Hello,
I am planning to do my first competition piece, a woodduck drake. Are there any judges out there, or experienced competitors who could tell me where to concentrate my efforts? Obviously I will be trying to do my best on all aspects of the bird, but are there any tips that you could give me? Also, is it acceptable to use Wayne cooper flex eyes, substituting tohicon eyes for the plastic eyes? In other words, do I need to make my own eye rings, or not? How do I know what category to enter it in to? I know these are basic questions, but I'm new to competition. Would I need my federal Migratory bird permit to purchase a duck and compete? Sorry for all the questions, but I value any input that you can give! Thanks!
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First off, I wouldn't compete with a woodie as my first competiton piece. Woodies are tough birds to do correctly. I'd go with something a little simpler or better yet, a bird that you mount alot of. That's just my $0.02.
I appreciate your input. However, I've done a number of ducks, and the majority of them have been woodies, so I feel most comfortable with them at present. I thought about trying a mallard, which I have done several of, but it seemed a bit too common. What do you think?
A woodie has so many feather patterns that have to be properly lined up. Something simpler, like a mallard hen or a black duck would probably be easier to get right. It's really all up to you. Whatever you do, make sure you use good reference and take your time. Good luck!
Anderson,
I agree with James, a wood duck is a tough first competition piece. However, you're there to learn and it really doesn't matter what duck you mount for that purpose(be it mallard or wood duck).
I would enter the open/professional division.
Make your own eye rings. focus on cleanliness. check your reference - get feather groups right. and really study reference. maybe find a pic and jsut try to copy it best you can.
you might be a little late on purchasing a duck. i would think most breeders have already sold their stuff, but it's worth a shot. However, for a first show, i don't believe you need a purchased specimen. jsut find one you or friend/customer shot and use it (if it's in pretty good shape).
ask the judge lots of questions.
you are welcome to call (9-10 pm central is best)or email if you have any further questions
good luck,
brian
I agree wood ducks are tough and done often so they are scrutenised the most. BUT if you are going to do any duck, focus on symetry. You will lose more points on bad eyesets, head sym off, wings not the same ect. than most any other thing.
F.Y.I do a standing mount, duck on a stick thing, pay attention to the duck not the base.
Hey guys, thanks a million for all your advice. I do have a pretty nice mallard drake that I could do, and I have a couple of decent woodies from a customer. I really appreciate you taking the time to offer your advice!
I competed for the first time and took a Mandarin drake. That duck was duck number seven for me. I did quite well second place professional ribbon. I say go for it and enter the professional division. I would build my own eye rings if it were me and don't forget to use a wash coat on your feet. Good luck to you and most of all have a blast.