Tips for Preserving Your Trophy for the Taxidermist

...by Mike Bard with consultation from Tim Schloss of Tim Schloss Waterfowl Taxidermy

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few techniques that have helped better preserve my birds for the taxidermist and therefore resulted in much nicer mounts. I however am no expert on taxidermy, so I’ve teamed up with Tim Schloss to bring you these tips. Tim has over 30 years of waterfowl taxidermy experience and has also won several awards for his work.

You’ve knocked a bird down that you think you may want to mount, you’ll want to retrieve it without the use of a dog, so always keep this in the back of your mind before sending your retriever to pick up a bird. A retriever’s teeth may pull feathers out or break them, which will make things harder on your taxidermist.

Once you have the bird in hand, you want to dry them off. I like it hold them by the feet and just give them a gentle shake to get the majority of the water from their feathers.

I then use a clean towel, sweatshirt or even fleece jacket to further dry them, while doing my best not to disturb the feathers. It’s best to wipe them off going with the feather contour.

After the bird is as dry as I can get it in the field, I’ll find a safe place to set it where it will be safe until the hunt is completed and you can get the bird home. Experienced waterfowl taxidermist, Tim Schloss, also recommends cooling the bird as quickly as possible.

In preparing the bird for the freezer, you’ll want to make sure the bird is completely dry, and it’s important to get the bird frozen as soon as possible. Remember, do not gut or clean the bird. Tim recommends tucking the head up under the wing or over its breast. Use a good plastic freezer bag or better yet double bag your trophy, says Tim. It’s important to push all of the air out, if you are using a freezer bag. Do not use things like news paper that will retain moisture when freezing your bird. A good quality, properly sealed bag(s) will allow you to keep your bird in your freezer for a longer period of time, before taking it to the taxidermist. I don’t like to keep birds for over a year, however if they were properly cared for and sealed correctly, you can sometimes get quality mounts after several years in the freezer.

Photo Courtesy of Tim Schloss Taxidermy

Special Thanks to Tim Schloss for his guidance.