Pheasant & Upland Game Bird Hunting Tips & Tricks

How to Prep Upland Game Birds for Taxidermy, Including Pheasants

Why Proper Prep Matters: Upland Game Bird Taxidermy Basics

Proper field care is one of the most important steps when preparing pheasants and other upland game birds for taxidermy. Taking a few extra precautions immediately after the hunt can help preserve the feathers, skin, feet, and beak, giving your taxidermist the best possible material for a quality mount.

Do: Handle Pheasants Carefully After the Hunt

• Choose mature birds when possible. Upland game birds harvested early in the season may have fragile pin feathers that can make skinning and mounting more difficult. Pheasants harvested later in the season, particularly in November and December, are often better candidates for taxidermy because their feathers are more developed.
• Cool the bird immediately. Remove excess body heat as soon as possible and keep the pheasant cool until it can be properly stored.
• Protect the feet and beak. Wrap the feet and beak in damp—not soaking wet—paper towels before freezing.
• Double-bag the bird. Place the prepared pheasant in two sealed plastic bags before putting it in the freezer. This helps reduce freezer burn and prevents the bird from drying out before it reaches your taxidermist.

Do Not: Damage the Neck or Feathers

• Do not ring, twist, or pull the neck. If you plan to have a pheasant mounted, avoid handling the neck in a way that stretches or damages the skin. Let your taxidermist handle the neck during preparation.
• Do not use pantyhose or similar materials. Wrapping a bird in pantyhose before freezing can promote moisture loss and cause the skin and feathers to dry out. A dried-out specimen can be significantly more difficult—even impossible—to properly mount later.

Did You Know?

The condition of an upland game bird when it reaches the taxidermist can have a major impact on the finished mount. Proper cooling, careful handling, and airtight freezing help preserve the specimen and give your taxidermist the best chance of creating a natural-looking pheasant or upland game bird mount.

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