Badger Project

Due to the loss of elasticity in a tanned hide, an extreme bend in the body such as this, requires a number of relief cuts to accommodate the extra hide.

Cougar Forms 900 and 905

Cougars like humans come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. The critical measurements are eye to nose, neck circumference, CHEST circumference and finally nose to base of tail. We at Summit recognize that the chest measurement is more important than the belly. There is far less variation in the chest measurement on similar sized animals than there is in the belly measurements (not unlike humans). We leave it to the Taxidermist to tailor the belly on their mount to the particular specimen that they are working with. If necessary this can be achieved by adding clay or building up the form with a free rise pour of foam which can then be carved to shape.

For both our 900 and 905 Cougar forms a deep recess cut is needed behind and around into the armpit of the front left leg. We recommend a cut one inch wide and 3 inches deep to allow a place to tuck the excess hide that results from the turn in the body and position of this leg. Behind this, one or two smaller relief cuts can be made to help create wrinkles. A small amount of clay to soften these edges should be added then some latex caulking can be used to fill in the voids and aid in softening the look of the wrinkles further. Note: The latex should be applied to this area as the hide is sewn shut.

The right front leg on the 900 will require a similar recess to above the elbow and into the armpit. If in doubt, use your own body for reference. On our Cougar 905 this is already done for you since this leg is detached and the relief cut was done in the casting of the mold. An inch can easily be added or removed at the joint of the two sections of the form to make minor nose to base of tail measurements.

If your hide is tight around the chest this same shortening of the length will give added stretch in the circumference without having to shave down the form.

As with all of our products we are happy to assist with any questions you may have. Our mission is to make user friendly products and provide any technical support that you may need in their use.