The successful big-game hunter is assured of two things: great memories, and an abiding satisfaction with his or her skills. But there is another set of skills that can bring further satisfaction and solidify the memories of a hunt—the art of taxidermy.
Once a practice of secrecy and alchemy, with tight-lipped taxidermists who gave away few insights into the perfection of their mounts, taxidermy has caught on in many parts of the country as a fun, creative art enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life. National competitions have furthered the rise of this art form, and more and more taxidermists are telling how it’s done—how to get started, how to make incredibly lifelike mounts, and how to improve your skills. This book does all that.
Chapters cover topics such as proper skinning and fleshing techniques, preservation methods, handling skins properly, dealing with antlered animals, and handling shoulder mounts and European mounts. Drawing on years of experience—his own and that of his father—author Todd Triplett offers a professional’s advice on the subtle techniques of working with complicated body parts, attaching and sewing the skin without leaving a visible seam, and perfecting the finishing steps of a mount. He also explains why field care is where good taxidermy starts. Whether the reader is pursuing taxidermy as a hobby or a profession, Big-Game Taxidermy will prove to be an invaluable resource.