Well, now I've done it. I have just proven that "piss poor planning = piss poor performance". I decided to do my first squirrel just to have one hanging on the wall in my shop. For some reason, which at this point I can't seem to recall, I case skinned this squirrel. I browsed through a catalogue and picked a nice mannikin which just happend to be climbing down a tree with a right turn. I finished tanning the skin and sewed up the numerous belly cuts from skinning the little varmint. I even some how managed to invert the legs. I excitedely set my bubble eyes, thinking to myself what a good job I was doing. So then I decide to test fit the thing....How in the world am I gonna get and little body over those two legs sticking out?
I know someone is gonna tell me to cut the mannikin legs off and reattach them later. How would I go about that after the legs are in the skin 7 inches from the hole in the squirrels hind end.... Any help would be appreciated.
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I case skin 99% of the squirrels I do because there's no seam to hide. You wedge cut those front legs off the manikin, install them and then push the body up through the middle. I don't even glue mine most of the time as I take long black japan pins and secure the legs, cut the pins off and push the "head" into the hide. Once the hide dries, you'll never see the gap anyway.
You could always make the ventral cut ( along the belly ) , mount that little critter , and sew him up . Will just be some more sewing to close the case cut . Good luck to ya , It ain't a bad mistake ! Bradlee
That is a good one ! I will try that with my next squirrel . I have one ready to go in the freezer right now and will give this a go . Thanks , Bradlee
Advice taken. Didn't really understand how to repair the cut off mannikin leg after skin was in place. And I let the sarcastic title bounce right off ( i grew up with 4 older brothers and spent 8 years in the U.S. Army, I can take it). I have read enough of your posts to appreciate your advice with whatever else comes with it. I'm sure you'll see another of my silly questions in the future. Thanks.
I'm glad you didn't, but I couldn't resist. Hope it works for you.