i like to use the bonded ear method. often on my deer, coyote, and fox i either dont get the ears turned all the way or am not working the bondo to the edges. i card the ears while the mount is drying and in the end they are hard and look just fine. my question is: will the ears hold up like this long term? i would hate to send a mount to a customer and have ears crinkle up in a few years.
thanks,
gary
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If you are not getting the ear turned to the edge or getting bondo all the way to the edge, there is nothing to support the skin. It will dry straight while carded, but then humidity will take it toll and the skin will likely curl. The ears need to be completely turned. I don't know how long you have been at taxidermy, but the key to having a good mount is starting with a properly turned and tanned hide.
Bruce
I agree with bruce! Better have them fully turned out to there edges, may look good now but later watch out! Not a fan of bonded ears but if your going to, be sure to add some fiberglass chop to your bondo. This is for extra strength to combat the ears inclination to curl over during temp or humidity changes. P.S some awful nice ear liners out there!
I have a sneaking suspiscion that you already KNOW the answer to this. No short cuts, just do it right. Glad to hear you didnt want the heads going out with the ears like that, now get them edges split!