Skinning, Salting, Fleshing, Washing, Tanning, Shaving, Rehydrating,  Mounting, Finishing, Base/Habitat

Birds, Game Heads, Life-Sized, Fish

AntlerPlaques, TurkeyPlaques

Supply Links, Graduate Web-Sites, Job Opportunities

Taxidermy Reporting Forms, Federal Duck Labels

Antler Scoring Sheets, Scoring Instructions

 Miscellaneous

The best reason for learning how to build a wire/mache rock is to be able to build any kind of base you want.  You will never have to be dependent upon the ready-made sizes available , or limited to the manikins which are available with manufactured habitat.  

Your custom work will retain its custom flavor because you will never make two rocks exactly the same.  Your work will retain the freshness that original works-of-art have.  Your habitat will always be "custom", while the-taxidermist-down-the-road has to keep ordering the same thing out a catalogue every time, because he doesn't have the knowledge and/or desire to add the environment to make a mount "look alive".

1. For a wall-mounted rock, cut out a shape for the back of the rock.  This is the side that will hang flat against the wall.  This is the "silhouette" of your finished rock.

2. Add 2x4 braces under finished mount at appropriate spots. These will provide support for your mount's feet and places to anchor the wires.  This will also flesh the rock outward, making it dimensional and original.  Drill holes in braces for feet wires. Fit and refit. Be sure mount will sit like you want it to.

3. With hardware wire mesh, begin shaping rock. Staple chicken wire to flat back to secure, then "fluff" it out toward the front and around braces.

4. Smooth mache into the wire and around the supports.  This will give your rock strength and beauty.  Keep reminding your hands that they are building rock and that the rock should retain a rough texture.

5. Stab wire up through drilled positioning holes, so you don’t lose your place or fill over your holes for the feet wires.

6. Paint your rock. Use subtle, layered colors applied lightly until you’ve achieved the effect that shows off your animal to the best advantage.

Use the same principles to build a rock on a custom-built platform or base.  Any size, for any animal.  You can make custom, lightweight rocks for any application.