Things to Bring Along

Things to take for general game:

• Disposable camera - Used to take reference pictures of the game (eyes, nose, etc.) and nicely posed pictures for your photo album.

• Sharp knife & sharpener - Used to gut and to skin if needed (you should be taught how to correctly skin before attempting, if not a cape could be ruined).

• Measuring tape - Used to take measurements as directed by your taxidermist.

Trophy Care in the Field

Fish:
Do not gut or scale. Wrap in a wet towel at once. Place on ice until it can be frozen, refrigerated or delivered to the taxidermist. Always place your fish in the wet towel even if it is going on ice, as this protects the fish from scale loss and fin damage. The fish can be placed in a plastic bag still wrapped in the wet towel, if freezing. If you are practicing catch and release or are unable to care for your fish in the field, a reproduction is the ideal alternative. Take several good pictures. Measure the entire length and girth at the largest point. Your taxidermist can use these measurements and pictures to give you a life-like reproduction of your fish.

Birds:
Do not allow a dog to retrieve a possible trophy. A dog can unintentionally tear holes in the bird that may not be repairable. Wash off any blood carefully. Place a cotton ball in the throat. Fold the head down along one side and cover it with the wing. Place breast first into the foot of a panty hose. Keep cool and freeze ASAP or deliver to your taxidermist. Doing this will protect your bird on the floor of a blind, bottom of a boat or in a game bag.

Small Game:
Do not gut or skin unless trained to do so. Do not place in a game bag. Keep cool. Put in a freezer ASAP. Squirrels are very fragile. Do not handle them by the tail or head. Carry them by the back feet. Get them cooled ASAP.


Big Game Shoulder Mounts:
Always cut completely around the body well behind the shoulders–better too long than too short! Cut up the back to the point just behind the ears. Cut around both legs at the knees. Cut off the head leaving 3 inches of neck attached. Continue to skin out the rest of the head if trained to do so. Wash off blood, especially on white areas. Let the cape cool for a short period then freeze. Always approach your taxidermist well in advance of your trip so you can be trained to care for your trophy in the field. Don’t trust this care to your outfitter. Remember, in the end you are the one responsible for delivering a mountable trophy to your taxidermist.

Life-size Mounts:
Always check with your taxidermist beforehand to determine if a dorsal or ventral incision is preferred. With small game the entire animal can be frozen whole. Remember, don’t gut the animal, unless you are doing a ventral incision. For more detailed instructions, please contact us or your taxidermist before going afield

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