Why Didn't I Think of That, Al?
Tips & Time-Saving Techniques by Al Holmes

When you go fishing cut fins and tail off of the fish you catch. Spread and dry preserve them and let dry. These fins will make fine replacements for your customer's fish with broken or missing fins.

Always spray your studio for bugs and insects. Use a good bug spray such as Hotshot or Black Flag, which can be purchased, in aerosol cans. Spray at least once every 60 days. Spraying at night can give you dead bugs in the morning.

If you have ears that are "drumming" on deer, elk, or small and large mammals, inject Superglue into the drumming area and squeeze the skin back into place against the earliner. Works every time.

A tip for females with acrylic fingernails: If you break a nail and find that you are out of glue, just go to the shop and use Zap A Gap! It works great until you can get to the nail salon. Thanks to Cindy Crain for this tip.

Hot soapy water will add stretch to your tanned skins such as deer, elk, bear, sheep, etc.

To remove blood stains, spray SHOUT stain remover. Let skin soak a few minutes, then rinse. Thanks to James Edgar for this tip.

If you use real teeth in wild boar, bear and large mammals, paint them with epoxy glue. This dries clear and gives the teeth a natural shine and will keep the teeth from cracking and chipping with age.

Good "rustic panels" can be found on old barns and farmhouses that are not in use anymore. These weather worn planks are perfect for fish, ducks, pheasants and small mammals. Best of all, most of time there is no cost for them.

Any taxidermist who is all wrapped up in his or herself, makes a very small package.

When tagging migratory birds always put a migratory bird tag on the specimen feet before you place it in the freezer. Then tag the bag with a regular tag. Always write the migratory bird in your Federal Migratory Bird book. Never take in or mount a migratory bird unless you have a federal migratory bird permit. If you want to mount ducks or other migratory birds and do not have a permit, call your federal agent in your area and they will tell you how to obtain one. THIS IS A MUST IF YOU MOUNT WATERFOWL.

For an easy base, cover your wood base of foam base with white glue or spray glue. Sprinkle sand onto the glue, spray sand with hairspray and it will stay. Spray base with desired color.

To keep from getting feathers or hair in the knot when tying it off, push a piece of paper over the needle and draw it down to the skin. Tie knot tightly over the paper, cut thread, and you have a perfect knot. Push square piece of paper over tail wires, and anywhere you have exposed wires before cutting wire off and you will not cut any hair or feathers off of specimen.

Keep your supply of wood wool and excelsior in a cool, dry place with a lot of ventilation. Don't keep this material in an airtight box; it could start a fire by spontaneous combustion. Keep old paint rags and excelsior away from heat and flames, and do not smoke around these items. Always watch out for fire hazards in your shop and studio.

A taxidermist who complains the most is the one who does the least amount of work.

Don't wire a dead game mount such as ducks, geese, pheasants, turkeys, etc., to a panel or driftwood. Hang them by their feet so they will dry naturally.. Use rawhide and hang them to a nail, peg, or limb on driftwood.

Keep definite shop and studio hours. Post your hours on the door and don't take callers after hours. Your customers will soon know your hours and respect them. Remember, you must have time for yourself and your family. After hours should be by appointment only.

To make your customer's fish "look bigger" put them on a small panel rather than a large one. You can also use a narrow piece of driftwood rather than a large, wide piece. Put the fish in an action pose.

When sharpening a fleshing machine blade, squirt some WD-40 on the blade prior to using the steel. This will prolong the life of the blade. If you are drawing sparks from the blade you are wearing it out. Thanks to Bill Haynes for this tip.

This is the best tip I can give to any taxidermist or hobbyist: the greatest thing I ever did was joining the National Taxidermists Association and the second best thing I did was to participate and do things for othersÉso get your friends to join the NTA.

It has been said over and over "a nation divided against itself cannot stand." So it is with us as taxidermists. We must stand together for our profession to survive. I hope all state associations and their members will become 100% affiliated with the NTA.

Send your tips to: Al Holmes, 1723 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka, AL 36093 or FAX: (334) 567-7966 or email: eholmes30@excite.com