Deer: Whitetail, exotics, etc.
1) When field dressing or skinning, stop the belly incision at the sternum or breastbone.
2) If you want to split the front legs, you must stay on the hairline on the back of the leg. The armpit hair must stay on the brisket side. If in doubt, tube the legs and let your taxidermist split them.
3) You can leave the back hide attached and let your taxidermist trim it off.
4) Tube out the neck to the base of the skull and separate.
5) Use a damp rag to remove any blood from the horns or antlers. It is easier to remove it this way than to wait until it’s dry.
6) Keep the hide as dry as possible. It is not necessary to wash the blood from the hair.
7) Place hide and head in a plastic bag and keep cool or freeze.
8) Do not leave skin in the sun or wind for any period of time. It will dry out and cause problems.
9) Most Taxidermist work on a “first in first out” schedule, so don’t wait to take it in.
Small Mammals: Bobcat, Fox, Coon, etc.
1) Do not field dress the animal.
2) Keep as cool and dry as possible.
3) Place in plastic bag and freeze, or bring it in fresh.
Fish
1) Handle gently. Do not let fish flop around in the boat or ice chest.
2) Wrap fish in wet towel and keep on ice or place in plastic bag and freeze.
3) Do not gut or gill fish.
4) Take some pictures. Remember; colors vary from one to the next and in and out of water.
5) Bring your fish in as soon as possible to eliminate risk of freezer burn.
Birds
1) Inspect the bird for pinfeathers and missing feathers due to being shot. The better condition of the bird, the better the mount.
2) Lay the bird’s head to its side and place in a pair of panty hose. This will hold feathers down and in place.
3) Place bird in a plastic bag and freeze whole.
4) Birds too will freezer burn quickly, so bring them in ASAP.
Robert Harris
361-575-2317
