Mounted tails.....

[rbduck]

It`s not really taxidermy so I am posting this here.
First off, I am not a taxidermist. A friend showed me this years a few ago. They are trophies too but not just in a full body mount(cheaper this way too).
It is quite easy to do.
You will need some Borax, cardboard strips, and of coarse a grouse or pheasant.
#1. When cleaning the bird, feel along the backbone to just above the tail. You then cut this piece out. If done correctly, that piece should hold the tail feathers together.
#2. Spread the tail feathers apart to form a fan. Using the cardboard strips, place one each on either side of the fan at the base of the tailand staple in place.
#3. Now dip the little piece of tailend(it usually has a small chunk of meat attached) in the Borax, making sure both sides are covered.
#4. After about ten days that piece should be completely dried out andyou should be able to remove the cardboard and all is set.
Hopefully these pics should give you an idea. Some of the tails are at least ten years old. See the pheasant tail as it still has the strips attached.
Hope this helps.

[JenningsCMX]

I used to do the same with my grouse - still have a selection in my office. The only difference is I would cut out the tail, fan it on acardboard piece and pin it in place, Then I used salt to dry out the flesh. I then mounted them on backboards.

[cahansen2004]

i have started to do the same thing to mine I have been looking for a plaque with a spread any ideas.

[Edcyclopedia]

This is a quick collague for one of my good hunting buddy's who passed away from cancer @ 42 yrs. old almost 1 year to this day (1/9/07) R.I.P. - Tim my friend.