CARE INSTRUCTIONS
The difference between a good mount and a excellent mount begins with you in the field. By following these simple tips, the full beauty of your trophy can be achieved.
Remember, the best possible scenario is to bring your trophy to me the same day as the kill. Realizing this isn't always possible follow the guidelines below, take extra pictures, and as always call me if you have any questions.
Waterfowl:
When you acquire a bird you think you may want to have mounted, immediately slide the bird, head first into a pantyhose stocking. This will hold all feathers in place for the remainder of your hunt. Upon arrival home, wrap the bird in a plastic bag i.e. trash bag grocery store bag or preferably, if small species a ziploc freezer bag & place in freezer.
Deer:
The most common error I see on deer is hair slippage from bacteria growth on the cape. This is ususally caused from "showing off" your trophy on your tailgate. We have all been guilty of this to some extent, but the sooner the deer is frozen, the better trophy you will be able to display for years to come.
As with all potential mounts, the deer cape should be wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer as soon as possible. In regards to the cape, Do Not make any cuts in the hide in front of the rear portion of the front legs. This will cause a repair or in some cases, ruin the cape.
Fish:
Fisherman, as a rule, keep their trophies alive in a live well or in a cooler on ice. The problem is large, active fish will flop around and could dislodge scales and damage fins. If this is happening, the fish should be dispatched quickly. A handful of laundry detergent in the live well will kill the fish quickly. The other alternative is a sharp blow to the back of the head. While the later techinique is not optimal, it is better than the fish flopping around for an extended period. When you arrive home, the fish should be wrapped in plastic, never paper, and frozen. As with people, fish are unique. For the best paint job possible on your fish, take several pictures as soon as possible and bring them when you come to have your trophy mounted.
