MR. FISH TAXIDERMY

FIELD CARE

This page is designed to give you "the customer" the information required for us "the taxidermist" to achieve the best possible mount.

Fish:

Leave the fish whole, (ungutted) and wrapped in a plastic bag. Ensure that all fins are frozen against the body and that the tail is protected with cardboard. Freeze as soon as possible.

Birds:

Ensure the wings and legs are not broken and that the bird is in full plumage. ie: no pin feathers.

Wrap the bird in a plastic bag, tucking the head against the body and ensure that the wings and tail feathers are not crushed.

Freeze as soon as possible.

Game heads:

Please do not cut the throat!

When skinning game heads for mounting purposes, whether in the field or at home, follow the cuts shown in the diagram (see below) to ensure proper cape length.

Freeze as soon as possible.

3/4 Mount Bears:

Starting along the top of the back using the dorsal incision, skin the bear from the base of the skull in a straight line to the tail.

Start skinning the front legs from the bottom mid-point of the foot pad cutting in a straight line and stopping at the elbow. Do not proceed beyond the elbow. If you are unsure of the cuts to make, "tube" skin the front legs.

Please leave the hide intact ie: (do not remove hind legs)

Allow the hide to cool before placing the hide in a bag.

Freeze as soon as possible. 

Rugs:

Start skinning by making an incision along the belly from the center of the throat in a straight line towards the underside of the tail, stopping at the vent (anus).

Start skinning the hind legs from the bottom mid-point of the heel in a straight line to the vent. (underside of base of tail)

Start skinning the front legs from the bottom mid-point of the foot pad cutting towards the elbow, and continuing from the elbow to the belly incision hooking slightly up near the center (belly) incision.

(as shown in diagram below)

Allow the hide to cool before placing the hide in a bag.

Freeze as soon as possible.