Black Bear Lifesize Taxidermy

[Hunting Cowboy]

Bucklucky has inspired me to post my black bear lifesize mount. I killed this bear in 2000 and is my first life size black bear attempt. I hope to be able to mount one for my son when he's able to take his first bear this upcoming season (Aug through Nov)

My personal best black bear was taken in 1999 and I made a rug, then my next bear taken in 2000 (my smallest) I lifesized, my last bear (2002) I did a shoulder mount cause of a rubbed hide. But the other two bear were considerably larger than the this life size mount. Go figure?

[bucklucky]

Nice mount Hunting Cowboy. Glad you posted some pics of your mount!

[Michelle_Nelson]

Nice work Cowboy!  Especially on your first lifesize bear.   

[Jackjr]

Looks good thanks for sharing

[Ridgerunner]

Nice mount, man i can't wait till bear season opens up.   

[robb92]

Very nice!!!

[Skinner]

Awesome, can't wait to get my half-body back!

[RubblesPH]

Very nice - one of the nicer ones that I've seen. 

[RubblesPH]

I like that wood base....mind telling me where you got it?  Think I'll use it on mine if I can get one.

Thanks

[Hunting Cowboy]

I like that wood base....mind telling me where you got it?  Think I'll use it on mine if I can get one.

Thanks

RubblesPH, I made that base myself. I used a Leigh Dovetail jig to cut the through dovetails. This base measures 45" long, 20inches wide, and 9 inches tall. I used full I inch select Red oak to give the dovetails that "substantial" look. This was not a big bear but I think this base size would work for larger bears. I personally would determine the base size after I picked out a specific form. I went ahead and made a second base when I made this one for a future mount.

I no longer have access to that Leigh dovetail jig, but you can always hire a local cabinet maker to fashion you a quality base.

[RubblesPH]

Thanks for the info and advice on the base.  I have a couple of guys at work that have incredible wood shops for their personal use.  I'll show them a pic and see if I can enlist their services.  A case of beer usually does the trick.