What Did You Wish You Knew... ?

So I've been lurking on and off here for about 15 years. I used to do quite a bit of high-realism wildlife art, and I've been trapping for about that long too (and hunting longer) so people keep bugging me that I should try doing some taxidermy as I've got a good eye for detail. I've always been interested, but never had the time/space to do it. Moved to a large ol' farm house 3 years ago so I've finally got the room to dive into it. I'm not looking for full time or anything, just would like to dabble with doing our own and some friend's here and there. Soon as we moved here I said that soon as I get a buck that isn't really huge enough to pay for a professional mount, but good enough to want to try and do something with, I'd try it.

And, since I now have this guy hanging in the barn.... here goes!



Beyond the tutorials and such, what are some tips or tidbits that you guys can offer that you wish you had known from day 1? Like is there a particular kit that's more user friendly, or particularly slick to use, or maybe ones to avoid? Maybe a certain type of eye just looks wayyyy better? Or a random tool that is a lifesaver? Is there a certain pose that looks amazing but is actually easier to do than the rest?

I'm just tossing out random ideas there... but like with anything, I always find there are little things like "Man, if I'd only know that XYZ existed from day 1, it would have been soo much easier/look way better etc"

Thanks in advance!

 

Awesome, thanks for that info! I'll have to add the DVD to my order then for sure. I was actually debating about a stout ruffer after watching it on a few other vids, so I'll probably add that too. I think I'll skip on the air brush - for now. I'm pretty handy with a brush so I'll see if I can make due for the first one. Beam, needles, fleshing etc I have from doing trapping so I think I'm set that way.

For this first one, I was thinking of going with one of the mounting kits on the market. I figured it would be a cheaper way of getting started with it (clay, hide paste etc) all in one package. If I get through this mount and still want to do more than I'll buy things separately afterwards. Would that make sense, or are the kits not very good? I've tanned a bear hide on my own years ago, so I know what I'm getting into with that side of things at least.

Thanks for the help!