Proper Field Care

SHOULDER MOUNTS:

• Never cut the throat, brisket (chest area), or neck
• Avoid dragging the animal, if at all possible. 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.
• Leave whole. Place the head under a wing, then insert it into a nylon stocking, then into a bag and freeze.

FISH

• Do not gut.
• Wrap in a wet towel, place in a plastic bag, and freeze.

- Remember to always bring the appropriate tags/licenses with your trophy to the taxidermist.