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I shot my first Canvasback this weekend. i have been hunting for almost 20 years and I have always wanted to drop one.

He obviously isn't in full plumage, and I don't know if I should mount him or not. Any opinions?

Do you like the bird? Does looking at it make you happy? Will the memory of the hunt be worth the cost of mounting it?

He's a ways from being full plumed but that is hardly the final decider. If your proud of it and like to see it on the wall then do just that. Memory trophies are far better than just a pretty bird to me.

Also, if its the first you've killed in 20 years....

As the other guys have said, he's not a prime specimen, in fact it's a bird that was hatched this year.

However, it may be worth it to you - and only you can be the judge of that.

Does it have many pin feathers?

Go for it man...I'd hate to see ya wait another 20 years.

Oh and check out the big brain on Dan

Redbeard wrote:Oh and check out the big brain on Dan

Did dan show you his brain again?

I agree with Dan. It's a young bird and, you might want to discuss it some with your taxi before you commit.
I get that it is your first and means a lot but, would a nice framed picture on the wall make more sense, until you shoot a nice bull all creamed up.
Of course, like others have said, it's your first and who knows what will happen in the next 20 years. I don't know where you're from, so I have no idea on the odds of you ever shooting another.
My disclaimer: I've never had any bird professionally mounted, including any of my Harlequins.
I get close to it and then I think of all the hunting gear $200-300 can buy.

Congratulations on your first Bull.

3legged_lab wrote:

Redbeard wrote:Oh and check out the big brain on Dan

Did dan show you his brain again?

he gets me every time

I'd take mount it, then take it to the taxidermist.

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QH's Paw wrote:I agree with Dan. It's a young bird and, you might want to discuss it some with your taxi before you commit.
I get that it is your first and means a lot but, would a nice framed picture on the wall make more sense, until you shoot a nice bull all creamed up.
Of course, like others have said, it's your first and who knows what will happen in the next 20 years. I don't know where you're from, so I have no idea on the odds of you ever shooting another.
My disclaimer: I've never had any bird professionally mounted, including any of my Harlequins.
I get close to it and then I think of all the hunting gear $200-300 can buy.

Congratulations on your first Bull.

Being a young bird, pin feathers can be a taxidermists worst nightmare.
I've been wanting to a nice can for years, but I'd def want a nice specimen.
Take QHP's advice.

Congrats on your first bull!

It most likely won't be too pinny this time of year.

Unless you're in the southern part of the states maybe. It wouldn't be around here at least.

A good picture is easier to store, easier to move and easier to keep dusted. If you are going to mount it, I would say to mount it from behind.

Thanks for the comments. I think I will keep it on ice for a weekend or two and see if I drop one that is better, but being that it is the first Can I have ever seen while hunting, much less dropped, I doubt I will be that lucky.

I have been wanting to mount a bird for the last three seasons, but haven't found one that has really "done it" for me. The only duck mount I have is a wood duck, being the first duck I shot.

If its a trophy to you take it to a taxidermist and have him check it out. If he sounds confident it will make a presentable mount and you're willing to drop the coin - go for it. Worst case scenario, later on you shoot a better one and replace it. Or maybe add to the original mount with the second.

Sometimes its about more than just a nice speciman.

DC727 wrote:I'd take mount it, then take it to the taxidermist.

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what??? Drinking again?

3legged_lab wrote:If its a trophy to you take it to a taxidermist and have him check it out. If he sounds confident it will make a presentable mount and you're willing to drop the coin - go for it. Worst case scenario, later on you shoot a better one and replace it. Or maybe add to the original mount with the second.

Sometimes its about more than just a nice speciman.

x2

Redbeard wrote:

DC727 wrote:I'd take mount it, then take it to the taxidermist.

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what??? Drinking again?

id say get it mounted, but then again maybe dont listen to me, im tempted to mount every single new species i kill. I just love mounted animals as conversation pieces and to see the beauty of animals