Hello, I'm 16 and I'm thinking about becoming a taxidermist in the future. I'm going to mount a Red Squirrel in a week or so. It will be my first mount. I'm going to use a kit from Van Dyke's it comes with instructions. But I would like to know if anyone could give me a few pointers on getting the best results that will give the fur it's best quality. I hope it don't turn out looking like a rag or something.
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Follow the video that comes with the kit, it will also come with a phone number to call when you get stuck, the guys that put the kit together are taxidermist, and they will help you over the phone faster than we can type out word pictures. Good luck and follow through all of the way to the end of you're project. And welcome to taxidermy.
Cant follow the video, Van Dykes kit doesnt come with a video. but they do have pretty good instructions.
The squirrel was the first specimen I chose to mount. HOLY *&^%! It ISNT easy. Here is what I learned #1- Make sure the measurements are correct. A 1/2 inch under is fine. #2- Take you time! The squirrel WILL get damaged if you are careless or, like me, pull the tail with to much force! #3- The 'structions Van Dyke's gave me suck serious *&@! Not enough detail! It says pulll the tail until it comes out. In some way, that has to be blasphemy! After the tail ripped a third time, I cut the head off of the mannikin and mounted the head. Wanna see it? Look in the next post!
Jake
http://www.geocities.com/taxidermistjake/Plaque.jpg
crappy, huh. First squirrel. story i wont forget. godd luck
Jake that is funny ! My first was a squirrel also and I had to learn how to replace a torn off tail . The instructions were very frustrating . I finaly did manage to finish mine when I walked nextdoor to my neighbor the taxidermist house for help . Bradlee
the closest taxidermist to me was 45 min away!lol! But this summer, i do plan to get some work in and schooling!
Go to your local library, that is how I got started.
they should have a few books with lots of detail. I still use them today from time to time.
hope you can find some.