SMALL MAMMALS

 

Animals, coyote size or smaller should not be skinned unless by a taxidermist. Do not gut the animal. Wash off all the blood and as soon as the animal cools off place in a plastic bag and freeze immediatly.

 

BIRDS

 

Do not gut the bird leave it whole. Always carry the bird by its feet so you do not damage any Neck feathers. Wash of all blood from the head and feathers, slide the bird into a plastic bag and freeze immediately. Let the tail feathers stick out of the bag. Do not bend or fold them.

 

FISH

 

Do not gut the fish. If you cannot take your fish straight to a taxidermist wrap it in a very wet towel then place in a plastic bag and freeze. Make sure all the fins are flat against the fish’s body. Do not place any items on top of the frozen fish. Never wrap a fish in newspaper the print could stay on the fish.

 

TROPHY CARE

 

When possible, always take your trophy to a taxidermist immediatly. When in doubt call a local taxidermist for any questions. Because of the various diseases that wild game can transmit to humans always Use extreme caution when handling the carcass. Use rubber or latex gloves and Thoroughly was your hands with soap and water. Keep the mount clean, use Q-tips With glass plus to clean the eyes. If it gets dusty you can blow it off with compressed air or vacuum it off with a small brush attachment. You can then take some furniture cleaner like Pledge, spray it on a clean rag and wipe it down. DO NOT SPRAY THE ANIMAL. Be sure to wipe with the hair patterns. Not against the hair. Make sure to treat the skin on the nose pad and skin around the eyes with a leather lubricate.