Question: What should I do first, after the hide (caped) and is off the animal?
When this process has been completed you should lay your skinned animal hide in a cool place and let all the remaining heat evaporate from the hide for up to an hour. Following this process you should fold the skin hair out and very importantly make sure the head is on the outsider side of the skin. Then bag and freeze immediately. |
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Question: If I cannot freeze the skin how do I preserve it for the Taxidermy?
We always recommend freezing. However, if you do not have the availability to freeze you need to take some precautions prior to salting. You must remove as much meat and fat from the hide as possible. Ears, nose and mouth should be split and turned inside out, which your guide/outfitter or PH should be able to assist you in doing. |
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Question: How do I preserve a bird or fish in the field for mounting?
When prepping small game and fish we recommend just freezing them. Do not field dress or cape. If freezing a bird make sure the head in placed under the wing to ensure all features of the face are preserved. |
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Question: When salting my trophy what type of salt should I use?
Non-Idolized Salt The finer the salt the better it can be rubbed into the flesh. Medium grain salt can be used, but under no circumstances should table salt be used. |
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Question: How should I remove dust from my trophy(s)?
If it’s an animal with hair you should use an air compressor at 40psi, if air compressor is not available use a common household hair dryer with cool heat. For feathered trophies you should use Mineral Spirits on a cotton ball and gently wipe the feathers staying away from any painted areas. You may also use a feather duster. For fish you can use a damp lint free towel & wipe down with water. |
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Question: How soon will my hide begin to spoil?
The animal’s hide will start to decompose the minute the animal expires. The weather will also have an effect on how fast the decomposition will start. Bacterial growth starts at forty degrees Fahrenheit. |
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Questions: How do I determine the best position of my trophies’ head?
Putting a turn in a mount always makes the mount look more natural other than positioning the mount straight on. The direction of the mounts head is at the discretion of the hunter. Just remember that it is always the animals right or left. |
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Question: How do I ship my mount?
When shipping your mount if it is frozen make sure you ship it UPS on a Monday or Tuesday, using second day air. |
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