Essential Field Care Tips for Hunters: How to Prepare Your Trophy Deer for Taxidermy Success

Don’t: Cut Corners on Field Care

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trophy’s Quality

Gutting:
Know where to cut and where not to cut—especially as you move toward the neck. Improper cuts can make caping and mounting much more difficult for your taxidermist.

Skinning:
Always leave plenty of hide for the type of mount you want. You can never leave too much, but you can definitely leave too little.

Dull Knives:
A sharp knife is essential. We recommend Outdoor Edge Knives for their quick, replaceable sharp blades.

Cooling Head & Hide:
Moisture retention is key—don’t let the hide or head dry out. Cool your trophy as quickly as possible to preserve quality.

Time:
Deliver your animal to the taxidermist within 24 hours whenever possible. If that’s not an option, freeze it until delivery.

We cape our deer with the entire hide still attached to the head. The cape is then folded and rolled under the deer head, placed in a garbage bag, and tied securely around the base of the antlers. Be careful not to bend or distort the ears.

Do: Communicate Clearly with Your Taxidermist & Understand Expectations

Research:
Before the hunt, review potential taxidermists’ work so you know who you want to use and what quality to expect.

Time:
Ask about turnaround time. A 1–2 year completion window is common for quality mounts.

Vision:
Discuss the mounting style, pose, habitat, and details such as head position, ear placement, and expression. Providing photos of mounts you like can be extremely helpful.

Cost:
Taxidermy is a major investment. Expect to make a deposit (often 50% or more) when dropping off your animal. Be sure you understand the terms and conditions before committing.

Pickle Juice Brine For Venison

Pickle juice is your MUST TRY brine for anything from lean pheasant breast to venison and more! That leftover juice in your pickle jar is GOLD, and it’s ready to pour over, bath all of your various cuts. What this brine does is tenderizes the meat without removing the moisture as well as takes off the edge of “gamey” taste. This brine works well with steaks, backstraps and roasts! 1-3 hours for smaller cuts while a roast, depending on size, may take up to 24 hours in the brine. 

After the brine bath, pat dry the meat and cook, season as you typically prefer.

Fun Adds:

Garlic Cloves

Dijon Mustard

Worcester Sauce

Whole Peppercorns

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates!

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation.

With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God’s Country and life on the land.

United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They’re here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day.

To learn more about Tigger & BEC’s journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com.

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