taxidermy??

[PolarBear]

I have a friend in Chelan that had Phil do a lynx, a bobcat, 2 cougars, 2 african lions, a leopard and several bears.  They are without a doubt the most realistic predators that I have ever seen.  It is spooky how life like they are.  Very expensive but hell, if ya got it it is worth every penny.   In my opinion, predators (cats, dogs and bears) are the hardest of all critters to get to look realistic.  I have seen a ton of excellent taxidermists that do great work on deer and elk but when it comes to predators, for some reason, they look like they are dried out stuffed animals.  Big bulging eyes, dried ,stiff ears and faces that look as stretched out as Kenny Rodgers.

[boneaddict]

Thanks for the link Bucklucky.  He does do amazing work.

Polarbear...you just desribed how my fox turned out.....

[bucklucky]

Are you trying to tell me something Polarbear . I agree with ya, I think for some taxidermist "ME"  the animals they do most of is deer and elk so they get good at doing them. For example, I had only done a couple bears in 8 years of taxidermy, this past year I have done 3 lifesiaze and 7 rugs. And for cougar I have only done 1 lifesize and 1 rug. Its hard to get good at something if you dont get any to do. But then there are the guys that get plenty predators to do and well ..... they look like crap.

[PolarBear]

Hell no Bucklucky!  I absolutely was not referring to you.  I was being general.  In fact, I havent seen your or Michelle's work on predators yet but I am willing to be that you both do excellent work.  I know of several taxidermists in the south sound that have been in the biz for many, many years and their predators still look like they are in a wind tunnel.  I have only one bobcat mounted that turned out really nice but it was done by a friend who spent an incredible amount of time on it.  I didnt have my cougar, bear or any coyotes mounted because I couldnt find a local guy who I thought would do a good job.  I'm reeeeealy picky about spending $$ on something that I worked hard at getting and am going to be looking at every day on the wall (or floor). 

[bucklucky]

Well you should have been refering to me . Cause I was, I am still getting the little details worked out on my predators, Yes they look pretty good , yes my customers are really happy with my predator mounts, but no I'm not satisfied yet. I posted pictures of 2 of the lifesize bears I mounted should be on the first page of the taxidermy section. I had the last customer call me back twice to let me know how much he liked his bear, looking at the detail and what not. He used to use Buzzie up north and said that mine was better? If it really is I dont know but its a compliment nonetheless. The way I see it if you settle for the work you are doing you will never get better or to the point of absolute perfection and realism. I like criticism on my mounts, if something looks like crap or dont look right I would hope somebody would say something, chances are I already know what it would be and would say so

[DeKuma]

I think Bucklucky and Michelle put out some of the best work I have seen in a long time.  The realism on your deer and elk mounts are great, and when I look at my mounts, I now notice where my taxi failed.

I am hoping my wife and I will be sending work your way this year!

[Michelle_Nelson]

   In my opinion, predators (cats, dogs and bears) are the hardest of all critters to get to look realistic.  I have seen a ton of excellent taxidermists that do great work on deer and elk but when it comes to predators, for some reason, they look like they are dried out stuffed animals.  Big bulging eyes, dried ,stiff ears and faces that look as stretched out as Kenny Rodgers.

I thimk predators are a weak point for most taxidermists.  We just don't see a lot of them.  Atleast not like we do deer and elk, especially deer!  Deer are pretty much the bread and butter when it comes to taxidermy. 

[cascademountainhunter]

ya amazing but expencive$$$$$$!

[bucklucky]

We have to pay the bills too , alot of time and effort go into a mount