Preserving Your Trophy in the Field

Whitetail Shoulder Mounts

Proper field care ensures the best quality mount. Please follow these guidelines:

• • Do not cut the animal’s throat.

  • Make a belly incision and stop at the sternum—do not cut up into the chest or neck.

  • Hang the animal by the rear legs using a gambrel.

  • Remove the front legs by cutting at the knee joints.

  • Starting at the rear edge of the front legs, cut up to the armpits. Then turn your blade 90° and cut toward the tail about 8 inches.

  • Make a circular cut around the torso.

  • Do not make any additional cuts.

  • Skin the deer as far up the neck as possible.

  • Carefully separate the head from the carcass, avoiding damage to the hide.

  • Cool the head, then place it in a plastic bag and either ice or freeze immediately.

Bird Care

• Gently place a rolled paper towel or tissue into the bird’s mouth and partially down the throat.

• Wrap the head, bill/ beak, and both feet in damp paper towels

• fold the head onto the birds back, if possible.

• Place in a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze.