Cape size and pose Continued

livbucks · 03-20-2006, 11:07 AM

This is the buck we talked about before. I was asking what size cape would be appropriate, but I now realize it was a silly question as I should just measure the original! I guess a 6.5 to 7 inch cape would do.
Remember I mentioned about the ears and how they distracted from the rack. You could probably see why now. Anyway, I want to emphasize the rack, not hide it. I asked before what kind of form would show them the best. My Dad shot this buck in 1972 and he wants me to use it for my first victim in learning taxidermy. The ears are dry and cracked pretty bad and the eyes and nose are not the best. I hope I can improve on it.

livbucks · 03-20-2006, 11:09 AM

Another

Piebalddoe · 03-20-2006, 12:16 PM

Measure the neck at the base of the ears and go around, that looks to be about a 15-17 inch neck. The measurements you have sound like the eye to nose measurements. good luck

Nina

Alex The Hawk · 03-20-2006, 12:54 PM

A semi sneak or offset shoulder would be Ideal and you can pose the ears back that way the antlers will show .
Tan the cape and you won't have those ugly yellow ears.
You can also spray paint the ears so they look white.

livbucks · 03-20-2006, 01:11 PM

Are you saying the guy used DP? My Dad said the thing stunk for awhile when he got it back, although I don't remember that.
Wanna see some cracking? Look in the red lines.

M.Magis · 03-20-2006, 01:58 PM

For a 30 year old mount, I honestly expected a lot worse. I've seen yellow ears from both tanned capes and DP'd capes. To me, they really need painted either way. I've heard of people tinting the glue to prevent painting, but I've yet to see an setof unpainted ears that looked natural, tanned or DP.I wouldn't worry too much about cape size. Your first mount is always an experiment anyways. They all mount up about the same, so just use what you can get. Just make sure you buy the appropriate sized mannikin.

livbucks · 03-20-2006, 07:15 PM

My Dad's other older heads have yellowed over the years. Can I airbrush the ears on those? What would clean the hair and brighten it? I surely don't want to end up buying capes for all his mule deer and elk and antelope too!

Alex The Hawk · 03-21-2006, 07:23 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: livbucks

Are you saying the guy used DP? My Dad said the thing stunk for awhile when he got it back, although I don't remember that.
Wanna see some cracking? Look in the red lines.

Yep that is DP mount

Alex The Hawk · 03-21-2006, 07:25 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: M.Magis

For a 30 year old mount, I honestly expected a lot worse. I've seen yellow ears from both tanned capes and DP'd capes. To me, they really need painted either way. I've heard of people tinting the glue to prevent painting, but I've yet to see an setof unpainted ears that looked natural, tanned or DP.I wouldn't worry too much about cape size. Your first mount is always an experiment anyways. They all mount up about the same, so just use what you can get. Just make sure you buy the appropriate sized mannikin.

Paint will stick better on a tan ear than dp, that is the reason for my comment

Alex The Hawk · 03-21-2006, 07:26 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: livbucks

My Dad's other older heads have yellowed over the years. Can I airbrush the ears on those? What would clean the hair and brighten it? I surely don't want to end up buying capes for all his mule deer and elk and antelope too!

Just clean them with acetone(Clear acetone)to remove any loose paint and oils and repaint with an airbrush.