OK Mike, We've started the aardvark alterations.What we are going to do is situate him eating ants out of a rotten stump.So we turned his head down and tillted it slightly out and turned his nose up and mouth slightly open to show him feeding. then we will add a big long sticky tounge lapping up all those delish little ants.Will post some end photos ASAP...after I make anew back drop
stock form;
Alterations on size and turn;
Posts: 215 | Location: colyfornnia | Registered: 13 July 2009
Ok, it continues.We had to fabricate a toungue because for some reason the suppliers donnot make an Aardvark toungue. Useing bondo and clay we ceated a mold.
Then a little color to 100% silocon and Poof...toungue
Then we posed some large Army ants and put it all together...Yummmm Ants
Posts: 215 | Location: colyfornnia | Registered: 13 July 2009
I was surprised to see this posted. I didnt know Anthony was ready to do that. This is the first time I have seen the finished mount. I like it! It will certainly be a conversation piece and not something you see in most trophy rooms. Thanks Anthony.
Happiness is a warm gun
Posts: 4106 | Location: USA | Registered: 06 March 2002
Well, I was going to shoulder mount my ants, but now having seen this I will have to go with the full body mounts.
Seriously, that is very cool.
Paul Smith SCI Life Member NRA Life Member DSC Member Life Member of the "I Can't Wait to Get Back to Africa" Club DRSS I had the privilege to fire E. Hemingway's WR .577NE, E. Keith's WR .470NE, & F. Jamieson's WJJ .500 Jeffery I strongly recommend avoidance of "The Zambezi Safari & Travel Co., Ltd." and "Pisces Sportfishing-Cabo San Lucas"
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Posts: 2545 | Location: The 'Ham | Registered: 25 May 2007
Wow, that's certainly a much more lifelike and beautiful mount than the two I've seen in South Africa. Those looked like over inflated balloons. This one is great.
"Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult."
Posts: 1313 | Location: The People's Republic of Maryland, USA | Registered: 05 August 2006
That IS a fine mount. Must admit I wouldn't feel a need to bag one of these critters; they're just such cool dudes and they eat ants. Saw one at night in Namibia. Not judging, just saying.
There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t. – John Green, author
Posts: 16744 | Location: Las Cruces, NM | Registered: 03 June 2000
Thanx Guys, the hard part was carving the little ant bodies out of foam and then sewing the ventral incision on each one No really, we soaked the ants in formaldahyde and then posisioned them, then a clear coat dry. A magor pain in the Arse.
Posts: 215 | Location: colyfornnia | Registered: 13 July 2009
God dont give anyone any ideas! They are cool animals. the aardwolf was a fluke, took him at about 1 in the afternoon. I had never even seen one before but knew I waned him as soon as I saw him. The aardvark was actively hunted for. sucker was tearing up the road and also leaving some nasty holes in the runway. Even at that it was still a target of opportunity taken right at last light. Aardvark is good eating I might add, very similar in taste to pork. Anthony did a great job once again and these guys will look awesome in my trophy room.
Happiness is a warm gun
Posts: 4106 | Location: USA | Registered: 06 March 2002
Thanks Annie. Yes I am looking forward to them but I am not so sure about my other half. I either need to add on or get a new house. Anyway, Anthony does great work and we bounce ideas off each other. He is a good friend as well as a great artist.
Happiness is a warm gun
Posts: 4106 | Location: USA | Registered: 06 March 2002
Very cool stuff. 'Hope you'll post some trophy room pics when they're home. Be sure and include the look on your wife's face when you first place them. That's always a hoot.
Posts: 1278 | Location: Texas Hill Country | Registered: 31 May 2007