Wildlife By Chip      Taxidermy                                     

Proper care in the field

 To have a great looking mount it is essential that the animal is properly taken care of. 

Hair slippage will occur from bacterial growth.   Animals should be kept cool and dry.   Never put a hot animal into a plastic bag.  Let the animal cool down first.  If the hide is not frozen and sits in a cooler for more than a week it will also slip.   Have you ever left meat in the refridgerator for more than a week, it will start to smell and turn green. The blood and meat on the hide will do the same.  Try to get the animal in the freezer as soon as posible.  

 I've had deer hides come from the processor that sat in a cooler for more than a week have slippage around the eyes and in bloody areas.  

Caping for a Shoulder Mount

Cut the hide around the body about 4-6 inches behind the shoulder. 

Cut around the leg right above the knee. leave as much leg as possible. 

Make a cut up the back of the leg to the previous cut around the body.

Peel the skin forward towards the head. 

Cut through the neck and spinal column 3-4 inches below the head/neck union.

Never cut the throat, briscuit or neck.

Never drag the animal if possible.  Keep the head, neck and shoulders off the ground if you have to.