What are the basics of mounting a duck (you know, just the basics)? I am new to the hobby but very well interested. How do you begin the process. I know there are videos and such out there, but I was just wondering if you could do it w/ household items or something you can just go buy at wal-mart.
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borax, foam for making the body or tightly wrapped newspaper. needle and thread wire and some coleman fule to degrease. of course ther are many better ways but thats about the basics. good luck
Thank you for the reply. After I get that material, what steps do I take to completing a basic duck mount? (Where I cut the bird, where I put what, etc....) If you don't mind. Thanks
Ask them to sell you a box of experience, some wire, a box of borax, a bottle of Dawn, a darning needle and some carpet thread, a bag of excelsior, some medicinal cotton, a plastic bucket, a large fish hook and some 1/4" chain to hang the hook, a file to sharpen the wire, a pair of wire cutters, a beginners acrylic painting set, an X-Acto knife handle and some blades, a can of Coleman fuel, some crazy glue, and a blow dryer. You'll have to get eyes from a taxidermist or a supply company. Some of those cute little plastic doll eyes may work if they have them in 6-10 mm and the right color, now that I think about it.
Then again, you might just buy a duck mounting kit from a Taxidermy Supplier, and get all you need AND some instructions.
Now, I am not being a smart aleck, I am trying to tell you that it would take pages of type to explain the process to you on this forum, and that you would save time, money and heartbreak by buying a reference book, or just getting one of those handy dandy kits. I am sure that most of the tools you would need, except maybe a scalpel are lying around your home.
Your local or school library may have a book about taxidermy that may explain the process and list needed tools and materials.
You can get everything you might need at Wal-Mart, except for that box of experience. I admire your courage to attempt mounting a duck on your own, and would be the first to welcome you to the ranks of budding taxidermists. It is just better to begin at the beginning, and that would be by locating a book or video to help you understand the process. I would recommend a book that covered more of taxidermy than only about birds.
Thank you for the reply. After I get that material, what steps do I take to completing a basic duck mount? (Where I cut the bird, where I put what, etc....) If you don't mind. Thanks
Duckman -- Go to this web site and register, if your not already a member. http://refugeforums.com/refuge/ You'll need to copy and paste this link in your browser. Go to the "Taxidermy Fourum" there, and you'll see a post with pictures and directions on duck mounting. Lots of other good info if you take the time to look through it. I think you can read the posts without being registered, but you won't be able to view the photos untill you register. Registration is free.
You guys just dont know when youre getting fooled with, do you?
What's that supposed to mean?
Youve asked three times and been answered three times.
I would say , get on the WASCO site. and purchase a book or video by a good teacher like frank newmeyer, shane smith, sallie dahmes, ect. A video is probably your best bet because you can actually see them doing the procedure. You need to have some form of formal teaching. Your gonna make a mess out of a couple birds at first . but then you will gradually come to avoid your mistakes. Also, having good reference material of the bird is a must. So to recap:
get a video
get the proper tools and glass eyes,artificial heads.
do you hunt? if not..order from a game breeder. more expensive but their not full of holes and blood!
a good clean, well lit work space is a must also.
TAKE YOUR TIME! the bird is not going to rot into a mess in a couple hours. if you get tired .. put it back in the fridge or freezer, then go back to it. (I would say before you do anything at all, watch a video to see if you really want to do it.. and save alot of time and money) good luck , tom