Obtaining a hen wood duck mount back again from the taxidermist is a big offer because those refined colors deserve method more credit than they usually obtain. Most of the time, the drakes steal the spotlight with their crazy precious metal greens and brilliant reds, but when you look closely at a hen, there's an entire lot of modest beauty taking place. It's that soft, grayish-brown plumage combined with those surprising pops associated with iridescent purple plus blue on the wings that really the piece stand out there on the wall.
When you're considering how in order to display one, a person aren't just searching at an item of taxidermy; you're looking at a memory of a crisp morning in the flooded timber. A lot of hunters treat the particular hen as an afterthought, but in my experience, a well-done hen wood duck mount can actually be even more of the conversation piece than the flashier drake. It's all within the details, such as that distinct whitened teardrop shape across the eye and the way the down transition from the soft belly in order to a darker, even more patterned back.
Why the Hen Wood Duck Should get the Spotlight
We've all seen the massive shows with three or four drakes in a row, and yeah, they look good. But there is something incredibly stylish in regards to a single hen. Her colors are usually earthy and organic, which means she fits into almost any room's decor without having looking too "loud. " If you've got a traditional cabin vibe or even just a modern den, the particular muted tones associated with a hen wood duck just work.
The cool thing about chickens is the iridescence on their speculum. When the light strikes those wing down just right, you obtain these flashes of violet and teal that you may not even notice with first glance. That's why I always tell people in order to put their hen wood duck mount within a spot where it gets some decent natural light. Not direct sunlight—because you don't want the down to fade within the years—but enough lighting to show off those hidden colors.
Choosing the Right Pose for Your Mount
Picking a pose is most likely the hardest part of the entire process. Since wood ducks are one of the several species that actually perch in trees and nest within cavities, you might have a few really unique options that you wouldn't have with the mallard or a pintail.
The Classic Standing up Pose
The standing pose on a piece of weathered driftwood is a classic with regard to a reason. This looks natural, and it allows the taxidermist to show away from the bird's profile. For a hen, I love the standing pose exactly where she's slightly "tucked, " maybe along with one foot upward. It provides her a calm, serene appearance. If you go this route, make sure the wood she's standing on appearance like something you'd actually find inside a swamp. A item of old, mossy oak or a gnarled root adds therefore much character.
The Banking or even Flying Look
If you need something with additional power, a flying hen wood duck mount will be the method to go. Most people select a bank pose since it starts up the wings and shows away that speculum We were discussing. In the event that the wings are closed, you overlook about 40% from the bird's best colours. A hen "dropping in" with her feet down and wings cupped looks amazing, especially in case you have her mounted up high upon a wall so you're looking upward at her, just like you would certainly in the field.
The Having their nests Box Idea
Since wood geese are cavity nesters, a really awesome and unique way to mount a hen is having her peering out of a nesting box or a hollowed-out log. This is a bit more of a "habitat" style mount, and it informs a story. It's a terrific way to celebrate the conservation side associated with hunting, too, considering that those nesting containers really are a huge cause why wood duck populations are so healthy today.
Precisely why You Should Consider a Pair
I'll be honest, while a single hen is gorgeous, nothing beats a drake and hen combo. These are debatably the most iconic pair in the waterfowl world. Whenever you put a hen wood duck mount together with a drake, this creates a visual balance. The drake provides the "wow" factor with his colors, while the hen provides the comparison that makes these colors pop even more.
If you perform choose a set, try to ask them to interacting. Maybe the drake is slightly above the hen, or they're both swimming on a part of "artificial water. " Having them within the same picture makes the screen feel like a little slice of the marsh has been transported into your home. It's much less like a trophy and more like wildlife art.
Preparing the Bird within the Field
If you know you want a hen wood duck mount , the job starts the second you select the bird up out associated with the water. Wood ducks are fairly small and delicate, so you have got to be cautious. First off, check for pin feathers. If the parrot has a great deal of new feathers coming in that will haven't fully developed, it's going to become a nightmare regarding your taxidermist, and it won't appear as smooth when you want.
Once you find a "mounter-quality" hen, don't just toss her in the particular bottom of the particular boat or below a pile associated with heavy decoys. I usually carry a few gallon-sized freezer bags and several paper bath towels. Gently wipe away any blood, stick the head within wing, and glide her into the particular bag. Try to get as much air flow out as you can. If you can obtain her into the freezer quickly, you're in good form. Just don't cover her in newspaper—that's an old-school technique that truly sucks the particular moisture out associated with the feet and beak, making the particular taxidermist's job a lot harder.
Finding the Right Taxidermist
Not all taxidermists are created equal, especially whenever it comes to birds. Fish plus deer are a single thing, but geese require a really specific touch to look "alive. " When you're looking with regard to someone to do your own hen wood duck mount , ask in order to see photos of their previous waterfowl work. Specifically, glance at the eyes and the particular bill.
The region around the particular eyes on the wood duck is extremely specific. If the taxidermist gets the shape wrong, the parrot will look "surprised" or even just plain "off. " You want somebody who understands the anatomy and can recreate that smooth, feminine look that will a hen has. Also, check out their own habitat work. In case the "water" appears to be blue jello or maybe the "grass" looks like plastic, it's heading to ruin the whole vibe of the high-quality bird.
Caring for Your Mount Long-Term
Once you get that will beautiful hen wood duck mount home and on the wall, a person want it to stay looking fresh. Dust is the enemy of feathers. Every single few months, I get a very soft paintbrush or even a feather duster and carefully go over the particular bird in the particular direction the feathers grow. Don't use any cleaning chemical substances or water, as that may mess along with the oils plus the way the feathers sit.
Another thing in order to watch out with regard to is bugs. Mites will often find their own way into taxidermy if you aren't careful. A lot of guys make use of a bit of specialized "mount protector" spray once a year simply to be safe. And again, keep it far from direct temperature sources like fireplaces or air vents, because extreme temperature swings can result in the skin to shrink or crack over time.
Conclusions on the Hen Woodie
At the finish of the time, a hen wood duck mount is a tribute to one of the very interesting birds within the woods. While they might not have the "look at me" attitude of the drakes, they have got a refined elegance that actually grows on you. Whether or not she's portion of the pair or sitting down solo on a bit of cypress drift, she's a reminder of those quiet moments within the timber when the world is simply starting to wake up.
If you're on the fence about whether a hen is definitely worth mounting, simply take a near consider the next one the truth is. Between the particular delicate patterns upon her chest as well as the hidden gems associated with color in her wings, she's the masterpiece of nature that looks absolutely incredible on a wall. It's about more than just the harvest; it's about rising the bird with regard to what it is —an special, beautiful part associated with the outdoors that we're lucky enough to spend time in.