Quality Taxidermy Begins With You

 

    So you’ve finally bagged that wall hanger. What you do with that trophy, between the time you tag it and the time you deliver it to your taxidermist of choice, can make a significant difference in the resulting quality of the finished mount. Skin begins to decay immediately following death so it is imperative to begin proper care procedures as soon as possible. Keeping your particular specimen cold slows this decay process, while freezing it will stop the breakdown of the skin. When freezing, it is very important to seal the specimen in two airtight plastic bags to avoid freezer burn damage.

 

FISH

 

    So you landed the BIG one. Congratulations! Now what? It is very important to not allow the fish to scar itself up or damage its fins by thrashing around. Wrap the fish in wet towels (white) or paper towels (NOT newspaper), store in double plastic bagging, and freeze as flat as possible. Do not “gut” or clean the fish.

 

Birds

 

    Shot one on the wing, eh? Excellent! Now let’s get it ready for your taxidermist. Wipe the bird clean of blood, smooth the feathers into place, double wrap in plastic bags and freeze whole as soon as possible. It is wise to lay the head back along side the body to avoid breaking. Downed birds kept out in warmish weather may begin to slip and lose feathers. If you are thinking of having your bird mounted, inspect it for excessive pinfeathers and shot damage. If you’re still unsure, take it to your taxidermist before freezing to get a professional opinion.

Full Body Mounts and Rugs

 

    Small and medium animals should not be gutted. Rather, they should be sealed in double plastic bags and frozen whole, or brought directly to your taxidermist. Large animals should be skinned immediately as the fur can begin to slip within just a few short hours. Cuts should be made on the belly from the neck to the tail and from paw pad to paw pad. Carcass should then be cut at the neck, wrists, and ankles leaving the skull and paws in the skin. After removing excess meat and fat, roll the skin and seal in double plastic bags to freeze, or take directly to your taxidermist.

 

Trophy Heads

 

    It is important to remember that any cuts or holes that you make can affect the outcome of your mount. For this reason you may want to avoid slitting the ears, poking holes, slashing the throat, dragging, or hanging for extended periods. When caping the animal, keep in mind where you do not want to cut. Cuts should be made behind the shoulders and at the back of the legs (not the inside). Skin upwards towards the head and sever the neck leaving the head in the cape. Remember that it is better to have too much skin than not enough! Seal the cape in double plastic bags and freeze, or take directly to your taxidermist. If the task of caping is daunting for you, it is quite likely that your taxidermist can and will assist you with this.