GrizzlyGibbs' Taxidermy

[grizzlygibbs]

So i got a couple kits from Van Dykes and really enjoyed putting these together, they were so easy, and way better looking than the cheap ones with a "cover" that goes over the antlers! Check em out! I should have done step by step but this is what you get!

[bowsandhose]

looks good

[270Shooter]

 

[C-Money]

They look nice! Is the skull intact or are the antlers removed from the skull/bone?

[grizzlygibbs]

The skull is in tact, it is held on by 4 screws and then i paper mache over to match the form.  Then sanded it down after about 12-18 hours of drying  i should have put the heat dish in front of them!  Then after sanding them, i cut and did a dry fit for the leather.  After the dry fit, apply adhesive, stretch the leather staple it around the back of the form center, and attach the mounts using 4 screws through the walnut plaques... the finished product is what you see, i could have paid a little more attention to detail around the bases of the antlers but overall not a bad piece considering not the average person is going to inspect it.

[Michelle_Nelson]

They didn't give you any braid to put around the base of the antler?  Or did you not like it with braid and decide not to use it?

[grizzlygibbs]

They did not have braid in that kit!  I however am not a big fan of the braid and think it looks ok without it unless you get up close and personal to inspect it!  I think next time i will build up the mache all the way up to the basea and work on the bases on my next one i do.  Good thing i had a few deer from years past to practice on!  i have two more deer and a small 6x6 elk to do next!  I will post pics of those, and i am gonna get a full sneek muley for my large sheds i found a few years ago too, im just gonna need a cape to do it before i get it! 

[grizzlygibbs]

So this is what i have been busy with lately!  A buddy of mine I work with went hunting antelope in Wyoming.  He got his first big game animal on a nice little Antelope buck!  I told him I would do his Euro for him as a congradulations on the kill, plus I wanted the practice.  Here are some pics of the finished product.  I boiled/ simmered the skull and picked at it as i went along!  after i was satisfied with all the little chunks and pieces we soaked it in a small bucket with Regular store bought peroxide for a few days.  Again the finished product!  I should have gotten a picture of the skull without the sheaths.  they were a lot easier than I thought they would be to remove! and the boiling/simmering worked like a charm and made the cartilage and skin fall off the inner bone under the sheaths!

[grizzlygibbs]

Now I am working on a cape, fleshing it out getting it ready to tan today, and another one of my co-workers smoked a buck and we are gonna do a euro just like his brothers antelope!  he graciously let me have the cape from his deer.  The fleshing is time consuming, but fun!  I am loving this stuff, just wish i had all the proper tools!

[270Shooter]

Nice job on that Lope man

[grizzlygibbs]

Thanks, I was very pleased about it, and more excited than my buddy on how well it turned out!  I am hoping my Karma doesn't run out and i end up cracking a skull though!  I am gonna look into  some beetles if i am gonna go long term!  But this is cheap and easy and contrary to what others say has worked out great for me!

[Charlie]

Awesome Grizz!!   

[rasbo]

good job young man..sounds like your really enjoying that

[Bearhunter]

Pretty rewarding when its all done, just think now you getting to look and enjoy them everyday for the rest of your life, its a fun hoppy and rewarding!  NICE WORK

[grizzlygibbs]

thanks for all the kind comments!  I just ordered a Rt full sneek form and some other supplies so when i get that cape all done.