Shoulder Mounts

• When skinning for a trophy mount do not cut into the chest (brisket) or neck causing damage or missing hide for the shoulder mount.
• The taxidermist can cut away excess hide.
• Start by cutting the hide behind the front legs at approximately the mid range of the rib cage.
• Also slit around the legs above the knees.
• Then you will need to make another slit from the back of the leg joining the body cut behind the ribs.
• After these slits, peel the skin forward to the ears and jaw to expose the neck and neck junction. Under the pulled away skin, cut the neck approximately three inches down from the junction. Circle the cut to the spinal column for release.
• After completing a good cut, saw the head off the neck.
• Roll the hide hair side out to avoid drying the skin out before reaching your taxidermist.
• Now your hide is prepared for transportation.
• If unable to reach your taxidermist within several hours, find cold storage for your trophy to prevent hair damage and spoilage.

Fish
Take a good colored photograph of your fish immediately after catching. Fish lose their natural original color very quickly after being caught. Keep in mind the pose and lighting necessary to display maximum natural color. This photo will increase the ability of your taxidermist to duplicate the original color tones.

• Do not gut out your fish.
• Moderately pour 20 Mule Team Borax over the entire fish, which can be purchased at a grocery or general retail store.
• If you are “not” taking your fish to a taxidermist within several hours:
• Wrap the fish in a plastic bag and freeze or place on ice in a cooler.
• Contact your taxidermist on maximum recommended length of freezer time for the fish.
• If fishing in a remote area where the above actions are not available, contact your taxidermist for handling directions.

Birds

• Rinse any blood from the feathers with water as soon as possible.
• Do not skin or gut the bird.
• Take the bird immediately to your taxidermist or freeze in a plastic bag.
• Take care not to damage tail feathers when packaging for the freezer.
• Do not remove feathers and bring any broken feathers with the bird.
• Your bird can also be placed temporarily wrapped in a cooler.

Small Mammals

• Do not skin or gut if the animal is smaller than a coyote.
• Take immediately to a taxidermist due to the small animal’s bacteria spoiling possibilities.
• If you are unable to contact the taxidermist within several hours, after the carcass is cool, place it in a plastic bag and freeze.
• Remember to take personal care in handling your game due to bacteria and safety.