newbie question re: using real heads

Submitted by Dan on 2/12/06 at 12:30 PM. ( ) 69.170.33.145

what are the downsides of using the real head for a mount? I am getting ready to start my first mounts and got the sallie dahmes wood duck a to z from WASCO. She used the real bill, but it looks like most use a fake head. What are the benefits? I assume the bill shrinks some, is there a way to stop that? What do you reccomend for a beginner?
Thanks
Dan

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An artificial one

This response submitted by George on 2/12/06 at 12:42 PM. ( georoof@aol.com ) 64.12.116.8

My first tendency is to say, use the real one and learn , but that's like telling someone to buy a straight shift transmission. Nearly everything you buy is automatic, so what's the sense in paying extra "to learn".

Real heads have shrinkage problems, but that's the least of your worries. Properly cleaning the head, wiring the neck, setting the eyes and getting proper symmetry were always a huge problem to using the real heads. Nowadays, people using the real head remove it as if they WERE going to use an artificial one. And the best advantage of all, is painting it. You paint that bill before you install the head and you never worry about masking it or cleaning overspray off the feathers.


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