Van dykes duck mounting kit?

[Wa hunter]

I was looking at mounting a golden eye drake with this kit, it claims to have everything you need to mount a duck.  Do you seasoned taxidermist think this is a good project for the first timer?  The bird is in good shape but is a little blood stained.  How do you get the blood out?  I am not looking to turn pro but would like to have a nice bird for the wall.

[Wa hunter]

http://www.vandykestaxidermy.com/K7232-P36C10.aspx  Kit?

[Wa hunter]

Wow, thanks sundance you are right it looks like it doesn't come with the head I just assumed it did.  It is a really cool looking bird and don't have the extra cash for a pro job.  If you are serious about getting rid of your kit, I would like to give it a try I'll cover the shipping.

[boneaddict]

Ducks are frustrating becasue of the grease they have in their skin, and how hard it is to flesh or clean them from all of their feather ends.   Yes its fun to play, but a first timer may be daunted and give up too easily.  A grouse is a much easier first time project.   That being said, it doesn't take alot of technology to mount a bird.  Mostly patience. So in that regard it does make a first time project.  They can last a long time in the freezer if stored properly. 

[WCTaxidermy]

Wa hunter, many, many years ago when I first started Taxidermy, I had a fully plumed out Canvasback Drake that I thought I would mount to get experience.  Worst mistake I ever made.  You can probably imagine how it turned out, and I wasted a great bird.  A Goldeneye Drake is an awesome bird and you probably don't want to try and mount it as your first bird.  I would recommend that you wrap it really good in plastic and store it until you get a little experience.  If your really interested in Taxidermy, get a couple of video's and then as Bone mentioned, try and get a couple of Grouse or pheasants and practice on them.  Hope that helps and remember, have fun with it.  John   

[Wa hunter]

10-4, I made the feathers strait and carefully wrapped in plastic.  It will be next Sept before any grouse will be available the last thing I want to do is mess up my drake.  Good advise thanks