Realistic Wildlife Taxidermy

Marcus Thomas

Shoulder mounts

Creating a shoulder mount is a cherished tradition in the world of wildlife taxidermy, offering a way to present a specimen that feels both natural and dignified within a home setting. Unlike the rigid formalities of a cabinet mount, the shoulder mount allows for a dynamic display where the animal appears ready to take flight or stand its ground, adding a sense of movement and life to the room. Whether you are preparing a bird for a mantelpiece or a mammal for a wall display, understanding the nuances of this mounting style is essential for achieving a result that looks authentic and commands respect.

What Are Shoulder Mounts and Why Do They Matter?

The foundation of a successful shoulder mount lies in the selection of the animal itself and the space where it will reside. Not every species lends itself equally well to this style; birds are the most common subjects for shoulder mounts, as their wings can be naturally positioned to suggest takeoff, while large mammals like deer or bears often require more extensive work to achieve a realistic stance. Before beginning the physical mounting process, one must consider the wall space available. A shoulder mount typically requires a substantial area of wall, often extending from floor to ceiling for larger specimens, or at least a significant vertical stretch for smaller birds. The location should be free from direct sunlight to prevent fading of natural pigments and should be positioned at a height that allows viewers to appreciate the piece without having to crane their necks excessively.

Comparing Different Shoulder Mount Options for Your Needs

Once the space is secured, the focus shifts to the anatomical placement of the skin and the structural support. The goal is to replicate the animal's natural posture as it might be found in the wild, avoiding any artificial stiffness that dates the piece quickly. For birds, this often means positioning the wings in a slightly raised, ready-to-fly posture, with the tail feathers fanned out elegantly to balance the composition. The head should be tilted naturally, reflecting the bird's alertness or curiosity, rather than held straight ahead in a robotic manner. Using high-quality wire armatures is crucial here; the wire must be thin yet strong enough to support the weight of the skin and feathers without showing through. The mounting hardware, usually a strong metal pin that passes through the base of the skull or the breastbone, must be placed precisely to ensure the bird stands upright without leaning, yet with enough flexibility to allow for subtle shifts in posture that mimic life.

Balancing Weight and Visual Flow

Achieving equilibrium is perhaps the most critical step in the finishing touches of a shoulder mount. The visual weight of the wings and tail must be counterbalanced by the density of the body and the placement of the head. If a bird feels like it is tipping backward, the mounter may need to adjust the wire under the tail or add small counterweights to the base of the pin. Similarly, the direction of the gaze and the angle of the wings dictate the overall energy of the piece. A poorly balanced mount can look unstable and cheap, whereas a well-balanced one appears as though the animal is suspended in mid-air by an invisible force. This delicate interplay of weight distribution ensures that the taxidermy remains a work of art rather than just a stuffed object.

How to Properly Install and Maintain Your Shoulder Mounts

To execute a professional-grade shoulder mount, one must gather a specific set of tools and materials that prioritize both durability and aesthetic finish. The primary tool is a high-quality, adjustable mounting pin, often made of stainless steel or brass to resist corrosion and prevent rust spots on the skin. Alongside the pin, you will need strong, flexible wire armatures, typically made of steel or copper, which are pre-formed to match the skeletal structure of the animal. Other essential items include heavy-duty adhesives, such as super glue or epoxy, to secure the skin to the wire frame, and specialized mounting foam or balsa wood blocks to provide internal structure where the natural bone is insufficient. Additionally, a selection of natural moss, artificial foliage, or realistic base materials is needed to create a habitat around the base of the mount, blending the specimen seamlessly into its environment.

  1. Precision Wire Armatures: Custom-formed steel wires that mimic the internal skeleton to support the skin's weight and allow for natural curvature.
  2. Corrosion-Resistant Pins: Stainless steel or brass pins designed to penetrate the bone or breastbone without damaging the underlying tissue or causing rust.
  3. Industrial-Grade Adhesives: Strong, flexible epoxies or cyanoacrylates used to bond the skin tightly to the wire frame, ensuring long-term stability.
  4. Structural Foam Blocks: Lightweight yet dense materials used to fill gaps in the skeleton and provide a solid anchor point for the pin.
  5. Protective Coatings: Specialized sprays or waxes applied to the wire and pin surfaces to prevent oxidation and protect the mount from humidity.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Even the most meticulously crafted taxidermy requires care to remain vibrant and safe for decades to come. Regular inspection of the mounting pin and the wire armatures is necessary to ensure that the hardware has not become loose or corroded, which could lead to the collapse of the display. Dusting the piece gently with a soft brush or cloth should be performed periodically to remove accumulated dirt and pollen, which can degrade the feathers and skin over time. It is also important to monitor the base materials for signs of moisture or mold, especially if the mount is placed in a humid environment. With proper maintenance, a shoulder mount can serve as a lasting tribute to nature, standing as a testament to the skill of the taxidermist and the beauty of the wildlife it honors.

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