Field Care
Birds
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After harvesting your bird immediately dab any blood from feathers with a soft cloth or paper towel.
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NEVER wring the birds neck!!
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Handle the bird VERY gently to avoid losing any feathers. Try to handle the bird only by the feet if possible.
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Carefully slide the bird in a plastic bag and freeze. If the bird does not fit entirely in the bad let the tail feathers stick out, tie bad loosely.
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Get the bird to the taxidermist as soon as possible. Birds can freezer burn very quickly.
Game heads
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When tagging an animal do not use a knife, use a safety pin.
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DO NOT cut the brisket when field dressing. Stop at the "V" of the ribs.
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Try not to drag the animal, especially on the shoulders. Doing so can cause the hair to break and/or fall out leaving places that either need to be fixed (costing you more money) or leaving rub spots that will detract from the overall mount.
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Don't hang from the neck with a rope.
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Bring to the taxidermist as soon as soon as you can. If you cant get it there roll the skin up with the head on top, place it in a plastic bag and freeze as soon as possible.
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Always save plenty of hide. Too much is better than too little. See diagrams below on where to cut ofr skinning.
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Remember, taxidermists can fix a lot of things but we can't fix what isn't there.
Fish
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DO NOT gut the fish
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If possible try to avoid netting the fish, as nets may split the fins.
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Be very gentle with the fish.
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Bring to taxidermist as soon as you can.
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If you can't get it to the taxidermist, freeze the fish as soon as possible to help retain some of its natural markings.
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When freezing a fish carefully lay its fins next to the body and wrap the fish in a WET towel. This will help eliminate freezer burn.
