Fur slipping what would you do

Same thing's happening to me just today- took a fox skin out of the tanning solution, tried fitting it on the form, and I look at my hands and they are covered in hair from the legs. No bald spots as bad as that though but still really really annoying lol. The rest of the body, well maybe save the mask, is fine (for now :-\)

 

Ralph, Depending on position, I would probably just Apoxy, texture and airbrush. Then camouflage with a little habitat. Like just a little grass or weed leaf in front of it. Coner44, what do you mean, out of the tanning solution?

 

If you are set on using the hide and can repair it with no issues, I wouldn't say anything to the customer. Why draw attention to the area because you know that's where he's going to look first. Its all part of the job no different then fixing rage broad head damage or slug holes or capes that are cut wrong. Others here will show customer and charge extra for the repair, but you better make sure its perfect.

 

Hi Brian, bought a 'tanning kit' from Snowdonia Taxidermy in Wales UK, It is a solution rather than a cream.

 

Don't know the product or process. Paul makes a very strong point about not directing clients to flaws. They will be sure to point them out to all their friends.

 

If you can repair it so it's not noticeable simply do so. If it's unmountable then you have no choice. I screwed up on a Cougar once on mouth position. I promised to fix it and when the customer came back she loved it. Then I showed her a photo of it after I cut it's head off. She freaked! She calmed down pretty quick and we had a laugh.

 

I wouldn't mention it. Sure, it might be "sneaky" to some or dishonest to others, but fixing damage is part of taxidermy and it's clear that you're not just going to throw your hands up and say "nothing I can do, it was like that when I got it". People will freak out no matter what and blame everything under the sun on you anyways when it comes to their mishandling of animals prior to skinning. :-\

 

I had a bear rug to do for a guy who killed it in Canada and drove it home to new Jersey. I seen no issues when preparing for the tannery. I sent to the tannery and months later got a call about the hair slippage on the face of the bear.
I called my client and explained and he was pretty angry. He blamed me and the tannery and said he paid my high prices to avoid these issues. I told him I would refund him all his deposit, I would remove the face from the eyes foward and rug it flat like a zebra would be done . I told him to come see it when it's done and he can either pay me for my labor or leave it with me and I will hang it for display. He agreed. Once he seen it we had a nice talk, he paid, and I believe he will use me again because I handled the situation the right way. I could have transplanted the face and never said anything but I would be angry if someone did that to me so I felt I should never do that to a client. All is well that ends well.
Honesty is the best policy.

 

I don't know if there is 1 on the market but someone should develop a small booklet containing photos that you can give your client explaining all the problems that can occur in the process of mounting their trophy this might soften the blow back on you guys.
what do you think?

 

Sounds like a great idea

 

Patch the foot and transplant new ears?
Here's a patch I did on an August cape

 

I would have fixed it. It just feels like fixing it is part of the job in mounting it.

Are there any tutorials or information on how to fix flipped fur? Or what to do to stop it once you've noticed it?

 

To me it is kind of like a Dr preforming surgery. As long as everything comes out fine in the end and there is no chance of future issues, why should the customer be told of any issues that occurred during the process. Some things are better left unsaid. I know there are certain things that I don't want to know and I am better off for that.

 

question is how would that be fixed? I get coons caught in snares that mess up their wrist kinda like that. I try to close the gap between hair best I can without cutting the skin. Its not slipping but the same bald spot. I really would like to know the best way to repair that

 

repairs of any kind are up to and at the discretion of the taxidermist. Theres no reason to ask the customers permission to make needed repairs.

 

rbear,

Your in a difficult situation. Like you I would have been torn between bringing it to the customers attention or just fixing it and moving on.

Sometimes things like this happen where you can't come up with a reasonable explanation as to why. Maybe the hunter spilled something on the coyote? Maybe something got on that area while in the back of his truck? Possibly the coyote had an infection beginning (mange) that wasn't noticeable.


I had a customer bring me 2 Elk that he wanted mounted. Frozen in huge balls. One from Saskatchewan and one local WA Bull. The local WA Bull ended up slipping, epidermis and hair. In one spot only. Right down the center of the back about 12"-16" long and 4-5" Wide. This cape was split all the way down the back (normal here). The slip was half on one side and half on the other. No hair issues any where else.