Need help with some duck mounts!

[Jason85]

This evening I shot my first green head and a hen along with it. I am currently in Oklahoma and will be heading back to houston tommorrow. What would be the best way to preserve the birds? And can anyone tell me who a good taxidermist is around the houston area? Thanks guys

[Chew]

I'm sending mine to Colorado to this guy. He has field care tips and shipping instructions on his website:

https://www.birdmanstudios.com

[Jason85]

Thanks Chew but what are you looking at as far as the price goes?

[tracker]

First think is to tuck the head under neath a wing and then frezze it. The reason is because when you freeze it the head is more suseptable to frezzer burn just left exposed, the wing helps insulate it a little more. Next just figure out how you want to mount the bird and decide on what mount you want.

[Jason85]

Do I Freeze it now before i head home tommorrow?

[Chew]

I think he charges $250 for his mounts. He has some double mounts for both of those birds as well. I was under the impression that you let it cool off, triple bag it in gallon ziplock bags, and freeze it asap.

[Bill]

Turn the ducks head and gently tuck it under a wing. Wash off any blood from the feathers just using clean water. Slide the bird into a woman's stocking (I don't recommend lace with garters ) and put into a freezer. I don't know if you'd want to put in a cooler above dry ice to keep them cold going home.

I had 2 green wing teal and a pinny mounted at the same time, and put them in a grouping, like they're in flight. I didn't want a wood mount, but drilled into the 2x4's on my wall, the ceiling is about 10 feet in my family room with a vaulted ceiling, and I painted the metal wires the color of the wall. It used to 'freak-out' friends of my daughter when they'd visit, it really looks like the birds are stopped in-flight on the wall. The bottom wing of the pinny is at about 5 feet from the floor, so they're right at and above eye level to look at.

Vic Scaravelli in Oregon did my birds, he comes south to the SF Bay area after the season to pick up birds, and then returns in June to deliver them. Vic's done birds displayed at local sporting goods shops, and he has a loyal following of duckhunters in the area here. He charges (get this for Cali pricing) about $165 per bird. His # is (541) 884-6805.

These pictures do not do the mounts justice, especially the colors since the room is dark.

[Jason85]

I have to drive 8 hours tommorrow and if i freeze it now should i just put it back in the freezer when i get home?

[Jason85]

If the wing is broke will i still be able to mount the bird?

[DPElite]

J85 yes put it right back in the freezer when you get home but before you do that you can even wet some papertowels and wrap around the feet and the bill so that it will help prevent freezer burn also and if the wing is not broke up to bad a good taxidermist can fix it. If you live in the G town area the guy i use is Bob Pawlick and he lives in dickenson. If you have any questions email me back

[tracker]

Yea frezze it and just put it in an ice chest for the travel. My uncle does taxi work if you are interest in me getting some info on his prices.....I get a discount.... so I don't know what he really charges.

[Jason85]

Well i think i found a taxidermist from Martin20 but i really appreciate all of the information; TBH really does have the best guys out there. Thanks again guys, Jason85

[Duck Sausage]

Another vote for BIRDMAN! He does mine...and well worth the shipping and the wait! There is no one better for birds.

[twigflipper]

Todd at Birdman is the only way to go. 250.00 and up. So far I have a Wood duck and a Bufflehead that will be on its way in a week or two.
Mike