I need to get some forms on order this week as the taxidermist would like to enter my mount in a competition (no pressure from her) and form availability is a lead-time issue for her. First step was picking a spot- planning to place it on my cabin wall, above the patio door, walking left to right downhill. The form shown is from Headquarters Taxidermy Supplies (she said their forms are excellent). Posted a McKenzie mounted form for what I'm thinking for design inspiration.
Mouth slightly open or closed? What do you think looks better?
Any suggestions or similar pics appreciated.

Mouth open with a moose calf hanging out of it.

I like the closed mouth. Looks more natural imo.

Standing with a curious mouth closed look, or ticked off mouth open would look cool.

Bottom one, mouth closed. The only time I have seen a mouth open in my lifetime of hunting bears is fighting another bear, or being run by dogs.

I have a walking full mount, I'll text picture if someone will post for me.

Posted for ringtail 60:
Really nice mount and nice work! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
My taxidermist I'm using said, if you have the wall space- hang it low enough so people can enjoy it and high enough that they can't touch it.

Closed mouth looks best.



Keith

You need to pick Yourself
whatever You think is Nice or cool!

Personally I think close mouth looks far more appealing long term, after the original "That looks cool!" wears off.

With that being said if your taxidermist is competing with it, an open mouth mount if done well will beat a closed mouth mount every day due to the difficulty.

Always have been happy with a closed mouth on my little bear. I did the log myself, taxidermist just the mount itself.

Here's one I had done about ten years ago. The guy usually turns out very good work but I was disappointed with how this turned out. He's charging $6,500 for a full body mount and an additional $350 for open mouth.

Mark & Posco... Thanks for sharing your mounts, I talked to the taxidermist yesterday and she also highly recommended closed mouth for a more natural look.