FIELD CARE TIPS >>



Here are a few tips on handling your trophy after the kill. 

Game Bird Care

• When retrieving the bird it is best to not let the dog carry it any further than neccessary.  

• When collecting a bird smoothe the feathers back to the body and tuck the head under a wing. 

• Place the bird in a plastic bag, label species with the date it was shot, and location (if waterfowl).  DO NOT SKIN THE BIRD.  Place the bird in a freezer until you have time to get it to a taxidermists. The quicker it is in his hands the quickeryou will get it back.

• Make sure to know what birds are protected.  Song birds, hawks, and owls can only be mounted with proper permits.

Small Game 

• Any mammals coyote sized or smaller should be left whole when brought in to the taxidermist. 

• When it is warm and an animal is killed the animal's body tempurature actually increases after its death before the body starts to cool.  That is why it is imparitive to cool the body as quickly as possible.

• Never cut off any part of the hide if you are considering a full body mount. If you do cut part of the hide off it can be saved and sewn back on.

• If tagging an animal that requires being called in, such as a bobcat, make sure to let the conservation officer know that you wish to mount it.  So that care can be taken when tagging.  Some tags are required to be kept with the animal at all times. 

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Game Heads

• If at all possible do not skin out the head. Leave that for the taxidermist.  Skin the hide as far up to the ears as you can.  Make a cut through the meat to the back bone and twist the head off breaking the back bone. If you are heading out of state on a hunt call me or stop by the shop  and I will give you pointers on how to cape out a trophy.

• Most importantly get the Cape or specimen in the Freezer as soon as you can.

• If you are out west where Freezing the trophy is not an option call me and I can give you some tips on things that can be done.

• DO NOT DRAG THE CARCASS ON THE GROUND ANY FURTHER THAN NECESSARY AS THIS WILL CAUSE HAIR LOSS.

• Be sure to keep the hide away from all heat and moisture sources. 

• Please never cut the throat on a specimen that is going to be mounted. The slice mark of a cape can be fixed but cannot be completely hidden, It will always show to some degree on your shoulder mount.

Fish Care

• DO NOT GUT, CLEAN, OR SCALE THE FISH.

• When freezing wrap the fish in a wet towel and place in a plastic bag.  With the scales and fins pressed against the fish.  This will prevent freezer burn.  

• Get the fish to a taxidermist so he can begin working on it.