Taxidermy Question

[bigbullhunter]

Ok here is a question for you taxidermists out there. I recently decided to try my hand at mounting animals my first pick was some mule deer sheds that I picked up in 2003 so far so good. well I got the skull cap ready and the cape is still being tanned. My question is how do I set the eyes properly. I ordered a kit from VanDykes taxidermy that says to use potters clay that came in the kit. well I used the small amount they sent and the eyes just wont stay in how do you get these things to stay in place? I am really thinking about ordering some synchron eyes from vandykes just so i can avoid the potters clay issue but still am wondering how do I get them to stay in place.

your 2 cents are appreciated as well as helpful tips I will post pics of my mount when finished

BBH

 

[ButcherBoy]

I personaily wouldn't order anything from VanDykes. I would contact someone at McKenzie Taxidermy Supply (1-800-279-7985) or Research Mannikins (1-800-826-0654) and ask for a master catalog. After you get the catalog you can look for instuctional tapes or dvds for just about anything you want to mount. No one can explain as good as being able to SEE it for yourself. The peolpe can also answer any questions you might have. Do youself a favor and throw away the stuff from VanDykes, it's hard to have a mount turn out good when useing their product.

P.S. You shouldn't be putting the eye's on the form until you have the cape back from the tannery and are ready to mount it. Hope this helps and good luck.

Tony

 

[boneaddict]

Hi BBH-
First of all, the above information is good. I use RM mostly, and some from Mckenzie. Both very good companies. The next thing is that Tony is correct. You want to put the eyes in right before you put the cape on. You might look for critter clay instead of potters clay. Less drying and cracking. Most forms that are out there now are set for eyes. I wad a circle of clay up and set the eyes in the slots. there are numerous gimmicks or gadgets that help you set the eyes straight. I go by my own vision on wether it looks right or not. It helps to know your animal. Then you will roll a small piece of clay and put it below the eye and another above the eye. You'll then want to build the eyebrows and where you will create the eye lid. You end up tucking the membrane all around the eye and shape to desired form. You don't tweak with it much now, let it set for about 24 hours then tweak to perfection. This is a very complicated procedure, or one that can't be illustrated well here. There are numerous books out there ont hesubject and I recommend you get one. I learned by practice and have a long ways to go.
Good luck! This is a fun hobby

 

[deerbedead]

Amen brothers.
McKenzie all the way. Their eye sockets are set at the correct angle from the factory.
The only thing I would order from Van Dykes is..... I can't think of anything right now.
Good luck on the mount. Save it for a year or two so you can see how bad it looks after you have done a few and learned the ropes.
Travis

 

[TrohChse]

Got another question for you guys who have been at it for awhile. Which set of taxidermist instructional videos, is the best to learn the basics, for deer and elk? Does Bill Lancaster have a set of instructional tapes?

 

[boneaddict]

Elzner gives good instruction, though the quality ofthe tape isn't very good. Dan Chase who I'm not sure if in business still, offered alot of good tapes. Bill Lancaster is defineatly a master, but I haven't seen any of his tapes if he has them out there.