Submitted by Bill Boyd on 3/31/99. ( northfur@means.net )
Just mounted a coyote and used reinforced bondo on ears without earliners. The problem is, one ear didn't get enough bondo in the tip or it wasn't split completely out. Ear tip is slightly curling in, about a 1/4". At this point, is there anything that can be done to rectify this? The ear is currently carded and I'm hoping for the best. Thanks for any suggestions.
This response submitted by B.S.RHEA on 3/31/99. ( )
Just keep it carded for about 2 weeks and it should dry straight and stay that way.I know a guy who mounts bobcats without useing any thing in them ,he just cards them and lets them dry.Although they would never pass in competetion they realy look fine for a commercial mount.
This response submitted by Rob on 3/31/99. ( )
Bill keep the ears carded untill dry is your best bet.In the future just make sure they are split all the way to and even past the edges to simplify your problem.I'm glad B.S.Rhea named the person, who did't split ears , a guy instead of a taxidermist.He would not be considered a taxidermist in my area.I have never viewed any QUALITY mount that didn't have the ears split and lined with something, even squirrel size game.The ears must be split on bobcat size game and up to allow for a lining as well as to get tanning or preservatives into this area for a long lasting mount.I would highly recommend to all beginners to split those ears on any customer,personal,or compt. mount.This is another stepping stone for quality taxidermy, don't take short cuts.
This response submitted by Dave B. on 3/31/99. ( dbart10@osagecon.missouri.org )
Bill, I know its pretty tuff to skin those ears sometimes, if I fall short
I like to brush liqui-soft on the ear edges, it seems to keep the edges
straight. If you have to much not split I would card and oil.
This response submitted by John C on 4/4/99. ( )
Ok take a small syringe shoot some water into the tip and it should seperate the skin and cartlidge. You may have to work it. Then shoot some 5 minute epoxy into it. Hard work will fix it. John C