Has anyone here ever mounted your own duck or goose?

[gooser]

HI, just would like to know how many people here have tried or have mounted their waterfowl. If so can you post a pic of it (them). It is very rewarding to acomplish this, as well as a life long memory of that hunt.
I had my own taxidermy business for 12 years and found it very rewarding,to see the pleasure brought to my customers and friends.

[HmptnHunter]

I tried to do an Oldsquaw ONCE.It was shot up pretty bad but I dont really think that had anything to do with what happend when I mangled it trying to mount it. Everything was going fine until after it was all skinned and I washed the blood off, something went really wrong in the drying process and that was that. It was fun though, I think I will try another one this year that is not so shot up to begin with.

[gooser]

well, HmptnHunter, with your oldsquaw as well as any waterfowl....you have to wash them after skinning,useing a mild detergent and very gentle rubbing,then rinse them clean of any soap, and then semi dry them,...using gentle heat and a medium fan speed. Then soak the mount in a degreaser for about 30 mins to an hour, depending on the type of degreaser you are using. then again dry and fluff the feathers.
As with any waterfowl, remove the oil gland when skinning and stitch up the small hole made. This gland will continue to produce oil long after the bird is dead, and will destroy your mount if not removed. Also make sure all fat is removed from the skin.
gooser

[HmptnHunter]

I did wash it with with the correct cleaning solvent that I got from the supply house after skinning.I dont know what happened in the drying, maybe I didnt wait long enough or something who knows.

[gooser]

you did remove the oil gland.......................didn't you..?.....tell me you did.........LOL

[jh00]

Where is the oil gland exactly?

I'd like to try it again... did a long time ago and wish I'd have saved my mallard for the humor value :lol: Where do you get your supplies? Or, where should I look? and what do I need? Do they have kits? (If you do not mind helping)

[gooser]

jhoo, the oil gland is located on the back just above the tail, it looks like a small bump with real greasy feathers on it.

if you ever seen ducks preen themselves,you'll notice that they look like they are biteing at their tail. what they are doing is getting this oil on their bill and covering their feathers with it.
I will try to get some web sites for you or addresses.
gooser

[7outof10]

that would be good i would like to try this on a goose i think .....or maby start with a teal lol ......then go to the full size deer mount right ?.lol lol......it would be fun to try

[gooser]

7outof10 it is fun and very rewarding to mount your own specimens,and when done properly,will last a life time. Good luck on your endevours.

[7outof10]

if i wanted to try this would one kind of duck work better then a another one ? and where would i get a kit or something to do it

[Taxidermist43]

Yes, I mount them in my shop all the time!

[theircommited10]

I have ! ! And it was honestly one of the most challenging things Ive ever taken on. I watched a 2 hour dvd over and over till I could practically memorize it and it took me 3 attempts and 22 hours on the same bird before I was successful. I have a GREAT appreciation for taxidermist ever since.

Who knows someday Id like to do a little taxedermy as a side business. I read into the laws required and there are some STRICT rules to watch out for if your just a hobbiest. IE. Pretty much your the only one who can legally own your birds.

ANYWAYS, enough of me talking. Heres my first successful bird I ever mounted. I think it tunred out great. This was done in 2008.

-Gary



And here is what it looks like currently.

[lukea.becker]

hey that looks pretty good gary. i gotta pick up my double banded goose from my taxidermist whenever i get home and give him a real nice greenhead ive still got in the freezer. he told me it makes his job a ton easier if you leave the bird in freezer for at least 6 months. he said that much time in the freezer will freeze-dry the bird and it makes it much easier to mount. id definitely like to try it sometime.

Luke