ORIGINAL: M.Magis
For a first project, a fifteen year old wood duck wouldn’t be a good choice. It’s possible it could be salvaged in the right hands, but wood ducks are too easy to come by to bother. Pitch it and get something fresh.
I would also add, a 15 minute old wood duck wouldn't be the best "first bird" either. If you want to start w/ a duck, I would suggest a diver, such as a ringneck or bufflehead. Pheasants are also good "1st's". woodies are tricky, as are most puddle ducks. A 15 year old bird is going to have serious freezer damage, and would likeley be a headache for an experienced bird taxidermist. I agree, get a fresh one.