Just completed a short taxidermy course. I'll post some pics tomorrow for a critique

Now its still drying but I reckon it looks pretty good- This was the spiker I took with my son. As I wanted to do the course I thought I'd cape it out and mount it instead of using a supplied fallow cape. Although small (it was tasty) and had some meaning to me as it was a hunt with my son.

On the ground

As there is no spiker for forms we used a heavily modified coues deer form



We added the preobital glands/pits, shaved down the neck and shoulders and nose a bit

Being sewn up

Because the pedicle bones are so small the nails used normally got in the way while stitching so we wrapped them and zip tied them to keep them in place.


On the wall drying

I still have some tweaking to do and finishing off with paint etc in about two weeks or so


What do you think...be gentle

Excellent first mount.

I started to type a critique with a couple of gentle stabs and then thought stow it as any taxidermy effort from me would be a major fail.

I know of quite a few fellas that are now major contributors to the mounting game in Vic especially. They started just like you did Bakesy and are now full time pro`s. There is life after the military.

Not even thinking of a career after I retire mate. I don't like people enough to deal with them

Bakes is on record as stating he wanted to mount a pig so anything is possible...

Well done , not something I have ever thought of doing

Pretty good! Seen worse from some "professionals".

Thanks gents. I'll post some pics when its finished.

Mighty good start Bakes.

Is this your first stab at it?

George

Yes mate. Been wanting to start for years but didn't have the confidence. Found a local guy that did courses and just had to find the time.

Your deer is a ripper.
I think this bloke used the wrong skull.

Nah....ears are wrong

Odocoileus Vampiris. Now that would be a hunting adventure.

Wow, that is great work for your first attempt!

Thanks mate. It was a lot of fun