I'm doin my first grouse. I'm doing the tail fanned out. Should I cut the tail off. Is the skin thick or thim?
Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu
Why cut it off anyway? The tumbler wont hurt them. I know some people cut pheasant tails off but why a grouse. I guess cutting a long tail off will depend on how big your tumbler is, how good of shape the feathers are in, or just preference. Grouse dont have overly long tails. Maybe im all washed up here but I cant see why you would ever cut a grouse tail off.
can have extremely thin skin. While I do not remove the tails of some grouse (sharp tail) I do on others (blue grouse, ruffed and sometimes spruce) - there are reasons to consider it. One reason is that you would be able to position the tail feathers more easily as well as create a rock solid attachment when you replace it in the manikin. Many folks are challenged by grouse because the feather down extends a little higher on each feather making feather alignment and adjustment time consuming. General feather patterns on ruffed grouse can also be really challenging. Which ever way you go, make sure to enlarge the tail slot to match the position you want. Go slow and handle with care Good Luck.