first attempts
 

I've always had an interest in D.I.Y. taxidermy, esp. small game, birds, and novelty mounts. Got some books on the subject and tried my hand and did a few specimens waaaaaay back when.....still have some forms, ect., just lacking the time. Did my own antler mount from the little buck I got back in Dec. with my muzzleloader.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...xidermy007.jpg
Bought the panel and date plate from Van Dykes, but did the rest of the work myself.

Here is a ruffed grouse I did back in the early 80's:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...xidermy006.jpg

Here is a quail I did; literally the first quail I ever bagged. It was done in the early 1990's:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...xidermy004.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...xidermy005.jpg

Nice work!

Very nice 1st effort! Amazing work with the quail - love it!

Mr. 16 ga, in the 17 years I practiced taxidermy, the one thing that helped me the most were reference photo's. Today there are many great video's/books to help you get rolling. Another good site if your not aware of is the www.taxidermy.net/ web site. Some loose cannons as per any web site but some of the best bird men & women in the US frequent that site and can be extremely helpful. Keep up the good work...gg