I've always used the 3 pin method for the eyes. one in the front and rear corner and another just above the front pin. i've been hearing that a lot of taxidermists only put a pin in the front corner. i haven't tried it yet but before i do i just wanted to ask about it. i'm guessing then that it will keep it's shape? also how do most of you keep the edge of the eye's skin from pulling away from the eyeball on a mount? i've been lining the inside of the eye with super glue just prior to mounting and that seems to work fairly well. any suggestions would be appreciated.
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The secret is to get the skin around the eyes as thin as possible.
I use one pin in front of the eye where the caruncle is. If you thin the eye lids (be sure to get rid of all of the stuff at the base of the eyelashes too or you'll get a lot of shrinkage) and the area around the eye you shouldn't have any problems with the skin pulling away from the eye as the mount dries. When you mount, put the shape of the eyes in. The skin and clay will be a bit mushy. After a few hours have gone by go back and touch up the shape of the eye with a small brush. The shape of the eye should hold and you won't leave any tool marks with the brush.
Try this. Dont thin too much skin around the eye. Also, learn where the skin needs to be tucked around the eye based on anatomy. Then youll see an upper, lower and front eyelid. With a front section of eyelid, youll see that pinning the corner is a no-no. In fact, pinning ANY part of the lid isnt something I like. I do, however, pin the preorbital gland. Try crowding the eye skin toward the eye. Oh yes, and I prefer the clay to be firm, not mushy. See, many good ways to achieve the ultimate goal.