As with most other topics I try to read all available information,techniques,ideas and opinions, then sort through the all of it and decide for myself what is the best and/or correct methods. I was always under the impression that the proven and accepted taxidermy technique when measuring a deer for correct form choice was to measure the neck at the places shown in the catologs of the companies that produce them. As I read previous posts on measuring I see that some folks have there own methods and theories on form size selection and how you can make a deers neck larger than the measurements. I'm sure most have delt with people who need their deer as large as possible to satisfy the, "mines bigger than yours or his", syndrome. I for one will not mount a deer on a form that is bigger or smaller than it's measurements. I figure my job as a taxidermist is to recreate as accurately as possible a mount based on the measurements taken from the animal when skinned. Do most agree with this or are the supply companies conspiring to make a world full of undersized mounts.
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than it was originally, IMO. I am no expert by a long shot, but if a cape will comfortably fit a larger form after it has been tanned, then why not use it? I just used a tight to the head form that measures 19" on a deer that measured 18" on the carcass. After the cape is fleshed and tanned and shaved thin, why not use a larger form if it fits comfortably? If a good hidepaste is used, and there is no drumming and if the hair patterns line up with the anatomy of the form, it works for me. No customer has ever said, "That deer is way too big". I would select the largest manikin with a comfortable fit, unless for some reason a customer asks otherwise.
No reason to have then pull and bust, and the deer will look big the way I do them. Its not the totally the forms problem when a deer dont look big, its the choice of the taxidermist and that becomes the problem incorrect form. Find a brand of forms you are happy with and stick with them.
Is there a notable sculpter and form series recreated specifically for sub-adult deer from the Northeast? The majority of the deer mounted in this region are likely in this age-class.(ie. 2 1/2 & 3 1/2 yr. old bucks) Due to the age-structure of the herd in this region these bucks commonly portray an "advanced level" of dominance for their age, especially the "over-achievers".(ie. some of these bucks are 2-3 months older than each other)
In my reading and searches and what-not I hadn't yet picked up on a form series sculpted specifically for, or a widely preferred series to represent these "ruttin'-young-bucks".
I measure the carcass that comes out of the cape, then the skin when it returns from the tannery. Late season deer with smaller necks usually let out a bit to look bigger like they were a month earlier than killed. I also get a feel for the frame size and age, and sometimes even where its from. All this info is used when ordering. It takes time to get that "feel" for it, I suppose. After time you learn little "tricks" for altering for size, simple quick things that help the look, without taking much time. Customers like the look.