Taxidermy Tips for Hunters: Dos & Don’ts for Preserving Your Trophy Animal

Episode 211 Details

Why Proper Preparation Matters for Trophy Taxidermy

Harvesting that long sought after animal is one thing, but then moving forward to prepare it for taxidermy takes consideration. The hunt, the details of the memory, are all important in telling the story of that trophy animal and preserving it as a work of art. Before going hunting, these are added thoughts that need to be remembered prior to and after taking down that animal. Meet Jake Faehnrich, owner and taxidermist at JB’s Wildlife Designs located in Mandan, North Dakota who offers tips to preserve your trophy of a lifetime.

Don’t: Cut Corners on Field Care 

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trophy’s Quality

• Gutting: Understanding how “WHERE TO” and “WHERE NOT” to cut up when getting towards the neck.
• Skinning: Leaving enough of the hide for the type of mount wanted, you can never leave too much.
• Dull Knives: Sharp knives are key and we recommend Outdoor Edge Knives for their quick replaceable sharp blades.
• Cooling Head & Hide: Moisture is important, one does not want the hide or head to lose moisture and for preserving needs to be cooled as quickly as possible.
• Time: Try to have your animal to the taxidermist within 24 hours. If that is not possible, freeze until delivery. We cape out our deer with the entire hide still intact to the head. The cape is then folded and rolled up under the deer head, and placed into a garbage page tied securely around the base of the antler. Be care to not bend or manipulate the ears in an unnatural state.

Do: Communicate Clearly with Your Taxidermist & Understand Expectations

• Research: Evaluate taxidermists work prior to hunting in order to be prepared.
• Time: Are you okay with the expected time of delivery of your mount? It is not uncommon for taxidermy to take 1-2 years turn around.
• Vision: Mounting style, pose, habitat, position of the deer looking to the ear placement including specific details. Providing an example of a well-liked mount is often very helpful.
• Cost: Taxidermy can be very expensive. It is common when dropping off your animal to make a deposit that can be as much as half the price of the mount or more. Be prepared, and understand the Terms & Conditions.

Ensure a Trophy Mount Worthy of Your Hunt

There are hundreds of reasons to have an animal preserved with taxidermy. Is it your personal best, a hunt of a lifetime, your first ever? There are no wrong answers, only what makes this memory extra special.

Featured Taxidermy Guest, JB’s Wildlife Designs

Jake Faehnrich – Award winning taxidermist and owner of JB’s Wildlife Designs specializing in big game custom taxidermy.

• Website: https://www.facebook.com/jbswildlifedesign
• Location: Mandan, North Dakota

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