MA Jay

I'll take your word for it that the mouth is open! Like I said, your mount was a real good one.I just can't understand why there are so many poor ones out there.

Alex The Hawk

Tell me what you think of the face on this Puma.

Bill Yox

In my opinion, as a taxidermist and a judge, is that some guys just plain dont understand the subject well enough. Felines have a facial disc, similar to canines and even owls, to help funnel sound to their ears. In my opinion, cats chasing prey will often have a closed mouth. The expression is one of intensity as they track the preys movements, and then, after swatting down their prey, THEN grasp it with their mouths. I f9ind that so many people study animals as well as judge taxidermy based on what others mounts theyve seen look like.

Most cats I see are too cross-eyed, the ears are not crisp and focused correctly, ears placed too close together, the secondary auricle isnt present, whiskers are not positioned forward enough, and finally, the skin alignment and hair patterns do not show the disc I spoke of. I use a smaller eye then many others, and I also have my cat eyes done with some green or hazel in them so they dont just stare. I also prefer a thinner pupil than some others might suggest. Just my opinion, but I get a lot of predator work, too.

livbucks

Yeah....what he said.

MA Jay

Alex, on looking at the pic you posted I'd say the ears are a lot more "real" positioned and the fact that the eyes seem to squint down with focus also isreal good. I also like how the body molds to the limb as that is also something I see a lot of times not looking good.

Eyes to wide open, ears not focused correctly and body positioning are the 3 areas I see lacking most often.

rgswildlife

Photo of open mouth bobcat.

Rich

http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com