Mt. Goat Mounting
Contributors to this thread:General Topic
From: Dennis Razza
25-Jan-13
Dennis Razza's Link
Follow as I give the basic details of how I did this goat. Feel free to ask questions if I leave out any details. When working alone I tend not to take as many pics as I should. Hope you enjoy!
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From: Dennis Razza
25-Jan-13
After Tanning I go over the entire goat and clean any areas that had excess blood or dirt like BH or bullet holes. It is very important to get these areas clean before mounting.
From: Dennis Razza
25-Jan-13
I let the hide drain for about an hr.
From: Dennis Razza
25-Jan-13
After the hide is drained I blow dry it. I use a cattle dryer that has two speeds and temperatures.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
After I have the goat dried I will test fit the hide. This will let me know if I need to do any alterations to the form. Now I can go forward with my hide prep. Most goats come in cut up the belly and down the legs. I sew them up then recut down the back before mounting.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Here's a pic of him during sewing. I put the black dots on the hide for reference marks. These will keep me from getting one side longer than the other.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
And done sewing.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I turn the hide over and cut him done the back. I draw a few lines across were I will cut for key points while sewing.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Now that I have him dorsal cut I will finish the hide prep. I will turn and thin eyes & lips plus pull ear cartilage. It is also very important to clean the hoofs out to the very tips.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
After the hide prep is all done I move on to form prep. I start by making a stand for the form. This will later be my frame for the rock habitat.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I'll rough up the form and make my tucking slots.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I need to cut out the leg areas to make room for tucking the skin. I marked the area with marker.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Sometimes when making my leg slots I have to cut through the support rod for the leg. If this happens I run a few rods through the leg for added support.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Now that the form is sanded and the leg slots are done I can do detail work on the head. I will do this on the work bench before putting it on the form. I will sculpt in a septum and do the nose detail. I use a cast off a goat for reference.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I can attach the head now. I will also put a support rod for added strength.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
After the head is on I set the horns and level the eyes.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Sculpting in the ears.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: wilhille
26-Jan-13
Awesome.... just awesome....
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
When possible i resculpt the foot so the rod comes out the center of one hoof. They put the rods between the hoofs. Resculpting lets me hide the rod completely.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I'll do my final details to the face before mounting.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Thanks Wilhille!
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Putting the tail in.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I'll turn it upside down and slide the hide on. I will then bolt it back on the frame.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I'll slid down the hide do the eyes and glue him up.
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I will spent the next few hrs adjusting and grooming.
Just in case my computer shuts down after I send this...There is another pic on the way!
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Hope this goes through!
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
I will let him dry for a few weeks then remodel and paint him. I will continue with the habitat when the base comes in. Thanks for following! Dennis
From: weekender21
26-Jan-13
Looks great!
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
26-Jan-13
I need one of those...
From: BULELK1
26-Jan-13
What a process from start to finish.
Great work.
Good luck, Robb
From: TREESTANDWOLF
26-Jan-13
Dennis, I'm fascinated by the process, and your efforts and time to bring us along is appreciated. Really nice work.
From: Jim in PA
26-Jan-13
Thanks Dennis. You did not even start the base and you have a lot of time in. Next time someone asks how much and why show them the pictures.
From: Bou'bound
26-Jan-13
wow learned a lot there so cool
From: KJC
26-Jan-13
This is great. There's an amazing amount of work that goes into this. Thanks for posting!
From: Charlie Rehor
26-Jan-13
So much to it. Please continue this thru completion.
Dennis is a Bowsite Sponsor partly because of the P&Y Club. I met him in 2007 while we were both at the same P&Y Club "Measurers Training Class" and we became friends. I started to see the amazing work he was doing and talked to him about being a sponsor. All of us have fairly easy access to local taxi guys but some may be looking for that extra special attention to detail for that once in a lifetime animal. If you want high quality work with a full time, business oriented, class act guy give him a call. He can handle any project no matter where you live in the US! C
From: Florida Mike
26-Jan-13
Wow Charlie, that was a nice endorsement. Its almost as if you appreciate Dennis being a sponsor, LOL. I guess it helps that he does fabulous work! hahaha!
Anyway, so Dennis IF I ever do get a Goat I need to cut it down the back and not the belly? Also, any other tips you would offer about skinning would be appreciated... Mike
From: midwest
26-Jan-13
Mike asked my question. Wouldn't it have been better for the hunter to skin down from the back to begin with?
Very nice work!
From: KJC
26-Jan-13
I would think it would be much harder for the taxi to fix a bad dorsal cut instead of a bad belly cut.
From: Charlie Rehor
26-Jan-13
You are correct Mike. I am glad Dennis is a sponsor.
Every year we see threads from hunters getting back sub-par mounts from a taxi not used to mounting different species, taxis going out of business because they were good taxis but lousy business men and even some hunters that leave their animals behind on a hunt for the outfitters taxi to do and don't see their animal for a couple years. Hard to find a really good taxi for sure!
From: Aubs8
26-Jan-13
Thanks Dennis. That is awesome. Mike
From: BOWUNTR
26-Jan-13
Very cool.... and interesting. Thanks for sharing. Ed F
From: t-roy
26-Jan-13
VERY informative Dennis!! Most people have no idea what is entailed in the mounting of an animal. Thanks for taking the time & effort to give us the details! Also, have you ever posted anything on here (other than just the obvious things such as caping ASAP, keeping it cold, etc) about some field care tips, suggestions,etc. that we can do in the field when skinning, that would help make your job easier as well as possibly providing a better quality product to work with? Any info is greatly appreciated!....Thanks again...t-roy
From: Vids
26-Jan-13
I love this thread, it is making it hard to wait since I have a mountain goat at the taxi right now! Very cool to see what is likely happening to it at this very moment.
From: Ken
26-Jan-13
Excellent work!
From: Ermine
26-Jan-13
Sweet great pics
From: JTreeman
26-Jan-13
Very nice, thanks for all the detail and pictures. I look forward to seeing the base and all the final touches.
Thanks, --Jim
From: Trophy8
26-Jan-13
Informative and interesting. Very nice work!
From: Dennis Razza
26-Jan-13
Thanks everyone! Florida Mike- Personaly I would dorsal it unless you're in a time crunch. It will take more time to dorsal... especially on the side of a mountain! If there is any issue with time or not sure how to, don't think twice and belly it. If you belly cut try to leave points where the legs meet the belly. Stay away from rounding your incision. This will make it hard to line up.
t-roy- Field care is very important! I actually put together a few videos on skinning, caping, packing, shipping, ect... Just never had the time to sit down and edit them yet. I'll put them on when done.
Thanks,Dennis
From: Surfbow
26-Jan-13
This is very cool! Thanks Dennis!
From: realunlucky
27-Jan-13
True artist. Thanks for showing how much prep work goes into mounting something like this, its something ive never really thought about.
From: Bowme2
27-Jan-13
That's good stuff! Thanks for the walk through. This is exactly why I will pay more for my mounts, you guys deserve it! Great work!
From: Florida Mike
28-Jan-13
Thanks Dennis, BTW I would think if you did a good job putting a video together about how to skin certain big game animals for better taxidermy results it would be marketable? I'd pay $10. or $15. bucks for a CD.... just a thought. Mike
From: Straight Shooter
29-Jan-13
Dennis, nice job thanks for sharing.
DJ
From: rooster
30-Jan-13
Awesome work!
From: TXCO
31-Jan-13
Pretty impressive. Great Pics
From: Mathews Man
31-Jan-13
Thanks for sharing this with us Dennis.
Your mounts always look fantastic. The only mount I have that I wish I had done differently was my Mt Goat, your lifesize coming downhill pose is awesome. OF course cost always plays into those decisions at the time....
From: HDBOW
31-Jan-13
I was going to say when mounting a goat make sure you're wearing tall boots for the back legs ....but that looks amazing and I learned a ton. Thanks for posting this!
From: HDBOW
01-Feb-13
x2 Florida mike on the video
From: springer150
01-Feb-13
I want one....now thats art.
From: Dennis Razza
01-Feb-13
Thanks guys! Yes, I need to get on the videos... Just need to make the time for editing. I think field care and capping/skinning would be a good start.
I hope to finish the base this weekend and get the pics up. Thanks again, Dennis
From: Lee
01-Feb-13
Very cool! Thanks for sharing.
Lee
From: Ridge Wraith
02-Feb-13
Cool, I think I see my pheasant in the background :)
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I finally finished the base today! I start with a 4x8 sheet that is a cast of rocks. I cut or break this into pieces and form this around my frame.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I screw the pieces together.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Doing my rocks this way give great depth and detail.
From: MaBow
05-Feb-13
It looks Fantastic!
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
A few shots of the finished rocks before I seam them.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Foot Shooter
05-Feb-13
This makes me happy that Dennis is doing my mule deer from last season, and makes me really want a mtn. Goat sooner!
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I place and shim pieces of rock to get contact with the ground. When I mounted the goat I redirected the rods to one side of the hoof (not the center). This way I can hide any sign of the rods.
From: city hunter
05-Feb-13
GREAT WORK !!! and guys ask why so much money for a good mount !!!
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
After I have the rock together I use a foam glue to seal and glue the seams.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
After the glue sealer is dry I need to seam the rocks. I do this with a mix I make. I sculpt and blend in all seams.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Bill, I just started your mulie! I have a few shows the next 2 weeks then will get it finished. I have the base and the deer set up ready to mount. It's going to look great!
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Now I wrap the feet and get ready to seam and form around his feet.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I shave any high spots and make any adjustments to the rock and get the goat level. The wrap on his feet will help keep him clean from the seam compound.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I use rock pieces to shim under the hoofs.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I put seam compound were the feet go and put the goat back on. I now can shape the ground to get good contact to his feet.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Trophy8
05-Feb-13
Good stuff, lot of work no doubt. Very interesting.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
After the rocks are done I airbrush all the seams and blend in before I paint the rock.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Painted
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Getting ready to put it on the finished base.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I make hidden panels in the back to access the leg bolts and tighten the goat down.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: t-roy
05-Feb-13
Great stuff, Dennis. Coincidentally, my taxi is putting my mt. lion together right now along with building the rock base for it. I have been helping (kind of!) More like giving my opinions on different aspects of the mount. It has opened my eyes as to how much labor is involved in such a project.
I hope to be able post some pics of it in a few weeks. By the way, your rock base looks awesome so far. Can't wait to see the finished product, as well as the rest of the steps in getting to that point!
Keep up the great work...t-roy
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Before I do the finishing touches I put the goat back on. I like to stand back and look for balance and composition with the goat on.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Now I start to add fine details to the rock.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
starting to hang ice.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
I add my moss in the cracks.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
And finally a little snow.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
Done!Thanks for following.
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
From: Dennis Razza
05-Feb-13
As soon as I have time my next thread will be on this cat...
From: Bowme2
05-Feb-13
Wow! That is REALLY NICE! Quite the gift you have... thanks for sharing!
From: DanJ
06-Feb-13
Definitely enjoyed the read - very nice work!
From: SCKS_Bowhunter
06-Feb-13
Unbelievable! The devil's in the details and you nailed them... I thought it looked good with just the Goat and the rock but those small things just up it to another level.
From: brettpsu
06-Feb-13
Very nice work Dennis. I hope to see you at the eastern sheep show.
From: MissingStrands
06-Feb-13
A good Taxidermist is truly an artist. Nice work! If this is production work, image how good his competitive stuff is.(Assuming you compete)
From: bwhntr
06-Feb-13
Thanks for the build-along. True talent.
From: Nick Muche
06-Feb-13
Excellent!
From: Goat Guide
06-Feb-13
Thanks for the thread, perfect with my morning coffee. Nice mount!!!!!! Jack
From: Kicker
06-Feb-13
If you don't mind me asking, how much does a mount like this cost? It's amazing work!
From: Dennis Razza
06-Feb-13
Dennis Razza's Link
Thanks for all the kind words... I'm glad everyone enjoys the mount threads!!! I will send PMs to all guys with pricing questions. There are a lot of variables in life size taxidermy that go into pricing wood type, form alterations for a custom piece, open mouth work ect... If you have any specific project you're looking to have done or have any pricing questions feel free to call the studio or send me a PM and I will answer any questions you have.
archery95 and kicker - Pm sent.
t-roy, It's exciting waiting to get a mount back. I can't wait to see the pics of your cat. I always look at the mount back from traxi threads!
Thanks, Dennis
From: M.Pauls
06-Feb-13
Sold! Wow a true artist!!
From: Juan_ID
06-Feb-13
Holy smokes, that's an awesome mount! You are a talented man for sure!
From: Foot Shooter
06-Feb-13
That mount is amazing Dennis. I am looking forward to the Muley (thanks for the update) .
From: PAstringking
06-Feb-13
WOW Dennis...That is a work of art. Amazing detail
Very well done
From: bhunter
06-Feb-13
Very good work!!
From: BO-N-ARO
06-Feb-13
As you all can see a taxidermist must be not only an artist, but a mechanical engineer. Through in a little chemical engineering and naturalist and someone with imagination, you to could do this......:) GREAT work my man!
From: Dantheman
10-Feb-13
Dennis, this mount is totally awesome! Just goes to show how artistic a taxi has to be! Very nice work! I was just wondering how hard it must be to do the base mount. How do you keep the snow and ice from melting off the mount? I would love to have a mount like the one you demonstrated but im afraid that the snow and ice would melt and ruin my carpet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
From: Dennis Razza
10-Feb-13
Lol. It also helps to turn the air on high. Good idea to keep a bucket under the ice just in case!
From: Dennis Razza
12-Mar-13
Just got back from the Pa taxidermy championships this week and took the goat I did in this thread. thought I'd share a pic.
From: Pyrannah
12-Mar-13
im not really much a fan of taxidermy, but man that is amazing... you do great work and you make it look so easy and thats what top notch professionals do...
outstanding work...
From: INbowdude
12-Mar-13
Awesome. As a point of reference, how much time was involved in the total mount? Maybe you can break it down in steps? I really appreciate your tips to hunters about skinning and field care. Thanks.
From: Dennis Razza
16-Mar-13
Thanks guys! Mike- I'll need to sit and break down the hrs. I'm glad the field care tips help out. I'm working on putting a video together of some basic field care tips. It's always good to know how to handle your trophy in the field and get it to your taxi safely. Whether this be skinning, caping, turning & salting, or packing & shipping. I think this will come in handy to our out of state clients who ship trophy's to the studio.
From: bowonly
16-Mar-13
that is amazing!!!!
From: in2dmtns
20-Apr-13
Dennis that goat is incredible. Great job.
From: Butts
22-Apr-13
Amazing talent on a Fantastic species!!! Towords the end I am thinking award winning work....then there it is ChaChing. Beautiful
From: RDH
22-Apr-13
Dennis do you do this detail on every piece of work or just competition pieces?
From: Dennis Razza
22-Apr-13
Thanks again for the kind words.
RDH- Yes, I do this for all my work. I did not mount this for a competition. This was a customer piece that I had in the show room at the time of the competition. I called and asked if I could take it, and he said yes.
From: Bill V
24-Apr-13
Awesome Dennis.
I met Dennis this year at the ECWSF banquet, real nice guy and is now a member of the United Bowhunters of Pa.
Evidently he does awesome work and he supports the bowhunting orgs.
Bill V.
From: CJE
24-Apr-13
Wow, one of the neatest mounts I have seen!!!
From: Straight Shooter
24-Apr-13
Dennis- Awesome work, really loved the detail that you added to the mount. The thing I'm most excited about is that you are only a state away from me! (Also the state I grew up in) If and when I get a sheep or goat, I will be giving you a call. Keep up the good work.
DJ
From: Dennis Razza
04-Sep-14
The first few goats of the season will be hitting the receiving department shortly. Thought this would be a good thread to bring back around. Best of luck to all!
From: Blake Patton
04-Sep-14
First time to view this thread. Very impressive Dennis!!
From: IKE220
04-Sep-14
All I can say is WOW!!
From: mrjeffro
04-Sep-14
Beautiful mount!! If I am successful this winter I guess I'm taking a trip to Pa to have Dennis mount my mountain lion =)
From: Keywadin
12-Jan-15
That is ridiculous. You are a true ARTIST my friend. If I am lucky enough to get a mountable animal, you will surely get my business.
From: Tndeer
12-Jan-15
Wow! I love posts like this. Its amazing how you can bring them back to life. Really impressive!
From: Julius K
12-Jan-15
That is incredible
From: JayG@work
13-Jan-15
You do such amazing work. I love following your threads. The attention to detail is just awesome. Your mounts really are works of art. Jay
From: wildwilderness
13-Jan-15
I noticed the belly sewn, then cut up the back.
Do you recommend that hunters cut up the back when cape-ing for a full body mount?
From: Dennis Razza
13-Jan-15
Wwilderness, I do recommend cutting down the back unless it's a short haired animal.
