FIELD CARE INSTRUCTIONS
BELLY SIDE
Deer, Elk, etc.:
Do not cut the throat or brisket area when skinning out.
Using a sharp knife, cut the skin (around the whole body) approximately 18" back behind the shoulders. (Cut from this line back when field dressing your deer)
Cut the skin around the legs, just above the knees. From this cut follow the backside of the leg back to the main part of the body, then cut back to join the caping line around the body. (Do this on both front legs) Skin the hide forward around ribs and legs toward the jawline and ears, exposing the head/neck junction. Cut around the neck, back 3" from the jaw line, circling the neck until you get down to the spinal column. After you have cut all the way to the spinal column, take the head by the antlers and twist until spine breaks and head comes off neck, or cut with a saw.
Double wrap it in two heavy plastic bags (air tight around antlers) and freeze immediately if possible. If not, put it on ice but don't let the hide or hair get wet. Get it to your taxidermist as soon as possible.
Other tips are not to drag the animal out by its neck, and don't ride around with it in the back of your truck all day as this will also cause hair slippage. If blood is present on the hair try to gently remove this with a cold damp rag, but dry before bagging.
Do not cut the throat or brisket area when skinning out.
Using a sharp knife, cut the skin (around the whole body) approximately 18" back behind the shoulders. (Cut from this line back when field dressing your deer)
Cut the skin around the legs, just above the knees. From this cut follow the backside of the leg back to the main part of the body, then cut back to join the caping line around the body. (Do this on both front legs) Skin the hide forward around ribs and legs toward the jawline and ears, exposing the head/neck junction. Cut around the neck, back 3" from the jaw line, circling the neck until you get down to the spinal column. After you have cut all the way to the spinal column, take the head by the antlers and twist until spine breaks and head comes off neck, or cut with a saw.
Double wrap it in two heavy plastic bags (air tight around antlers) and freeze immediately if possible. If not, put it on ice but don't let the hide or hair get wet. Get it to your taxidermist as soon as possible.
Other tips are not to drag the animal out by its neck, and don't ride around with it in the back of your truck all day as this will also cause hair slippage. If blood is present on the hair try to gently remove this with a cold damp rag, but dry before bagging.
Small mammals, turkeys, etc.:
Double wrap entire animal in plastic bags and freeze. (Take care not to get wet) Get to taxidermist as soon as possible.
Double wrap entire animal in plastic bags and freeze. (Take care not to get wet) Get to taxidermist as soon as possible.
Fish:
To preserve fish for mount, try not to handle scales too much. Wrap in wet towel and put on ice. If not taken to taxidermist right away, wrap in double plastic bag, remove air, and freeze.
To preserve fish for mount, try not to handle scales too much. Wrap in wet towel and put on ice. If not taken to taxidermist right away, wrap in double plastic bag, remove air, and freeze.
HOME PAGE
Head/Neck Junction (Jaw Line)
Cut off here
3" back from
jaw line
3" back from
jaw line
Cape