How To Prepare Your Mounts For Taxidermy

Skinning Guide

When skinning deer, sheep or antelope it is best to case skin to the back of the head and not cut open down the back. Then remove the head by cutting three inches down from the base of the skull. This enables the taxidermist to get an accurate measurement of the circumference of the neck. Not cutting down the back gives a far better finish to the back area.

When finding birds, ie: road kills, it is best to straighten the bird in a laying down position with wings folded close to the body and wrap in a cloth. This keeps feathers from being further damaged.  Keep cool until it can be placed in a freezer if you are unable to take immediately to a taxidermist. When completely frozen place the bird, still wrapped in a cloth, in a plastic bag. If a warm bird is placed in a plastic bag and put in a freezer there is risk of condensation which in turn will cause dampness and risk of feather loss. Before taking the bird to the taxidermist check with your local Wildlife branch if a necessary permit is required, ie: permits are required for owls, hawks etc.