Preparing your Mammal for the Taxidermist:
- Try to skin the trophy as soon as it is harvested. Ensure you leave more of the cape that is needed. If unsure how to skin the specimen, please call for instructions or leave it for the taxidermist (may be additional cost). Try to reduce the amount of dragging to keep from cape from further damage.
- Freeze trophy as soon as possible to reduce bacteria growth. Bacteria can cause hair slippage and breakdown of the hide. This will reduce the quality of the mount.
- In severe cases of damage to the cape, a new cape may need to be purchased at an additional cost.
- When freezing, try not to roll the hide as this will cause the fur/hide to hold wrinkles and crimping.
- Communicate any specific requests or details that you may want to keep original to your trophy (examples: burrs, blood, holes, habitat, etc.).
Preparing your Bird (upland/waterfowl) for the Taxidermist:
- Once the bird is harvested and you know you are going to mount the specimen... treat it like gold. Do not just toss the bird around, on the bottom of your blind, or boat, do not allow your dog to chew on it, etc. Store it separate from your other birds and in a safe place. Better care that is taken to prep the bird will result in a better the mount.
- Although Taxidermists are very good at getting blood and mud out of feathers, the less mess you can prevent the better. If you're able to, roll a small ball (not too big) of paper towel and place it into the back of the mouth of the bird. This will help absorb any blood that may leak out of the bird when before freezing and when thawing.
- Soak approximately 3 sheets of paper towels with water and use two of them to wrap each of the feet and use one for the face of the bird. The feet and eyes of the bird are the most prone to freezer burn so this helps to protect these areas.
- Plastic storage bags work best for freezer storage and the size of the bird will determine the size of the bag. For reference, a smaller bird such as a mallard will fit into a 2-gallon zip lock bag. With the bird laying on it's back, place a dry piece of paper towel on the chest of the bird and rest the head on it before putting it in the bag. Do not stuff the bird into a bag that is too small. Once the bird is in the bag, roll it up from the bottom to release all of the air out of the bag. If you're able to, double-bag it to help reduce freezer burn.
Preparing your Fish (skin mounts) for the Taxidermist:
- You've decided to mount your trophy fish, congratulations! Now take a picture of it as soon as possible so your taxidermist can visualize the most accurate depiction of colors and markings as these colors will change and fade with each passing minute.
- Once home, you will want to soak a towel or washcloth (paper towel will work). Before you wrap the fish review all the fins to ensure they are lying flat. Fins become very brittle when froze and break easily if moved around.
- Place the fish in the center of the towel and ensure the towel is big enough to cover the entire fish. This will create a protective barrier on the fish to help retain moisture and reduce risk of freezer burn.
- Put the wrapped fish in a zip lock or garbage bag depending on size. It is also recommended to place a board under the non-show side to keep the fish straight and reduce bends/creases in the skin.
Replica Mounts:
Capture a picture immediately when caught
Provide length of fish (nose to tail)
Provide girth of fish (thickest circumference of the abdomen/belly)