Which do you prefer and why? I have a full strut mount being done with an artificial head (champion? is that a brand name?) but I talked to another local taxidermist who goes the freeze dried route. Do you lose some of the 'fleshiness' (or wrinkles, whatever you want to call it) with freeze drying? I love the fact that it's the real thing and it has the tiny hairs, etc., but do they look as good?
Thanks
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"When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call the police. But then I got curious about it. I picked it up, and started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns." --- Jack Handy
id think theyd paint them just like a fish.....all depends on the taxidermist....and his/her abilities id think........i personally dont like turkey mounts because of the heads.....i havent saw a ton in real life.....but ive seen a few mounts from a few diffrent guys.....and saw many pics on the net of turkeys......and i just dont like the heads...they look too fake.......if i drop that kinda cash on something i want it to look like a real turkey!...but im sure there are some guys that can do it right........
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>>----Give 'em the shaft!--->
I use to make my own heads from a mold I made from a real turkey.I wouls pour latex into the mould.it would pull out some of the hairs.
That is what makes them look real.they are fexiable and have the small feathers and hairs stuck into them. you could only use a mold for two or three heads and then throw that one out and make another.
I learned this from Mr. Bailes..he has a great book and you can call and talk to him for problems.
freeze dried have always looked fake to me. the molds you buy are poured one after another.looks fake also.
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I am not a hunter ; I am a whitetail population reduction specialest
remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.
How come more taxidermists don't do that, Tree Climber? I would think it wouldn't cost that much. Besides, don't you generally have to paint the heads anyway, whether you get freeze dried or artificial? It doesn't seem like it would be *that* much more work. Even so, I would think the time factor would be a big plus, considering it takes 8 months or so to get freeze dried heads back. (according to the taxidermist I talked to.) It sounds like with your method, you can get to work on the head right away.
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"When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call the police. But then I got curious about it. I picked it up, and started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns." --- Jack Handy
Gotta love Van Dykes - they're out of South Dakota.
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"When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call the police. But then I got curious about it. I picked it up, and started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns." --- Jack Handy
your right CJ ; it only takes a few hrs. to make a mould from start to finish.then you pour the latex and let set overnight.pour out the exces,let dry for a couple days. then paint and your ready to go.
I will try to remember to get the book I have from mr. bailes and post the info. for those that want to give it a try.only a few $$$$ for the plaster and a few more for the latex and eys. thats a lot cheaper than $65.00 and up.
JMHO. besides it is fun to make your own.
and they have the little hairs and feathers on them like a live bird.thats what I like about it.
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I am not a hunter ; I am a whitetail population reduction specialest
remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.
That gobbler head does look hard to beat, btw. Very impressive. Hope the one my taxidermist plans to use looks that good.
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"When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call the police. But then I got curious about it. I picked it up, and started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns." --- Jack Handy
Actually, in looking through their website, I think I might like this one even better.
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"When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call the police. But then I got curious about it. I picked it up, and started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns." --- Jack Handy
turkey heads - freeze dried vs artificial
