Field Care Guide

Proper field care is the #1 factor in a quality mount. Follow these guidelines to give us the best material to work with.

General Rules

  • 1. Don't drag your animal. Carry it or use a sled. Dragging damages the hide.
  • 2. Keep it cool. Get it out of the sun and to a freezer ASAP.
  • 3. Don't gut-cut too far. Stop the cut well below the brisket for a shoulder mount.
  • 4. When in doubt, leave more. We can always trim. We can't add back.
  • 5. Call us. If you're unsure, call (336) 648-6996 before cutting.

Deer (Shoulder Mount)

In the Field

  • Do NOT cut the throat or chest. This ruins a shoulder mount.
  • Field dress carefully — stop the belly cut at the bottom of the ribcage.
  • Do NOT put a rope around the neck for dragging.
  • Avoid getting blood on the hair. If you do, rinse with cold water as soon as possible.

The Cape Cut

  • Cut all the way around the body behind the front legs (like a belt).
  • Cut up the back of the neck from this ring cut to the base of the antlers.
  • Leave the head attached to the cape — do NOT try to skin the face.
  • We need at least 6 inches past the shoulder for a proper mount.

Storage

  • Fold the cape skin-to-skin (hair out), put in a plastic bag, and freeze.
  • Get it to us or to a freezer within 24 hours.
  • Never salt a cape unless instructed — it can do more harm than good.

Birds & Waterfowl

In the Field

  • Do NOT gut or field dress the bird.
  • Tuck the head under a wing to prevent neck damage.
  • Carefully smooth down all feathers in their natural direction.
  • Rinse off any blood or mud with cold water.
  • Wrap in a wet paper towel (around feet and bill to prevent drying).

Storage

  • Place in a plastic bag with all the air squeezed out.
  • Freeze as soon as possible — within hours, not days.
  • Do NOT wring the neck or carry by the neck.
  • Handle as little as possible — feathers are delicate.

Fish

Skin Mount

  • Do NOT gut or fillet the fish.
  • Keep it on ice — do not let it freeze and thaw repeatedly.
  • Wrap in a wet towel, then in a plastic bag, then freeze.
  • Decide which side will show — lay it on the "bad" side on ice.
  • Measure the total length and girth before freezing.

Reproduction (Catch & Release)

  • Take several good photos — both sides, top, and close-ups of markings.
  • Measure total length (nose to tail tip) and girth (widest point).
  • Note the species and where it was caught.
  • You can release the fish — we'll build from your measurements and photos.

Not Sure? Just Call.

We'd rather answer a quick question than see a damaged specimen. Call anytime.

(336) 648-6996