I am going to be mounting my first gray fox. I already have it tanned and shaved. I took the measurements at 2 1/4" Nose to Eye - 12 1/2" Girth - And 27" Nose to Base of Tail. I am looking at McKenzie's - Front Feet up as on stump form. But they only list one size 2 1/4" x 12 1/2" x 23 3/4". Is this hide going to fit this form OK or will I have to much slack in the length? This is my first year in taxidermy and still in the learning process. Thanks to all in advance.
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I would probably extend your manikin some. That might be too much slack in the skin for you. One thing I always do on my l/s is to make relief cuts on the back of the front shoulders and in front of the hind quarters, that way you can tuck some excess skin and define both the front shoulders and the hind quarters alittle. You have just over 3 inches though and in my oppinion, I would extend my form length. Extend your mid section and shape and make your relief cuts and you'll be fine. Hope this helps and enjoy.
Matt
www.wildlifebydesign.net
I always discourage lengthening any small game form. They tend to look like weenies if you do. Just set your anatomical markers in the correct place and mount. Taxi the hide and "pack" it so that the wrinkles are gone. This will make the pellage look even thicker and with a prime grey, it will simply enhance the appearance.
There is a tendancy for mammals to "stretch" in length and lose girth through the tanning process. Before ordering the form, be sure you stretched it out good and rough for width. You may find that the 3" in length was eaten up through the stretching process. I know I made this mistake on bears in the past.
Hugh