Field care

Field preparation of your trophy or specimen should be your top priority. Accurate measuring and photographic notes in the field are very important to ensure the correct size and an accurate, natural appearance of the finished mount.

Big Game & Shoulder Mounts

The Golden Rule: When in doubt, leave more hide than you think you need. You can always trim it off, but you can’t put it back on.

Cooling is Key: Prop the animal up with wood to allow air circulation underneath. Never leave it lying directly on warm ground, as this causes bacteria-driven "hair slippage."
The Cape: Leave plenty of hide for shoulder mounts. Cut several inches behind the front legs.
Handle with Care: Never drag your animal or hang it with a rope around the neck/feet. This causes permanent "rope burns" and kinking in the hair.
Freezing: Remove excess fat and meat. Place the hide in an airtight bag only after it has begun to cool. Roll the head into the outside of the skin for protection.

The "Absolute Nevers":

Never cut the throat. It’s an old myth that serves no purpose and can ruin the finished look.
Never take a headshot; it can shatter antlers or ruin the facial structure.
Never slot the ear for a tag. Use a different attachment point to avoid visible damage.

Fish & Aquatic Trophies

Capturing the original color is vital, as fish begin to lose their brilliance almost immediately.

Photo First: Take a high-quality color photo immediately after the catch.
Keep it Moist: Wrap the fish in a wet towel (paper or cloth) and place it in an airtight plastic bag before freezing.
Reproduction Requirements: If you are releasing the fish, we need three measurements for an accurate reproduction: Total Length, Girth (at the widest part of the belly), and Weight.

The "Absolute Nevers"

Never gut the fish or remove the gills.
Never wrap in newspaper; the ink will bleed into and stain the skin permanently.

Birds

Birds are fragile; preserving the feathers is your top priority.

Internal Cleanup: Gently place cotton or tissue in the bird’s mouth to prevent fluids from staining the feathers.
Field Protection: Slide the bird into a nylon stocking to keep feathers flat and protected during transport.
Keep it Supple: Wrap the feet in wet paper towels (especially for ducks/geese) to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
Tail Support: If the bird has long tail feathers, use a piece of stiff cardboard to support them before bagging.

Animals for Rug Work

For a perfect rug, symmetry is everything. Use identical, centered incisions:

The Center Cut: From the anal vent, up the center of the belly and chest, ending at the throat.
The Front Legs: Cut from the center of the front foot pad down the back of the leg to meet the center chest cut.
The Rear Legs: Cut from the rear heel down to the anal vent.