Visit Realtree.com 

How to care for your trophy before the taxidermist

 

  • Check with us before you go on that hunting trip of a lifetime.Outfitters and guides know how to get you close to your trophy, but many don't know how to care for it after the shot.
  • Keep the animal cool. Get it to your taxidermist as soon as possible!!
  • Do not shoot the animal unnecessarily
  • Do not punch holes in ears for tagging
  • Do not cut the throat
  • When field dressing cut from under the skin to avoid cutting hair
  • Avoid drag damage(missing hair)to the cape/hide
  • Do not drag with a 4 wheeler
  • Do not hang animal from the neck
  • Keep animal out of the sun. Warmth and moisture breed bacteria and speeds decomposition.
  • Keep fish on ice
  • Remember repairs are not always easily concealed!!!

Caping Instructions

 
Cut animal completely around the body area behind the shoulders as shown in Figure A. Lay the animal on its back and cut up the center of each leg to the knee joint as shown in Figure B. Remove lower legs then skin as in Figure C and remove head, cape, and 3 inches of the neck and immediately freeze or put on ice. If you ice the cape make sure it is completely covered with ice but nothing is exposed (double or triple bagged in heavy duty plastic bags will work).

Note: You will have hair loss on ANY area with hair that is exposed to the elements

0