There are a lot of steps that go into a high quality mount.  One of the most important steps is on the sportsman's end. Field care!  In the event that you can not get your animal to us in a timely manner then proper field care is very important to a quality mount because we are taxidermist not miracle workers. Here are some basic things to remember:

Do not drag an animal on the ground.  Use a tarp or a cart, this protects the hide and hair of the animal while you remove it from the woods.

On shoulder mounts, if caping the animal yourself, the hide from the back of rib cage forward is required. -see diagram to right

Never drag or hand an animal by the neck or antlers as this can cause very visible damage to the hair and hide.

Do not cut past the sternum when field dressing animals.

On Life-size mounts skin from tail to head. Remove the head at base of skull. Remove paws at the wrist. Small mammals like coyotes and smaller animal should be brought in whole. - see diagram to right for life-size skinning

Rug mounts use a belly incision. -see rug skinning diagram to right

Do not gut fish. Wrap fish in a damp towel and freeze paying attention to not damage fins.  If ice fishing do not leave a wet fish on the ice.  This can cause fish to freeze to ice and damage the scales.

With birds wrap bill in paper towel, put bird in plastic bag or tube sock head first, and freeze immediately.(Careful not to damage feathers)

If you have any question on proper field care don't hesitate to contact us.  It will save us both a headache

507-696-8588