I have recently completed a taxidermy coures and I am getting ready to take my state exam on Tues April 27. Does anyone know how "pickey" the judges will be, and what may fail a specimen? Some of the mounts have little flaws that I can see, but the instructor of the class said it will be nothing. I'm not really comfortable with that and I didn't have the resources to remount or fix these flaws. Any help?
Frank
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What they want to see is preety much good work. They are not looking for competion quality at all.
1. All sewing must be done tight and not very visable.
2. Eye lids must be tight to the eye without gaps
3. Ears can not be drumming or curled at the edges.
4. The buck must not have the skin pulled away from the antler butts.
5. birds must be sturdy and feet visable.
6. Fish must have a good epoxied seam. Don't do the old felt garbage on the back that is full of staples. once the fish is dry Close the skin with epoxie sculpt or something that will be smoth and painted.
Don't make the scenery the mount is on to extravagant because they might ask you to pull,cut, or unsrcew the mount so it can be examined correctly.
Really they are looking for quality mounts. If you are not able to produce a mount that can pass the test you are not ready to be a taxidermist. Some of the work I seen pass the test is second rate at best. But if you have a sturdy clean looking mount you will do fine. Don't take a competion quality fish or something a friend did because they will most likely know you did not do it and fail you for it. Don't worry you will do fine. The part that a lot of people fail is the writen exam. This is the law part and is very important. Study the matterial they sent you very well. You will do fine.
God Bless
Frank,
I'm taking the exam on Tuesday, too. I've been putting it off for a few years. I also went to taxidermy school and since then I have realized that school does not prepare one for being in business. It only teaches the basics.
Anyhow, I've also been told that %50 of the people pass. I guess it's pretty tough, but I figure if I fail, it's that much less to do for the next test. Good luck. maybe i'll see ya there.
Eric
I appreciate all the help guys. Eric, maybe I'll see you there. I'm taking it at 10 am. Best of luck to all.
Frank