Duck mount

[ajavelina]

Ok I got a wild hair to try and mount a duck I had been saving. I bought the video and I think my daughter threw it away. So I read some of the instructions and just ran with it. Here are some pictures from the process.
Before
Splitting it open

Skinned to the head

Empty shell defleshed

Soaking in mineral spirits

Borax shaker

Drying it a little

Wire attached

Rough finish

Finished fluffed and base added, still need some vegetation.

[Buckwheat]

Not bad at all. Looks good.

[Smart]

I would suggest you get some reference books and study up on body and feather placement detail to further your progress.....


Here are a few redheads...

[ajavelina]

I new the neck was to long. I wasn't able to shorten it after the fact. I tried. As far as the feathers, those wings don't bend and fold like a fresh bird. I tried to get it like the pictures but couldn't get them folded tight enough.

[White Falcon]

Ducks, are I think the hardest thing to mount!

[Texastaxi]

Everyone starts somewhere ... you'll find that each one will be easier (and better) than the one before it.

[ajavelina]

I hope so. I'm not going to get discouraged. I really enjoyed the meticulous work it took to make it. I used the original skull and next time I'm buying the replica. I'm hoping to do a couple more and get comfortable enough to do the first mallard I've shot. Any pointers would be great.