show room.
PS, maybe this is unique to me but every bird I mount at some point during the mounting process it looks terrible and I am ready to give up on it cause I'm certain it is not gonna turn out right - don't quit on it as it will come together and look great in the end. It might just be me or it might be birds but it happens for me on every one of them (doesn't happen with anything else, just birds). Good luck my friend and USE your references.
I would suggest trying the natural for reasons stated by JEM. I started with the natural heads and swtiched to artificial for most mounts. However, I do still use the natural head on occassion and am glad to have the know how. As far as your first mount, hang in there. It may be a long process, but it will get better. As you get more familiar with the process and the anatomy of the bird it will get easier and you will get faster. Remember it is not a race. If you find yourself getting tired or frustrated, put it in the refrigerator and come back to it later (whether it be an hour or a day). I have even put them backin the freezer and worked on it again the next week. Mail me a picture when you're done.
My birds are the same way, at times, they look like something a cat has mauled. It is hard to believe that they end up looking so good, if you could see them in the process. I wonder how many others out there are like me and JEM?
Glad to meet ya!
Jem, could I have your email addy? I don't see it here and I have something to tell you about birds!
i've used real bills since i started
i agree with jem I use magic sculpt
in the areas where it shrinks a little
sinse you repaint the bill anyway
most other taxidermist around where
i live do the same thing includin
this master taxidermist so hope
you do well on it send me a pic
of it when you finish k
Sean,
What ever method you decide, Dont Give Up! I promise you that the bird is gonna look terrible "During the prep stages", but it will come togather in the end. If you get tired of working with it, put it in the fridge & come back later.(or Freeze). Good luck-
I just want to let you guys know I finished my duck last night. I think it looks great, for my first one. And you know, I learned a lot! Thank you JEM, Jason, R.D. and Chris for all your help!
I did end up using the real head. I can see why people are using the artificial head. You don"t have to clean them! But, I guess I didn"t have to paint my bill. That was nice. I may have to paint it later on, when it gets older. I learned that after you wash the bird, and it looks like a wet cat (I thought I ruined it!), when it dries it would be fine. The skin is very thin too! I broke through a couple times, so I went ahead and sewed up the little holes, and you can"t even tell now.
I will send you guys a picture of the mount after it dries and I prettied it up. Thanks again for all your help!
Thank you Steve. You were right, it did look better in the end!
Sean
It's not a professional job, but I'm proud of it. I'm ready to do another!
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Sean
I would definetly go with the artificial. You have much more freedom as far as painting the head, plus it takes away from forgeting to get all the meat off and it roting. And the artificial head makes for a more accurate looking head.
Eric Schmidt
You did a great job Sean !
Well, it's still drying and I painted the bill and legs. So, once it's dry I think I can fluff it up somemore.
I have a board I plan on putting him on. Then I plan on giving it to my nephew(Who's only 8). He hunts with me all the time. And get this, his name is Drake. I think it's fitting.
Then someday when I get better, I will replace it with a better one.
Thanks Chris,
Sean