Field Care and More

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Some trophies are chosen by a significant event such as a boy’s first duck hunt, harvesting a rare bird or perhaps the last retrieve of your favorite hunting companion.  Harvesting mature birds or hunting late in the season increases the probability of obtaining birds with less pin feathers and colorful plumage.  After shooting the bird if you anticipate mounting it consider retrieving the bird yourself as a hard-mouthed dog can ruin the perfect bird.  DO NOT wring the bird’s neck as this can damage or rip out feathers.  Carry your bird by the feet or hold the body, lay it on its belly, not it’s back and place it in a cool location where it won’t be stepped on.  DO NOT clean or dress the bird as it’s best to bring it in whole.

Birds are thoroughly washed to remove dirt and blood but it’s best to gently wipe off any excess.  Place some tissue in the mouth if blood is leaking and gently place in a freezer bag.  Tuck the neck and head along the back or front of the body. Do not bend long tail feathers as it may cause a permanent curve; use a bigger bag, perhaps a garbage sack, and roll the bird in the bag squeezing out the excess air.  It’s best to bring the bird to the taxidermist the day it’s been shot but it can be stored in the fridge for no more than 48 hours.  If you will be more than two days place the bird in the freezer and consider double bagging the game to keep it preserved.  Dehydration causes freezer burn destroying the tender tissue on the beak, legs and feet.  The bird can be kept in the freezer for up to a year but it’s best to bring it to your taxidermist as soon as possible. 

Gentle handling and proper care will result in a higher quality mount which is just as important as your taxidermist selection.

You may want to bring some help when picking up your trophy.  It’s best to transport the mount while someone is holding the bird keeping it steady so it won’t not fall and break a wing or snap off the head. If you are picking up a big bird such as a swan or goose you may need to bring blankets and pillows to support the bird and a vehicle that is big enough to transport your mount. 

When hanging wall mounts use a secured nail or screw that’s been placed in a stud or use a heavy duty drywall anchor.  

It’s important to keep your mounts away from children and pets as they become as fragile as glass and can easily break if knocked off the wall or a table.  Do not place the mount in direct sunlight or high heat or damp areas.  Kindly ask admirers to not touch as probing hands can damage feathers.  If your mount becomes dusty you can remove it easily by spraying it lightly with canned air or use a feather duster and take long, smooth strokes from the head to the tail.  Use a small small paint brush or Q-tip to get into tighter spots and use a lint free cloth with a mist of Windex to gently wipe the eye, bill or feet.  Frequently dust but only handle the mount when absolutely necessary, treating it as a fragile vase or a fine painting. 

With proper care your mount will continue to bring enjoyment for years to come.

After you’ve bagged your bird and you’ve decided to have it mounted you should begin thinking of the best way to show off your trophy. You might choose a mount that reflects the moment you bagged the bird or a mount that fits your home or shows off the birds best features? It is important to consider the location of your mount will it be hanging on a wall or sitting on a table. You will need to decide if the bird is coming in for a landing, taking off from the water, or standing on a log preening its feathers? Decide if the bird will be facing left or right and if you want the bird to be displayed to show off the birds brilliant colors We can add foliage from it's natural habitat and can create an elaborate base. Do you want to display your treasure on a base of oak or a piece of driftwood? Your display may show the male with its mate or show off a couple of your favorite birds. You can search through our pictures, visit the local parks or search the internet for ideas. You are welcome to bring in a picture of what you desire or come in asking for our suggestions. Taking the time to think it through will result in a mount that will bring back memories, complement your home, and generate conversation with your family and friends for years to come.

You’ll want to take careful aim when bagging your bird to avoid damaging the fan.  You can replace the head easier than you can replace feathers.  Use your hands to gently smooth ruffled or bent feathers and gather any large feathers that may have fallen out.  Do not clean or cut the bird and get it cooled as soon as possible.  A burlap or cotton bag can be used to transport the bird do not use plastic as this will not allow the bird to cool.  Heat will rapidly multiply microorganisms that will spoil the bird causing the feathers to fall out.   If you don't have access to a freezer, place the bird inside a cooler, between bagged ice being careful not to bend the feathers.  Do not allow the bird to become saturated in water and bring to your taxidermist as soon as possible.  Decide how you want to show off your trophy.  Do you want your turkey strutting, flying or perhaps a simple display of the fan spread along with the beard or spurs.  When mounting turkeys we use freeze dried heads for the most realistic look.