Raft Waterfowl Studios

12/08/2024

Crushing cans in Canada 🇨🇦 💪💪👀

11/27/2024

Casting and painting some squaw feet!

11/03/2024

Wood duck swimming on a set of metal reeds with a lily pad. Reeds and base made in house.

11/02/2024

Shot a beautiful wigeon today! He's a mounter!

10/27/2024

Mallard hen up to dry

10/27/2024

Bufflehead buzzing through the reeds on a big pedestal base

10/20/2024

Wood duck.

09/29/2024

Squaw doggie

08/23/2024

Field care for Waterfowl.

If you harvest a bird that you wish to take to a taxidermist, treat it with care!
1. If crippled, dispatch your bird with a method that does not cause more damage to the bird such as ringing its neck. Finishers are also not preferred because they put holes into the head of the bird.
2. Do not hang the bird on a strap by its neck. If you are going to hang it, do so by the foot.
3. Keep the bird out of the water for the rest of your hunt.
4. Get the bird into a freezer ASAP! This doesnt mean you have to immediately pack up and head home, but keep the bird out of the hot sun while you finish the hunt. The sooner the bird is frozen the less time bacteria has to cause problems, especially in warmer weather!
Use a1 or 2 gallon FREEZER ZIPLOCK BAG (there is a difference) to store the bird in ( preferably with the head tucked against the body) before placing in freezer. If you have a large goose I suggest using 2 contractor garbage bags. Squeeze air out, tie first bag, then place in the second and repeat process. The idea is to prevent your freezer from drawing moisture out of the bird while frozen causing freezer burn.
5. Keep in mind the better quality bird, the better quality mount. Early season birds are often riddled with pin feathers. Late season birds are always a safer bet. The more damage a bird takes the more we will have to fix/hide as taxidermists, and the reasonable options for poses starts to dwindle. Yes, you have to shoot em to kill em, but don't shoot a bird at 10 yards with BBs if you hope to get it mounted haha.
6. The best way I've heard it put is this... treat your bird like you would an expensive steak. Don't leave it in the hot sun for hours, don't put it in a plastic shopping bag and toss in the freezer, etc. Follow the steps listed above and you're in good shape!

DONT HESITATE TO REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS! My main goal is to create quality work that myself and my customers can be proud of!

08/17/2024

Ruddy Duck

08/17/2024

Hey guys, I went to the world show last week and put together this video! There was over 700 entries so I couldn't get every piece for multiple reasons... but for anyone interested here it is! It's kinda long (38 mins or so) haha.

This is a video I put together to commemorate the 2024 world show. There was over 700 entries (the largest show to date), and competitors from all over the w...

08/16/2024

08/16/2024

We are approaching the 24'-25' waterfowl season! Those who are interested in mounting any birds please keep me in mind and reach out with any questions!