Field care for GAME HEADS 

All mammals that have long hair will spoil very quickly, especially if exposed to the sun. Make three cuts “ONLY”. First about 6 or more inches around and behind the animals front shoulder. Second and third cut off front legs at knee joints. “NO OTHER CUTS ARE NECESSARY”. Then skin up to where neck meets head and cut off. Cover and freeze (AS SOON AS POSSIBLE)

 

Field care for SMALL MAMMALS 

Animals, coyote sized or smaller, should not be skinned unless by a professional. Don’t gut the animal. Small mammals, especially carnivores, will spoil quickly because of their thin hide and bacteria. If you can’t take the small game animal immediately to a taxidermist, as soon as the carcass cools completely, put it in a plastic bag and freeze. With the epidemic of rabies evident in many areas of the country take every safety measure necessary when handling your game.

Field care for all DUCKS AND BIRDS 

Do not gut the bird. Rinse off any blood on the feathers with water. Do not ring the birds neck and do not carry them in a duck strap, try to keep them out of the sun. Tuck the head under the wing and slip into panty hose head first, being careful not to damage feathers, including the tail. Do not bend feathers. Dehydrated birds are difficult to mount so freeze (AS SOON AS POSSIBLE) in a plastic bag. 

Field care for FISH 

Do not gut the fish. Put the fish in an ice chest with as much ice as possible to keep it from jumping around and damaging its fins. When you get home take the fish and wrap it in a wet towel, fold the ends over and put it in a plastic bag and freeze (AS SOON AS POSSIBLE)

Catch and RELEASE REPLICAS 

For those who practice catch and release, please take a picture if possible. Two measurements are needed; measure the fish from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, and measure the girth, around the fish at the belly.