- Joined
- Feb 25, 2012
- Location
- Brighton Colorado
I thought I would start this tread with some tips for your trophy care. I have been a taxidermist for a little over 11 years and these are the issues I see the most and how to correct them. I always strongly recommend you contact your taxidermist or find one prior to your hunt. Find out about any special requirement prior to your hunt. If it is A early season or archery hunt he/she may give you velvet preserve or tell you how he/she would like to see them treated. They may also give you a tutorial on how to properly cape. Especially important if you have never done it or if it has been awhile. Do not cut throats, cut to the outside of the arm pits, cut 16” BEHIND the shoulders. We can always cut off but it is hard to add if it is not there. Do not salt your cape unless you know what you are doing. This is a good reason to spend some time with your taxidermist. Have him/her show you how to cape and prep it if you will be unable to get it in quickly. Do not drag it if possible. The final quality of the mount starts with the field prep. These are just some of the things to keep in mind. Different animals or possible mounts, all have different requirements. Find out what they are and how to do them. Most important is to keep the skin as cool as possible and try not to let the flesh side dry out from exposure. Help keep that future mount looking good for years to come.