I have two ducks in my freezer, a Hooded Merganser drake and a Mallard drake, and I was wondering which one would be the better to start with. This would be my first bird and I was wondering if one was easier from start to finish. Also, is a standing or flying mount better/easier to start out with? I know there will probably be many opinions on how to do things (as I've read on this forum on numerous topics), and I thank you all in advance.
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I would think that most here would recommend the Mallard for your first duck over the Merganser if for no other reason than that the Mallard will be easier to come by if you run into trouble and need to replace it and lets face..no ones "first duck" was that great...I "thought" mine was nice at the time but when I look back at it now..it's pretty sad.. :)
Good luck
TJ
I wouldn't want to do either, being first time birds.
The Mallard, if he is fat, will be a fleshing dissaster with lots of holes and rips. Not the end of the world, but still disspointing and hard to correct for the first time taxi.
The Hoodie, fleshing will be easy, but unless you've dealth with the lack of underlying anatomy in the neck throat region or dealt with a crested bird, chances are you will once again have a dissapointing result.
Neither bird is particulary hard, but they both have certain issues that I personally would not recommend for a 1st try bird.
I would get a good dive, like a scaup, redhead, ringbill, or even some upland game bird, like a pheasant or quail. They are pretty straight forward and will fall in line with any instructional inforation that you may have. The divers mentioned will just have a good stout skin that can take a beating.
A standing pose would be easier for your first go round. Don't cut corners.. use a stiff wire for the legs. A minimum of 12 gu on the legs of the Mallard, and 14 for the Hooded, although you can use 12 too.
Good Luck,
Jon
I just did my first mallard, and things went well untill I tried to flesh him. Read the post on the 18th called help with mallard and you will get all sorts of good info on fleshing and maybee be able to avoid some pitfalls with him. I agree though with jon if you can, try a pheasant or a stouter bird for your first. Good Luck