I know that modern taxidermy uses plastic forms and the actual skin and hair of the animal but what about the teeth and jaws?

Specifically on a mount of a bear or boar, I know that when the mount is done I will still have the actual skull but will the jaws and teeth/tusks/ be with the skull or in the mount?

Stupid question, I had to ask though.


Thanks, Rob

The skulls are not used and rarely are the teeth. A real good taxidermist will use replica teeth/fangs and you will not know the difference. The originals will crack and yellow the time.

So I can have a skull mount and a full mount?

Thanks Dogcat.

Yes you can!!! Aint life grand!!! I always think thats one of the free rides in life.

the chef

Here in Australia I mention the word...'replica jawset' and hunters go elsewhere.
This is only for boars.
I can explain the reasons why i prefer too use and why they 'should' use jawsets till i'm blue in the face but in the end the hunter will go elsewhere and i loose income.
IMHO, you can pick the difference.

I now charge more to use the real jaw & tusks on boars.

I dont think it makes me a bad taxidermist because i do as i am asked. (and paid for)

Shehuntz is right on target, use repro tusks/teeth cause they will last longer. But if the client wants the real tusk charge extra, I charge $100.00 as I have to maserate the skull, pull the tusks with epoxy, alter the jawset etc to make it work for them.

Hugh