Does anyone have any experience using these whitetail mannikins?
Also, I have a northern deer, and want to know if the face will fit right without any problems. I know the form can be altered to fit a larger, and wider face deer, but why should one bother if there is a better fitting form out there. I had a Reinhart form that I sent back because the head and neck area, and the whole form for that matter, was way to small for a big northern deer. I don't understand why the measurements are good but the form doesn't fit these big deer right.
Any help on this company or a better choice for me would be helpful.
Thanks
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You should try the Competitors Choice Whitetails sold thru Matuska Taxidermy, you will not be disapointed. Thy are probably the best on the market.
Personally, I've never had a single deer not fit a manikin that was sized to fit the skin. That's why the use of hide paste is imperative. Skin can be taxiied and "packed" to fit a form regardless of who makes them. Personally, I think the "best" are made by McKenzie, but I know what opinions compare to. Revolutions makes a manikin with their own "gimmick" of special eyes not needing to be clayed. Personally, I like claying my own, even though I'm not very good at it. I don't like the "wings" of the front legs hanging down, but there again, that's MY opinion.
Have you ever tried a C.Choice mannikin? I have tried McKenzies and like the C.Choice much better.
are the best I have used and I've used just about everything on the market. The problem you'll have with the McKenzie forms is that they are sculpted from southern deer. The muzzles,even on larger forms are too slender and never look right with big northern deer. I had this problem and tried Hilton's and was amazed with the fit. I assure you, you will like his forms, just try one. Heck, he's a great guy to work with, he'll probably send you one to try.
I live and hunt in Illinois and those "tiny" forms always seem to fit pretty darn good for me.I guess our "tiny" Illinois deer must be real close to all those "soutern" deer.
makes the best for the monster northern Illinois deer I mount.
have used revolution forms , they make a very nice looking mount. as good as anyones, only wish they made more sizes.
Here in Southern NJ deer tend to be on the smaller side under 7" e-n and Revolution dont really have forms under that. But whenever I can I use their forms. Like George said, I do a fair job at best claying my eyes and their eyes make it easier and the mounts look great. But I use McKenzie if I cant get one of theirs to fit.
by Matuska, but sometimes a customer wants a certain pose that they don't carry, so I'll get one from a different supplier. I've posted before, and I say as long as the customer gets what he or she oders, they are happy.
Bill