measuring a skin without the carcase?

Submitted by John Wetselaar on 12/26/2003. ( baxterisasweety@aol.com ) 64.12.96.203

Hi could anyone help me with this.I am new to taxidermy and I have a few coon skins but no carcase to take the measurments so I can order a forms.What is the best way to do this.Also I would like to buy some skins but will run into the same problem.Hope you could help.John

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measuring skins without carcase

This response submitted by Aaron Honeycutt on 12/26/2003. ( mhoneyATmindspring.com ) 207.69.4.185

John, If you have no body I would say tan the skin first, stretch it width ways mostly and take a width measurement. Then lay skin out in a "side profile" positioned sort of the way you intend to mount it. Take a CONSERVATIVE nose to base of tail measurement. Don't try to make him bigger than he was. Mounting a bit smaller is much easier and gives a prettier mount so pick a form first by the length measurement and go a bit smaller on the girth. Now, if you are doing DP and measuring a green skin be very careful not to stretch excessivly- and good luck. Enjoy, Aaron H.


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