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TROPHY CARE
From the field to the Taxidermist - Here's what you need to know.

MAMMALS

    There are several different ways you may choose to mount a mammal and each way requires slightly different handling in the field.  You may choose to do a full body mount.  This is most common for  small mammals (like mink and squirrels) and medium mammals (like foxes & raccoons).  Bear, deer and other big game animals can also be mounted as full body mounts, but because of the size, they require different field care than small & medium mammals. 
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BASIC RULES FOR FIELD CARE OF ALL MAMMALS

    1.    Whenever possible, bring it in fresh for the taxidermist to skin.
    2.    NEVER SLIT THE THROAT OF ANY ANIMAL !
    3.    When field dressing any animal, always make your cuts with the sharp edge of the knife UP.
    4.    When field dressing ANY animal that you want to have  as a FULL BODY MOUNT  ,
            you  must leave his/her genitals and bung hole attached.  DO NOT cut these off.
    5.    If you must skin the animal yourself, make as few cuts as possible.
    6.    Do not drag the animal unless you place something under it to protect the hide.
    7.    NEVER hang or drag any animal by the neck!  This damages the hide and stretches the neck.
           Hang any animal with the head down and drag out by the antlers or front legs.
    8.    Place tags carefully in the hide, doing as little damage as possible.
    9.    Keep every animal as COLD as possible and bring in as SOON as possible. 
         SMALL  or MEDIUM MAMMALS

        1.    Do not skin or remove the internal organs. 

        2.    If possible, bring directly to taxidermist; if not possible, freeze the animal whole in a plastic bag and take to taxidermist as soon as possible
    
        3.    If you must field dress the animal, then a make a cut from the bung hole up the center of the
            belly to the ribs.  Do not cut past the rib cage.  Remove the entrails.  Do not remove the
            testicles, penis or bung hole.
    5.    Fill the cavity with ice and bring in as soon as possible.

    LARGE MAMMALS

    Due to their size, most big game animals require field dressing and skinning to make them easier to transport and to prevent the meat from spoiling.  Follow the Basic rules above when field dressing.
Before skinning the animal, determine what type of mount you want to have done - rug, full or 1/2 body mount or shoulder mount.