I am going to attempt my first rattle snake. My question is when I order a open mouth form do I really need a mouth insert with it or can the open mouth form look as good without the insert. Also any advice on mounting the insert that might be helpful?
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If you really want to mount a coiled rattlesnake with it's mouth open (which BTW never happens), then I would recommend taking the dead rattlesnake and hold it behind the head making the mouth open, dip the head (open mouth) into a cup of alginate. And then pour bondo into the molded openmouth head. You will have an accurate head and an accurate mouth.
* The only time that you will probably see a rattlesnake with it's mouth open is when it is striking (not in a coiled position) it's prey from a coiled position with the upper third to half of it's body EXTENDED towards the target. Rattlesnakes DO NOT sit in a coiled position with an open mouth. *
Cheers.
:)
Kerby...
Also you will see a snake open it's mouth after feeding, trying to realign the bottom jaws.
Kerby...