The
most important aspect of the mounting process begins
with you the customer. If you are going on a guided
hunt try to contact me and let me know your return
time from your hunt. I can make special arrangements
if necessary to receive your trophy. Most critical
period is right after the kill. Your specimen should
be cooled as soon as possible. Large game should
be field dress as usual taking care not to split
the hide past the brisket. If the hide is being
cut for a shoulder mount cut the hide behind the
front legs. Do not shortcut the cape! Ask your guide
before the hunt if he is skilled in caping your
trophy for a mount. I have seen too many capes damaged
by guides who say they are expert guides. The best
incision for life size mounts is a dorsal cut down
the back. If your animal is skun with this incision
it will save you additional repair cost later. For
more information on this method please call me.
I can contact your guide with instructions for dorsal
skinning. Always remove access dirt and blood especially
on light colored sheep and goats. Specimens should
be picked up from the meat processor as soon as
possible and delivered to me if they cançt be delivered
to me immediately double bag and freeze.
Small game should not be field dress freeze the
animal whole. Double bag the specimen removing
as much air from the bag as possible. Birds should
be slipped into a pair of pantyhose headfirst
this holds the feathers tight against the body
preventing damage. Double bag and freeze, do not
field dress your birds. With turkeys take care
not to damage the tail.
For African Safaris please contact me a few months
before you departure date. If arrangements with
customs are made early your trophy can be delivered
to me much faster.
