Preparation
Shoulder Mounts
Do not cut throat. When field
dressing the animal, cut up the belly and stop at the sternum (breastbone (see
picture below)). If
possible, hang by rear legs from a gambrel. Cut off the front feet at the knee
joint. Cut up the rear edge of front legs (on a deer; where the long brown hair
joins the white hair) all the way to his armpit, then turn the blade 90 degrees
and cut out toward the tail about 8 inches. Then, simply circle around the
deer's torso. Make no more cuts. Skin the deer as far down his neck as you can,
then cut the head from the carcass, being careful not to cut the skin. Let the
head cool, then put in a plastic bag and ice or freeze as soon as possible. For
best results, bring your trophy as soon as possible to prevent spoiling or
freezer burn.
Lifesize
Do not gut small mammals. Do not try to skin; we prefer to make all incisions.
Ice carefully or freeze whole. If you cannot freeze, bring in as soon as
possible.
Birds and Fish
Do not gut. Wipe off blood, mud, wrap in paper towels, put in plastic
bag, and ice or freeze as soon as possible. Be sure to tuck the bird's head
under wing.
Wrap your trophy fish in a wet towel and ice heavily or put in plastic bag and freeze.