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.