1/2 Life size bear mount

[Bones]

Do any of you taxidermists have a pic of a 1/2 or 3/4 size bear mount?  I saw one of these mounts at a sportsmans show a couple of years ago, and it was the best looking bear mount I have ever seen. That mount was a very large bear. Also does any one have a pose or mannikin they recommend. We have a really nice bear hanging around our house this summer. Every time I am out BBQing, he comes out of the woods and into our yard. He has a nice white patch on his chest. If he is still doing this when bear season opens, he will be a nice archery target. I am not a taxidermisy and do not plan doing the mount myself if I do get this bear. I have seen the half sized mounts of smaller bears, and they look like dogs in my opinion. I have only seen one mount of a large bear this way and I really liked the mount. Thanks for any help.
Bones

[Bones]

This is a pic of the bear. it is not good quality because it is a still from a video tape. This bear shows up every time I light the grill. I have to put the grill in the garage at night because twice he has come onto our deck at night and turned the grill over.

[billythekidrock]

Mount it just like that, slightly turned head and alert. Don't have it's mouth open or try to make it look menacing.

Good luck.

[Bones]

Billy,  The mount I saw  the bear was standing but not erect. The mouth was slightly open but not snarling, The front legs were hanging down and not reaching or fighting. It was an awesome mount.

[huntnfmly]

Thats going to make a nice mount.Nice bear.
good luck keep us posted

[Otto1]

Do any of you taxidermists have a pic of a 1/2 or 3/4 size bear mount? 

if I was to do it again I would for sure do a half size mount

here are a few pictures of a bear I got talked into doing a life size mount on and you can see where it sits now. Just do not have the "room"  maybe someday when I move I will get my own "room"

Been thinking of donating this mount to some kind of museum or something.

[Otto1]

I guess it would not be that hard to cut it off and make it a 1/2 mount.....just thought of that... Hey Michelle what would a modification like that run?

[Michelle_Nelson]

It can be done if the hide was properly tanned.  How old is the mount? 

[Otto1]

Not sure how it was tanned, but I know the taxidermist that did it sent it out somewhere... The mount is about ten years old.. It hasnt lost any hair that I have noticed over the years so I suppose it was prolly a quality job?

It was done at Cedar River Taxidermy out by Selick in eastern King County..

[Michelle_Nelson]

Was that Bear shot in the spring? 

I'm not saying it can be done and I am not saying it can't.  It depends on how well the skin holds up durring rehydration. 

The skin around the the mid section of the bear would have to be rehydrated.  Than an incision made around the circumfrance of the bear.  Peal the skin back about 2 inches and foam cut in half.  A piece of ply wood would have to be cut to cover the back of the form and either foamed or bondo into place.  Once that has set up pull the skin around the back of the form and stapple into place.  Let it dry for about a week or so put a hanger on it and done.

The problem with the rehydration process is sometimes, depending on how old the tan is and what type of tan was used once rehydrated the skin can start falling apart like tissue paper.

Probably cost around $100 - $200.

[Otto1]

Thanks Michelle for the replies. The bear was shot in August on the westside of the state (Tiger Mountain) and I have not a clue on the tanning process of which one was used?
I guess when I get an itch I'll have to drag it outa that closet and down to our local taxidermist up here. I do travel down south every so often, so if you get your shop set up I could drop it off....

[Michelle_Nelson]

It will be atleast 3 1/2 months befor I can get my Taxidermy Licence.  I have to wait 90 days befor I can get my Resident Taxidermy License.