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Field Care Tips

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. (Fig. 2a)
  • Cut the skin around the legs just above the knees. (Fig. 2a)
  • Make a cut up the back of the legs to the previous cut around the body. (Fig. 2b)
  • Peel the skin forward to the head.
  • Cut through the neck (not skin) and spinal column about 3 or 4 inches below the head/neck union. (Fig. 3)
  • Soak up any blood with paper towels.
  • Keep the cape cold and dry.

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. Coose the one with the least blood stains, broken feathers/bones, and pin feathers.
  • Leave whole and slip, head first, 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.


caping diagram
© McKenzie Taxidermy Supply

Remember to always bring the appropriate tags/licenses with your trophy to the taxidermist.

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