im just wondering if anyone leaves the toe bones in on lifesize mounts? mainly coyotes and smaller mammals? advantages and disadvantages?
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I leave toe bones attached on the smaller mammal,marten-sized and smaller.It helps shape them and puts the joints in the right places.This doesn't mean that you don't have to skin the toes-you do.Each toe has to be skinned right down to the claw,as usual,it's just that you are leaving the toe bones attached instead of removing them.I use latex caulk instead of clay on these smaller mammals and you have to pump it down in the toes to fill them out.It can go a little quicker than claying 20 toes.A guy can do an equally good job removing the bones too and claying the toes,a guy could also botch the bones in method too.I find it to be a little faster for me.I think if a person likes one method over another,he'll probably get better results with it.Try both and see wich you like.Just remember,you have to skin those toes down to the claw either way.