is there a bird; legal to mount, that has skin similar to a wood duck? I have tried two wood ducks and see I need a lot of practice fleshing paper thin skin before I even think about doing one for a customer. The skinning part was easy compared to what I have done before but fleshing was a nightmare. I would like to find a cheaper practice subject or figure out a better way to flesh them. Thanks for your time.
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Start small. Learn to flesh birds like domestic quail. Once you can flesh a quail without problems, a duck should be a breeze.
Joey, If you want to learn how to flesh then start with a diver, they are much heavier skinned. You did not say how you are doing your fleshing but , even after lots of practice, I still use scissors and a spoon or other scrapers to do the tender spots on woodies and teal. Even when you have been at it for a while you can tear up the skin on a woodie. Just keep the needle and thread handy!My best, Jim
To answer your question. Teal, some Mallards, Pintails are all very think skinned!
And I have done 2 mallards two pheasents and two turkeys without tearing but one hole in the mallard. Maybe I will tri a brush and spoon. Thanks Guys
I meant THIN skinned on the Teal, Pintails & Mallards...My bad!
I read it the first time as Thin. LOL
A really good fleshing challenge is a domestic barnyard mallard, and they are fairly easy to come by. I think they are about as much trouble as wood ducks.
A nice, fat, early season teal is another good choice. Flesh it then throw it away! (They usually aren't worth mounting.)
Joey
I have left a good looking male greenwing teal, if you want him. He's a shot bird and may be a little bloody, but he is free. If you want you can have him, and work with him and if you tear him up, no big deal. If it works out, he will look good. If interested, let me know. Bob. Fresno CA. (559) 269-3336
Always glad to help.
Thats very generous. I sent you an email.
I have found gadwalls is harder than any other puddle ducks very thin skinned and it tears easy.