How to Choose the Right Tools for Mounting a Deer Head
Recently we have had a lot of people requesting a list of tools needed for mounting a deer head. We have compiled this how to article to help you with your selection. It is by all means not all inclusive and substitutions are acceptable. We do offer many different selections other than what is listed here since a lot of these are a matter of personal preference. We have also included a few other items that we suggest but are not an absolute must. These items are marked with an *. There are no materials or manikins included in this list.
If you are an absolute first timer we highly recommend 3 of our Videos. These are available in DVD or VHS and are up to date with the latest techniques. They will definitely save you a lot of time and frustration and increase the odds of completing an acceptable first mount.
1. Cape Preparation Video: A good mount starts with proper processing of your cape. This is just as important as the mounting part.
2. Whitetail Mounting Video: The complete mounting process with a lot of extra tips thrown in.
3. Whitetail Finishing and Painting Video: This makes or breaks a mount and is an area that a lot of people overlook. Number 2 & 3 are available as a set Whitetail Mounting, Finishing and Painting Video *, offering a better price savings.
4. Pro Skinner or Scalpel
5. Ear opener .
6. Modeling Tool or equivalent.
7. Lip tucker or equivalent.
8. Sewing Needle and cape thread or equivalent.
9. Regulator
10. Mounting Stand Model A ( A bench top stand will work but the 360 degree mobility of the Model A is far superior).
11. A quality airbrush kit or #01570163. While an airbrush is not an absolute necessity it is virtually impossible to finish a deer mount correctly with all of the blending necessary. Hand painting will most likely give a harsh unnatural appearance.
12. Whitetail Reference or equivalent. Do you really know what a deer looks like? These close up photos will probably surprise you.
While all of these items represent a sizeable investment, that is exactly what they are, an investment. You can use them over and over again. Most of them will last a lifetime if properly cared for and used as intended. Just remember, you can not do a quality job with out having the proper tools to work with.
