I just picked up my bear rug from my taxidermist. I was very disappointed when I saw that the ears were laid back not up and alert like they were supposed to be. I would like to know if this can be repaired or am I stuck looking at this thing for life. This taxidermist sends all his work out to be tanned so it's not just dry preserved. Any help you guys can give me is appreciated, I want to have my ducks in a row when I talk to this guy and I don't sound totally ignorant about the topic. Thanks again.
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First, did you specify that you wanted the ears up and did you see a sample of the work when you took the bear to the taxidermist?
Many years ago I did my bear rugs with the ears up, too. I can't tell you how many times I have done repairs on bear rugs for broken ears. In every case(they weren't all my rugs) the ears were up. I changed years ago to a ears back rug and haven't had a problem since. The ears back position is also mosre consistant with the open mouth(snarling) bear that everyone seems to want. If you ever put the rug on the floor I can almost guarantee that you will get a broken ear if they are sticking up. Unless you clearly specified the "ears up", your taxidermist was probably doing what he felt was best.
Craig, would someone see an aggresive looking, snarling, open mouth bear with his ears standing up? Don't you think that a mad bear would have his ears laid back?Just a thought.
Craig, would someone see an aggresive looking, snarling, open mouth bear with his ears standing up? Don't you think that a mad bear would have his ears laid back?Just a thought.
Craig, I certainly think that a customer should have what he wants but it needs to be made clear before the work is done. I have to say that if someone came to me and wanted me to do a rug with the ears up I would advise against it for the same reasons already mentioned. The ear-up position is quite natural for a relaxed or a currious bear but when the mouth opens in a snarl you will NEVER see the ears full up. Some things need to be left up to the taxidermist to assure accuracy. Best wishes, Aaron H.
When any animal, your dog, cats, horses, cats etc are. snarling they lay the ears down.
So what you wanted the taxidermist is go against the laws of nature and risk thier reputation for knowing about animals, Right?
I haave done what you ask, but would you sign a disclaimer stating that you requested the rug to be done wrong? Admitting the lack of knowledge of wildlife falls on your shoulders not the taxidermist?
That falls right in line with a customer wanting a bass mouth cranked down "To paralyze it." That does nothing to the nerves, it cuts the arota flow to the gills off and suffocates the bass. I will not do a bass that way either.