Field Care
Many times trophies are ruined due to improper care in the field. By taking every precaution possible, you can help to ensure a quality mount.
Shoulder Mounts:
- Leave at least 4 inches of hide behind the shoulder.
- Never cut the throat, brisket, or neck
- Avoid dragging the animal, if at all posible. If it is necessary, drag by the antlers and keep the head, neck, and shoulders off the ground
- Cut the hide around the body about 4-6 inches behind the shoulders
- Cut the skin around the legs just above the knees
- Make a cut up the back of the legs to the previous cut around the body
- Peel the skin forward toward the head.
- Cut through the neck (not skin) and spinal column about 3 or 4 inches below the head/neck union.
- Soak up any blood with paper towels.
- Keep the cape cold and dry.
- Do NOT salt the hide.
- Small Mammals: Do not gut. Leave whole and freeze, or keep cold/dry and bring to the taxidermist as soon as possible
Birds
- Do not gut.
- Pick the best specimen.
- Choose the one with the least amount of , broken feathers/bones, and feathers.
- Leave whole. Place the head under a wing, then insert into a nylon stocking, then into a and freeze.
Fish
- Do not gut.
- Wrap in a wet towel, place in plastic bag and freeze.
Remember to always bring the appropriate tags/licenses with your trophy to the taxidermist.
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