To me, it can really depend on the species - some lend themselves to flying mounts, nut many lend themselves to standing or preening mounts. I've done a flying pin and perched woodduck.
As a pups first - I might even consider a 'dead mount'; hanging from a wood fence post or blind corner post with some brushed in bits.
Might also look at some of the best known waterfowl taxidermist's photos for inspiration too:
Gallery — Pat Bradburn, Bird Taxidermist - lots to scroll down through...
Birdman Studios – Premium Bird Taxidermy Duck Mounts - drawdown gallery menu....

 

To me, it can really depend on the species - some lend themselves to flying mounts, nut many lend themselves to standing or preening mounts. I've done a flying pin and perched woodduck.
As a pups first - I might even consider a 'dead mount'; hanging from a wood fence post or blind corner post with some brushed in bits.
Might also look at some of the best known waterfowl taxidermist's photos for inspiration too:
Gallery — Pat Bradburn, Bird Taxidermist - lots to scroll down through...
Birdman Studios – Premium Bird Taxidermy Duck Mounts - drawdown gallery menu....

I will definitely be scrolling through both of those galleries. Thanks for the info.

Since it is not exactly a prime specimen bird, I am leaning toward the dead mount style, but I do like the looks of a flying or 'feet-down' pose.

 

I am going to do a DIY taxidermy strap with a pintail, a canvasback, a goldeneye, a greater scaup, a shoveler, a ringneck and a buffy, all birds hanging from a foot, strap hanging from a mule deer rack.

I saw a strap taxidermy once, as part of a lamp display made from an old shotgun. It was cool, but only had a couple birds. A full pacific NW hodgepodge of birds is what I want on it, and because it's a strap, I don't have to mess with any of that "bringing them back to life" artistry BS that takes actual talent that I do not posess.

 

I am going to do a DIY taxidermy strap with a pintail, a canvasback, a goldeneye, a greater scaup, a shoveler, a ringneck and a buffy, all birds hanging from a foot, strap hanging from a mule deer rack.

I saw a strap taxidermy once, as part of a lamp display made from an old shotgun. It was cool, but only had a couple birds. A full pacific NW hodgepodge of birds is what I want on it, and because it's a strap, I don't have to mess with any of that "bringing them back to life" artistry BS that takes actual talent that I do not posess.

that's a really cool idea. I don't even possess this level of skill, so I will be handing it off to a pro regardless of direction haha.

 

If it's going to be a "live" mount, search for pictures of ducks and find what you want to see your bird looking like. I've twice made the mistake of trying to have mounts copied and it just doesn't work....

I highly suggest you find a live photo of the pose you want, take it with you to the taxidermist and tell him exactly what you expect and ask whether or not they can create it for you. Also ask if they will be mounting the bird or if they have employees who might be doing the mount...it matters!

Trust me, it's a really ****ty feeling to pick up a bird you are not happy with.

 

If it's going to be a "live" mount, search for pictures of ducks and find what you want to see your bird looking like. I've twice made the mistake of trying to have mounts copied and it just doesn't work....

I highly suggest you find a live photo of the pose you want, take it with you to the taxidermist and tell him exactly what you expect and ask whether or not they can create it for you. Also ask if they will be mounting the bird or if they have employees who might be doing the mount...it matters!

Trust me, it's a really ****ty feeling to pick up a bird you are not happy with.

good to know! Appreciate the insight.

 

The other one I saw that I really liked was a dead bird in a coyote's mouth.

 

Ok, now that is cool.

 

While I wish my dog's first retrieve was a "cooler" duck than this, I still wanted to commemorate the event.

I am super happy with how it turned out.

 

I am in a similar boat. My pups first bird was a fairly unspectacular hen widgeon.

 

Couple options that would look good as single birds or the pair.....IMO

 

Hen Shovelers always impress when near a liquor cabinet, lol.

 

I prefer standing or pedestal mounts for all of my birds. But you need to consider where it's going and how important it is to you. I've got lots of really expensive waterfowl mounts that i hardly see. Probably shouldn't have got them mounted but here we are..

As far as where you send the bird, pay for the best you can. Nothing like having bad taxidermy next to good, to make you regret it.

One thing to consider... The cost of getting a quality mount vs framed pictures of a hunt, especially with a subpar bird, i would encourage you to rethink your decision to get it mounted.

 

I have a few birds mounts....Honestly my favorites are Just standing poses. I did a preening mount with a hollywood and it looks really good.

I did two flying mounts with a teal and a pintail...pintail is pretty big stretched out and the taxidermist did not do a great job...I asked that if it had missing feathers to not do it that way....Didn't work out as I had hoped.