Bobcat Taxidermy Project Complete

I know there are a majority of sportsmen out there in cyberspace that only kill animals that they plan to eat and then there are others like predator hunters and trappers that kill animals for a variety of other reasons, ranging from population control and selling of pelts to yes even trophy killing like in the case of this particular specimen. What is important to consider, in all of these cases, is that regardless of how and why we pursue out particular sporting endeavors, we must ALL practice tolerance and not look poorly upon another's hunting practices simply because they do not directly align with our own personal opinions. An open mind is an educated mind, while a close mind is a harbinger of prejudice.

It took close to a year for my New Years Eve 2011 Bobcat to finally make its way back home from it’s visit with my friendly neighborhood taxidermist. While it certainly was a LONG wait, now that I sit and stare at the final product, I must admit it was well worth my investment of money and patience. Steve Luce of Fins and Feathers Taxidermy completed the work and did a fantastic job!

Now that I own such a unique and impressive display of taxidermy art, I looked up some of the hints and tips for caring for your new trophy. One of the best sites I found, was at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) in a posting entitled: Hints and Tips for Caring for your Taxidermy.

For more Taxidermy Postings on the Maine Outdoorsman be Sure to See:

Taxidermy Addiction and Beginner Taxidermy Projects

Beginner Taxidermy Projects

Proof that Some Taxidermists Have a Twisted Sense of Humor!

Before diving in with both feet and investing in a taxidermist project that turns out to not necessarily be what you wanted or anticipated. Below is a collection of simple beginner taxidermy projects that are easy and fun for all ability levels. Test the matrimonial waters, by putting one of these up on your wall or on a bookshelf and see what the wife says!

• Deer Hoof Mount
• Fish Tail Mount
• Skull Mount
• Wild Turkey Fan Mount
• Make a Japanese Fish Print

If you graduate from these projects, pass the inspection of the wife and are looking to explore the option of getting a game animal professionally mounted, make sure to read the following articles before making the final decision.

Choosing a Taxidermist:
Short but Simple - http://www.kantorstaxidermy.com/ChooseTaxidermist.htm
Long but Excellent - http://www.headsabovetherest.com/article_how_to_choose_a_taxidermist.html

Taxidermy Addiction

Male and Female Wood Ducks

I can feel the addiction building, the powerful intoxicating draw of having a piece of taxidermy on display in my home. It took the arrival of this recent wood duck piece, for me to finally appreciate the draw of having dead animals mounted all around your home. I just never really fully understood the attraction of having some trophy creature hanging from my wall. Seemingly more like giant dust collectors then artwork and multiplied by the cost and maintenance, the benefits to owning a stuffed critter always seemed to be outweighed by the associated disadvantages.

The problem with taxidermy work, that many sportsmen come to soon realize, is that it cannot be entirely appreciated until YOU own it. With ownership, comes the memories of that particular hunt and the other associated feelings that arise every time you look at the taxidermies work. The piece stirs emotions much more powerful than a simple photo, as the work is a complete reproduced representation of a sporting experience. This feeling cannot be “felt” simply by looking at the taxidermy work of others, as it is the direct connection to a once historic hunt that makes a piece valuable to its owner.

If you have not yet considered getting an animal mounted start small. There are many small “taxidermy” projects that you yourself can do before you jump in with both feet and blow the entire kids college money on a full African elephant mount . . . more to follow on 6/2.