I sent in a mesage a few days a go and got a few responses, but I need help or advice on a full body elk mount I am doing. I have done a few deer and a mountain goat. I was just wondering if anyone has done full body elk before if you could leave an e-mail or phone number to call to ask some questions on the process. Any advice will help, I am always trying to better my work. I have only been in the taxidermy industry for 4 years now so I would like to here some peoples opinions on how to complete. This will be going into a sportman's warehouse in utah so I want it to look absolutely amazing. Thanks for your help.
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I mount a lot of lifesize including bears, all kinds of sheep, deer, and african, but not any elk yet. I know when I am preparing to do say a lifesize whitetail, I lay out a "schedual" the day before. This way everythings in order for the next day. All your prep work better be in order for a project like that. I hope you are going to have some help getting that cape on the form. As far as the schedual, this always helps me out. That way you can move right along on the mount. Sorry really can't help you as far as good tricks for a l/s elk.
Well the first thing is... maybe working in the schools is where you ought to stay since this is your first lifesize elk mount... just kidding... but the k-12 in your email address gave it away... let the professor of taxidermy educate you... I don't want to sound too much like George, but get ready because class is in session... 1. Keep your stitches very close on your hind legs. 2. Allow yourself three days minimum for stitching, don't get in a hurry to see the end result. 3. Make sure you reference sack size. (I know it sounds odd, but that is one of the most over-looked ares when doing a life sized mount) 4. There can never be too much detail, such as muscle sculpting, carding, and solid adhesion is a must. 5. Make sure you reference each angle and you can not have enough pictures to determine the best way it should look. 6. Deciferring reference casts and natural poses are the ticket to making the elk look as natural and lifelike as possible. 7. Remember one thing... God may have made an elk in a day or for that matter a few seconds but it will take you about 2-3 weeks to try and re-create it. You can NEVER under use reference material. I wish you the best of luck in your mount. and one final thought.... Sportsmans Warehouse is no Cabela's. Just kidding again. If you have any more questions feel free to give me a call. (402)463-0594
Sincerely,
Die Hard George Fan, keep one foot in front of the other... brother,
Mike