Well, I didn't have the best luck last time I asked this, so I'll try again. I was thinking about buying Frank Newmyer's video on live duck reference, in which he points out important observations about anatomy. He also has one on mounting a standing wood duck. I have mounted enough ducks to get beyond the basics, and I was wondering if either of these videos get a little more advanced. I'm looking for some training material that will help me produce better ducks, so I don't really need another basic mounting video. If anyone has seen these videos or has any other suggestions, I would appreciate your input.
Return to Bird Taxidermy Category Menu
Over the years I have purchased many videos on bird mounting. Depending on ones point of view they all are "basic" in nature. Having said that, each video artist (Newmeyer, Savides, Rumans, Owens, Luke, Dahmes and many others) employ a few different techniques depending on the attitude of the bird they are mounting at the time - some more adventure some than others. Each person that mounts birds ends up with techniques unique to them - Some use the real skull other prefer artificial, some use lacqure paints some water based, some use the real legs some use artificial, some detach the legs and tails others leave them on, some use foam manikins, others tie their own - the variety of approaches is almost without limit. But to look for a more "advance" proceedure requires a little more definition. I would recommend talking with the local taxidermists in your area, if you have access to a local taxidermy school, check that out. Join your State Taxidermy Association and work with them. I would also encourage you to join the NTA and attend the annual conventions and seminars. If none of these options are plausable for you, get a copy of one of the Taxidermy trade journals and look in the advertisement section for training programs in advance techniques. Call the instructor and talk about your needs. Be prepared to pay some money as none of the expertise from quailfied and respected Bird taxidermsts is cheap. All reference material is valuable in my opinion. Observing birds in the wild is the best. Good Luck
Thanks for the response. I'll give your suggestions a try.