How to Make a Squirrel Taxidermy Form Mount 
If you’re wondering how to make a squirrel taxidermy form mount, read this article. Taxidermist Rick Nadeau addresses the taxidermist’s bogeyman: the squirrel’s innards! Rick shares his best tips for successfully skinning and taxidermizing the furry creature. Also read: Skinning a squirrel for a taxidermy form mount.
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Taxidermist Rick Nadeau
If you’ve always wanted to mount a squirrel, but haven’t been sure how, taxidermist Rick Nadeau can show you how. The Mitchell, Illinois, based taxidermist has been creating form mounts for over 25 years, and will show you the proper methods and equipment for your next wildlife project. His small studio is free of dead animals, and he has two to three-mounted squirrels on his kitchen table. It’s an amazing sight to see the finished products, and he’ll even show you how to make a squirrel head form mount.
While most taxidermists steer clear of small animals, Nadeau makes it his mission to create unique form mounts of wildlife. Nadeau has had success with his work, shipping his creations around the world. A full-body squirrel form mount, for example, costs from $155 to $165, which is comparable to the price of a full-body mount.
Skinning a squirrel for a taxidermy mount
When skinning a squirrel for a taxidermy display, you should keep in mind that the animal has a very small amount of fat and muscle on its front paws. The bones and other parts will not be degraded, although they will shrink. If you are making a basic display mount or prop, you can use the carcass without the skin. Remember, the animal did not die naturally, and most animals are killed for decorative purposes, not to be eaten. So, if you are going to skin a squirrel for a taxidermy display, you should also avoid the tainted meat and any innards.
There are two ways to skin a squirrel for a taxidermy display. The first is the dorsal method, which involves a single cut along the spine, reducing sewing. To begin, cut from behind the shoulder to just before the hips. Use your fingertips to separate the skin from the inside membrane. Once you have separated the skin from the inner membrane, flesh out the carcass.
A video that teaches you the process step-by-step will guide you through the process of skinning a squirrel for a taxidermy display. The video is professionally shot in HD and includes step-by-step instructions and close-up footage. It is an ideal starting point for any budding taxidermist. You can learn to skin a squirrel in a matter of hours with this instructional video.
What is the best way to kill a squirrel?
The best way to kill a squirrel is to shoot it in the head.
How do you prepare a squirrel for mounting?
You need to skin the squirrel and remove the head tail and feet.
Then you’ll stuff the squirrel with cotton or straw and sew it up.
What kind of tools do you need to mount a squirrel?
You will need a sharp knife a pair of pliers and a sewing needle and thread.
Where do you makes the initial cut when skinning a squirrel?
You should make the initial cut at the base of the tail.
How do you remove the squirrel’s head?
Cut through the skin around the neck and then use your hands to pull the skin over the head.
Then cut through the skull with a sharp knife.
How do you remove the squirrel’s feet?
Cut through the skin around the ankle and then pull the skin over the foot.
Then cut through the bone with a sharp knife.
How do you remove the squirrel’s tail?
Cut through the skin at the base of the tail and then pull the skin over the tail.
What is the best way to stuff a squirrel?
The best way to stuff a squirrel is to use cotton or straw.
How do you sew up a stuffed squirrel?
Use a needle and thread to sew up the openings where you removed the head tail and feet.
Where do you mount a squirrel?
You can mount a squirrel on a plaque a piece of wood or a plaque with a stand.
What kind of screws do you use to mount a squirrel?
Use screws that are long enough to go through the plaque or wood and into the squirrel.
How many screws do you use to mount a squirrel?
Use two screws to mount a squirrel.
What is the best way to display a mounted squirrel?
The best way to display a mounted squirrel is to put it in a place where it won’t be disturbed and where it can be seen.
How do you clean a mounted squirrel?
Use a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner to clean a mounted squirrel.
How often do you need to clean a mounted squirrel?
You should clean a mounted squirrel once a month.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
