Taxidermy FAQ

Q- Where do I cut a trophy for a shoulder mount?

A- We suggest you take a hand's length after the front leg and cut around the whole animal, then cut behind the front legs to get the legs free. Please refer to the field care page for more detailed instructions depending on the type of creature and mount.

Q- How do I pack a bird to be mounted?

First, don't try to skin it; put it in plastic, push as much air out as possible, tie it off, and place it in the freezer until you can drop it off at your taxidermist.  This is good for smaller game like squirrels, mink, coons, foxes, and even coyotes.  If they can fit in plastic and have to go in freezer for an extended time, they should to prevent freezer burn.

Q- How can an animal get freezer burn?

A- The loss of moisture from tissue. We prevent this by adding more water.

Q- Should I skin out the whole animal? 

A- No, if it's a big game, skinning it out to the neck is sufficient, then leave the rest for the taxidermist to take care of. If it’s from Africa, they know what to do, and you won’t have to worry about it, but definitely be inquisitive and ask questions about your trophy care while you're there in case it’s a new place you haven’t been to just to keep them on their toes.

Q- How do I skin out a turkey or other bird?

A- Easy, take it to your taxidermist A.S.A.P. or freeze it, then take it to him. If you’re going to get a turkey mounted, trust me, you don’t want to skin it. A holey turkey is a taxidermist’s worst nightmare.

Q- How can I keep my mount maintained or looking new?

A- We suggest that customers take a paper towel or regular towel, spray some Windex on it, and gently wipe your trophy in the direction of the fur, scales, or feathers. Or you can come to the shop and buy some expensive stuff that will do the same thing.

Q- Does sunlight affect my trophy?

A- Absolutely, direct sun will cause discoloration in the hair, and feathers, no nutrients to those parts leaves them susceptible to suns rays, just like sheds you find in the woods, after a while they turn bleach white.

Q- How should I transport my trophy from the place I harvested it to the taxidermy shop?

A- You should skin out the trophy up to the neck and freeze it, or if it is more than a few days and freezing, it will be an issue; skin out the whole animal. You’ll have to make sure at least 80% of the fat and meat is off the skin and then salt it (non-iodized salt). After you salt it and let it dry for a few hours, hang it up so more of the fluids can drain out of the skin (preventing bacteria beds from forming), which causes hair to slip. If you have to skin the head out, please take your time and follow the bone contour of the head as closely as possible. If you haven’t done it and don’t feel comfortable, let someone else who has done it do it.

Q- Does cigarette smoke affect my trophy?

A- Absolutely, the chemicals in the smoke cause the hair or feathers to get a discoloration, a tavern yellow look, it can be somewhat fixed but not completely.