Time for another mount thread
Contributors to this thread:Wild Sheep
From: Dennis Razza
12-Aug-16
With the season open no better time to do a mount thread! Over the next few weeks I'll be doing this thread on a beautiful Dall!
Razza's Taxidermy Studio Bowsite Sponsor
From: Dennis Razza
12-Aug-16
From: kota-man
12-Aug-16
Bring it on Dennis...
From: BULELK1
13-Aug-16
These are great threads Mr. Razza.
Go for it.
Good luck, Robb
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
lets get this started with the hide prep.
From: bow assassin
19-Aug-16
Love following these threads!
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
When the hides come back from the tannery they first get inspected then stretched, measured, and froze. This hide has just been thawed and ready to work on. the first step will be to thin the eyes, nose, and prep the ears. The thinner the better!
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
There's a lot of extra skin that needs to be removed. It is very important to get everything as this as possible.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
A look at how thin the eye skin should be.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
Next is the nose skin. I'll remove all the excess cartilage.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
Turning the ears to the outer edge.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
Now the lips and seems are thinned ( no pics). After everthing is thinned I repair holes. Sheep tend to have a lot of damage.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
When repairing holes you need to take out all the cut hair. Sometimes this can be difficult with BH's.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
This is an area I think gets overlooked often in taxidermy. The Hooves need to be cleaned and pulled to the tip. It is not easy but must be done.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
When you first look inside it looks clean.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
This is the area that needs to be pulled and clean.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
I start by injecting them with a solution to soften the inside. They are usually rock solid.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
After they soften a bit I'll cut and remove the inside.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
I guess I should mention to be carful. A week after pulling these I was working on an Impala foot and run the filet knife through my thumb and out the other side.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
All 4 feet... a lot of food for bugs if left in!
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
The hide is ready to test fit. By test fitting the hide I will see what form alterations are needed. The form should be made to fit the hide.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
As you can see this hide had a lot of mineral staining and is very dirty. After I fit the hide I can now clean and if needed bleach. Bleaching is discussed with the client and is personal choice. Bleaching to hard is not good for the hair and if not done right can cause irreversible damage.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
Look how dirty the ears are.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
My personal choice is a light bleaching to clean it up but not give a brite white look. After talking with Mark we decided bleaching was the way to go here.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
Here is the hide before I started. the higher the volume bleach the stronger and more damaging it is. I used 20 volume for this sheep. 20 vol is on the low end.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
You start with the heavy soiled or blood stained spots first then move to the lighter spots.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
I babysit the hide and watch the color change. When ready I will wash the bleach out of the hair. I try not to leave the bleach on for more than 20 min.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
hang to drain.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
I will blow dry the hide and check the color. If needed I will repeat the process. After I am satisfied with the color I will wash the hide in a shampoo and also a conditioner. The hide will also look lighter when mounted so you don't want it snow white at this stage. I never bleach more than 2 times.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
After the test fit We had very little form altering to do... changed the head position a bit and added a little girth. The next set of pics will be of the alterations and putting the form together.
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
19-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
I'll finish up this week.
Thanks, Dennis
From: abow4me
20-Aug-16
Awesome thread! Thanks for sharing.
From: BULELK1
20-Aug-16
WOW ~~
What a project!
Good luck, Robb
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
Thanks guys!
Now that the form is roughed into position and a good fit I will start the detail work. I start by setting the horns. I don't have any pictures but first the horns need to be pulled, clean, and bonded back on.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
I drill out undercuts for added support.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
I will do the nose and face detail next.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
I like to use a septum in all my animals. The next few pics are of how I install.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Matt Rehor
20-Aug-16
Awesome thread Dennis!! Can't wait to see more....
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
So, I have no idea where the map pic came from and I gave away my next thread with the cougar pic! Haha...
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
After the horns are set and the face work is done I can fill any imperfections in the form and get it ready to mount.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
Forgot to add this picture... I like to move the feet so the rod will exit a toe. they usually come out the center and you can see them when mounted. I just reshape the foot to one side.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
Now that the form is ready I finish the hide. A few things need done before mounting... The ears, tail, clay feet and fill the testicles.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
One this sheep I used a bondo ear.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
I don't know where those 2 pictures came from ( the map and tractor)... I've never seen them before.
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: t-roy
20-Aug-16
Where's the testicle filling pics??!!
Incredible amount of work that goes into a mount that 98% of people don't give a second thought to! You are truly an artist Dennis!
Love these kinds of threads. Thanks for taking the time to share them with us!
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
My helper has arrived!
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Surfbow
20-Aug-16
Dennis, these threads are so cool! I love watching a pro at work, keep it coming!
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
The boys surprised me with a little habitat project!
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: HoytCountry
20-Aug-16
looking great cant wait to see the end product
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
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From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
Hope you all enjoyed. Thanks for following! If anyone has any questions feel free to ask and I'll try to answer.
Razza's Taxidermy Studio Bowsite Sponsor
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
Here is a short video of a Stones Sheep I did.
From: Charlie Rehor
20-Aug-16
Very fitting mount for the Number Four Pope & Young Dall of All-Time! Congrats Mark and also Dennis! C
From: Matt Rehor
20-Aug-16
Best thread I've seen in a while!! Incredible!!!
From: rock50
20-Aug-16
Nice work Dennis!
Thanks for a fun thread.
I have no regrets I trusted you with the wolves and lynx from the Babine trap line.
From: Treeline
20-Aug-16
Awesome photo documentary of the work that goes into mounting a life-size animal. Great pictures and work, Dennis!
From: bowfinatic
20-Aug-16
Really cool thread Gives a good idea of what it takes Great work
From: Treeline
20-Aug-16
Now the truth is revealed! Looks like only 6 minutes to get it done by the video! But of course you have to move really quick to get it done that fast:)
From: Dennis Razza
20-Aug-16
Thanks for the comments!
Charlie, I'm very lucky to get such great trophies in to work on. I remember admiring this Ram at the P&Y convention. I have to thank Mark for trusting me with his trophy!
Treeline, If I could move that fast I could retire early and hunt every day! lol
From: MTNRCHR
20-Aug-16
Beautiful work. Your a true artist.
From: BULELK1
21-Aug-16
Turned out great!
Thanks for sharing
Good luck, Robb
From: GhostBird
21-Aug-16
Fantastic, very, very nice!
From: Mark Watkins
22-Aug-16
Dennis,
The ram has turned out incredible to say the least...I cant wait to get him home to MN!
"I have to thank Mark for trusting me with his trophy!" After seeing dozens of your finished works of art and talking to several of your very happy customers, the decision to have you do the ram was an easy one...
You are at the top of your game Dennis.....Congrats!!!
Mark
From: kota-man
22-Aug-16
Very nice guys. Love everything about that ram/mount.
From: loesshillsarcher
22-Aug-16
Beautiful sheep. Congrats Mark and Dennis!
From: Brotsky
22-Aug-16
Your talent is amazing Dennis, true artistry! Thank you for sharing this thread, amazing all the work that goes into an incredible mount!
Mark, congrats again on a smoker Dall if I didn't congratulate you before! What a stud!
From: Pyrannah
23-Aug-16
fantastic!! love these threads dennis...
From: loesshillsarcher
23-Aug-16
A similar position as mine? I like that pose. lol
From: loesshillsarcher
23-Aug-16
lol. no idea how that picture is put on there? wheres the corn stalks. How does this keep happening to posters?
From: Wayniac
23-Aug-16
Amazing work!
From: loesshillsarcher
23-Aug-16
From: Dennis Razza
23-Aug-16
I'm eating luch and looking at beautiful Rams!
From: loesshillsarcher
23-Aug-16
Mine looks beautiful buy tiny compared to Mr. Watkin's sheep. lol. Nice work Dennis.
From: TXHunter
23-Aug-16
Great thread learned a lot!
From: rdohn
23-Aug-16
Fantastic work Dennis! This thread is very informative thanks for sharing.
From: Beav
23-Aug-16
It is crazy the mount of detail and work that goes into your mounts. There is no one in the business any better!
From: Jim B
23-Aug-16
Nice work Dennis.I know very few taxidermists that remove the toe bones.It's well worth the effort.
From: Nick Muche
23-Aug-16
Great looking mount!
From: Mark Watkins
24-Aug-16
Ned, I can only hope to take a "twin" of your bighorn to add to the family! And a "twin of your Stone's...and a Desert to boot while I'm wishful thinking!!!
We all need to do what we can to keep Dennis busy!
Mark
From: spike buck
25-Aug-16
Awesome thread!!! Such detail in the work you show. Wish you had a Taxidery shop in Canada, we could use someone like you up here.
CONGRATS ON YOUR WORK!!!
From: huntmaster
25-Aug-16
Beautiful work Dennis!
Congrats again Ned and Mark!
From: Zackman
25-Aug-16
Great work Dennis!
From: Brian M.
26-Aug-16
Dennis, you are truly a master. The detail is remarkable.
From: Grubby
26-Aug-16
This is an awesome thread! So awesome that I now feel like I know a lot about taxidermy, anybody with a sheep to mount this year bring it to me....I'm much cheaper than Dennis!!!
Thanks for taking the time to do these!
From: sureshot
26-Aug-16
Dennis,You do truly wonderful work!
From: Buffalo1
26-Apr-17
Those are some beautiful mounts already and you have not even completed them! WOW
From: JohnB
26-Apr-17
As a mold maker in a machine shop (at work right now), your attention to detail is outstanding! Thanks for sharing the process I very much enjoyed it!
