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, use a dolly, cart or sled. If it is necessary, drag by the antlers and keep the head, neck, and shoulders off the ground.
Hang only by hind quarters
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. Get the skin to me quickly as possible.
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 bones and feathers.
Leave whole.
Place the head under a wing , then insert into a nylon stocking, then into a and freeze.
Shoulder Mounts
Leave at least 4 inches of hide behind the shoulder.
Never cut the throat, brisket, or neck.
Avoid dragging, use a dolly, cart or sled. If it is necessary, drag by the antlers and keep the head, neck, and shoulders off the ground.
Hang only by hind quarters
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. Get the skin to me quickly as possible.
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 bones and feathers.
Leave whole.
Place the head under a wing , then insert into a nylon stocking, then into a and freeze.
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