Constructive Criticism Requested

Good evening everyone! I'm a long time big game hunter, and after getting into duck hunting last year, the mounts got expensive real quick. So I decided since I already had a Mallard Drake mounted by a pro, I was gonna give it a go on this one. I watched a few YouTube videos and perused the forums here, and across the internet, and got to it.

Don't worry, I have thick skin, so feel free to lay it on. I was aiming to have him looking left and down at algae or duckweed in the water (yet to be poured) from a peice of wood l had laying around.

I skinned & hand fleshed for what seemed like forever then washed in Dawn & hot water, I took advantage of the hot water and scrubbed the skin again with a wire brush to make sure all the fat was gone. After this was complete I changed the soapy water and washed again, and then washed in fresh soap water one more time. I rinsed in cold water until it was clear.

Then I tossed it in a box of sawdust and coated it and closed it up to shake the crap out of it. Then I dried with a shop vac on reverse. When it was dry I injected the feet with hot water to stretch em out.

I measured the body and neck to carve a peice of floral foam & foam tube. Using some wire in the garage I wired it up and assembled on the form. After stitching him up, I put him on the base cover in plastic and injected the feet with thinned epoxy until it set 3/4 of the way. Then I removed the plastic and pinned the feet into final position.

I groomed and pinned & carded everything, and now I am waiting for the feet to dry 100% so I can finish the base.

What do y'all think of my first mount? Be honest. I would like to know what I can do to make it look better and improve my technique. Remember, my skin is thick so be brutal.

Thanks everyone, and happy monday!!

 

I used Borax for preservative (the white box, Mule Team?). I knew I was forgetting somethin. I'll play with the wings a bit in the morning as I assume they will still be flexible. I noticed I have to play around with the "wrist" joint skin to get the bars in the wings to line up as well...

Thanks for the feed back!

 

Oh wow! I really see what you mean! Thanks for the clear photo... that looks spectacular. I'll def be manipulating mine around now

 

Something like this?

 

I toss a sprinkling of borax in as I mount it to help speed the drying process

 

Lucky me, RMI is right down the road and I had planned on getting some DVDs and even some books if they have a few good ones