Taxidermy help needed

[Sticks&Strings]

I killed the buck in my avatar this last year, and I am getting him done for a pedestal mount. The problem I have is that I want to build the pedestal myself to save money, and to try something new. My taxidermist only does the animals, and not the pedestals.

I want to use an old cedar stump or post instead of building some kind of furniture piece. I am concerned it will be top heavy unless I can attach it to a piece of plywood or something aat the bottom. What can I use and how hard is it to put some "scenery" on top of the plywood. I know styrofoam is often used, but is that hard. Any ideas and / or pictures would be greatly appreciated. I thought I could maybe make it look like dirt and put some plants and maybe fake cactus and stuff down there, but that may be terrible. I just don't know.

I would really like to see some pics for ideas, and then the knowledge on how to create that without being an artist per say.

[Deer Tracks]

I am going to do something like this for my axis mount.

primitive arrows for sale 002.jpg

Chance Love built this base and mounted the deer. In my opinion, the deer in your profile pic deserves an awesome, well-crafted base. Use real dirt. Don't spray paint anything to make it look like dirt. There is a lot of technique that goes into base making.

[stevesflyshop]

Check out KC Designs at

http://www.kcdesignstaxidermy.com/kctaxidermy.html

They have some pictures of different pedestals and the guy that runs the business (Texastaxi) is a pretty decent guy. Hi Kevin

[Sticks&Strings]

I agree Sika. Can you just glue real dirt to it? The pic you posted is on the track of something I want to do. And how do I keep t from just being flat at the bottom? That hing on yours look lke it's got some elevation and roll and texture to it.

[jmoore]

I wouldn't want it looking 1/2 *** for a deer like that one. I would have someone make a nice base for me, unless I had done it before. That's a hell of a deer. I have always like the cedar post idea like the one Sika posted too.

[Deer Tracks]

That is a fantastic trophy that deserves an equally fantastic mount.
Take that deer to a taxidermist that is skilled in base making. I've assisted in making bases and the work isn't difficult, but there many "tricks of the trade" to be incorporated.

[ArtisticWildlife]

That would be the deer of a lifetime for most hunters.. Why not pay it the homage it deserves? Quality wildlife art, which is a nodge above average taxidermy(and is what you are wanting), is not a hobby. It is a profession, and should be treated as such. Sika stated that basework isn't difficult, well maybe if you don't care about things like design, composition, and aesthetic appeal.... Habitat can get hokey real quick if you don't know what you are doing... An accomplished wildlife artist could turn that deer into a real piece of original wildlife art... Here is a quote I often refer to...
"The bitterness of poor quality will always outlast the sweetness of a good deal!"

Here is something I did for another great buck without using a custom wood pedestal...

[mesquitecountry]

S&S,
For dirt you want to use a spray adhesive on the foam and then dump it on then blow it off. Just make sure your dirt is broken down very fine.

[ArtisticWildlife]

I would really like to see some pics for ideas, and then the knowledge on how to create that without being an artist per say.

Well, do you have a plumber come work on your electricity? A roofer put in your septic system?
As a fellow TBHer, I will offer this to you this one time. If you are interested, I will assist you in completing the piece for a small fee of course ....
We can schedule a time when you can spend a day or two with me, and we will turn your pedestal mounted deer into an original piece of wildlife art.

[buck_wild]

S&S, you going the right direction in wanting something special. Cedar post which can be stripped and "distressed" with a wirewheel on a hand grinder. Light stain to bring out a little shine and color. There's a guy down here in Rockport that can cut 3-4" slabs from mesquite and cedar trees to make your "base" and there are other places too. Or use a oddly shaped piece of plywood that you cut the design yourself. After attaching post to base, use that can foam and make the contours or you can hot glue that green floral form on the wood and use a rasp to carve it (this is probably easier and less messy). I have found using CAULK to glue the dirt works real well. Get a color close to the dirt you want or use a light beige, cover the bottom, apply the dirt liberally and lightly mash it down. Let dry and vacuum. Add a few pieces grass etc by pushing it into the foam and bingo, your done.

[Chance Love]

The best advice I can give is to take it to a taxidermist who can do the base the way you want it. If you want your guy to mount it, fine. But he needs to mount it specifically for a pedestal, and he needs to know how it is going to be attached to the base before he mounts it. You don't want to just take a regular wall mount and slap it on a pedestal. IMO, you will be happier taking it to a taxidermist who can do it all for you. In my experience, it is usually a pain in the butt when someone has a mount done somewhere else and then brings it to me for the base work. The rods or tubing that are used in the mount never seem to be in the right spot or at the right angle. If it is a $$ thing, some of us make payment plans available. That is a freakin' AWESOME buck! The last thing you want to do is try to save money on the mount. If you are not having a wood/cabinet type base built, just a habitat base is relatively inexpensive anyway. Of course, all of this is just my opinion.

[Texastaxi]

Don't let a proctologist give you a dental exam!

I think you're looking for more habitat work than base work. Habitats aren't rocket science, but if you don't have an eye for it, it can get "artsy-craftsy" REAL quick! I agree with Chance ... a buck like that deserves a competent taxidermist. Cutting corners, on the price, at this point in the game, isn't a good idea.

[Pablo Honey]

nice buck. three words >>-----------> LIFE SIZE MOUNT!!!!
(it's never too late)

[ArtisticWildlife]

I like the way you think Pablo!!

[Sticks&Strings]

First let me say that I agree with the fact that I don't wnat this to look half ***. That is the reason I don't want a piece of furniture built as a pedestal for it. If I built something and didn't like it, I can redo it and lose practically no money. I am not shorting any on the mount itself (top notch taxidermist doing it) but I thought if I could do the base myself, it would be fun and that much more I could be proud of when people come over and see it in the corner of my house.

Artistic Wildlife, I really like the picture of that buck you did. I see you are in Uvalde. Maybe we can work something out. I go through there on the way to our ranch. I need ideas as much as anything. I don't want something so elaborate that it takes attention off the deer. I want something that is nice and simple, but looks very professional.