Taxidermy Tips
Capping for a Shoulder Mount
With a sharp knife, slit the hide circling the body behind the shoulder at approximately the midway point of the rib cage behind the front legs. Slit the skin around the legs just above the knees. An additional slit will be needed from the back of the leg and joining the body cut behind the legs (Figure 2A and 2B).
Peel the skin forward up to the ears and jaw exposing the head/neck junction. Cut the neck approximately three inches down from this junction (Figure 3). Circle the neck, cutting down to the spinal column. After this cut is complete, Hold the antler bases, and twist the head off the neck. This should allow the hide to be rolled up and put in a freezer until transported to the taxidermist.
These cuts should allow ample hide for the taxidermist to work with in mounting.
Remember, the taxidermist can cut off excess hide, but he can't add what he doesn't have.
Large Mammal Tips
When field dressing a trophy to be mounted, don't cut into the brisket (chest) or neck area
If blood gets on the hide to be mounted, wash it off with snow or water as soon as possible
Avoid dragging the deer out of the woods with a rope. The rope, rocks, or a broken branch can easily damage the fur or puncture the hide
If you do need to drag it out with a rope, attach the rope to the base of the antlers and drag your trophy carefully
When possible use a sled, a rickshaw, or a four-wheeler to transport the deer
Always bring appropriate tags and license with your trophies to your taxidermist
For situations where you are hunting with no available taxidermist or freezer, ask your taxidermist about techniques to skin out the entire cape including the head and salting the hide. This is the only method in remote locations that can preserve your hide for later mounting.
Small Mammal Tips
Animals, coyote sized or smaller, should not be skinned unless by a professional
Don't gut the animal. Small mammals, especially carnivores, will spoil quickly because of their thin hide and bacteria
If you can't take the small game animal immediately to a taxidermist, as soon as the carcass cools completely, put it in a plastic bag and freeze it
With the epidemic of rabies evident in many areas of the country, take every safety measure necessary when handling your game