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 blood stains, broken feathers/bones, and pin feathers.

• Leave whole.  Place the head under a wing, then insert into a nylon stocking, then into a plastic bag 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.