Field Preparation Advice

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TROPHY

Exceptional taxidermy begins long before a trophy reaches our studio. Careful field preparation protects the skin, hair, ears, nose and horns—and gives our craftsmen the best possible foundation for a beautiful, lasting result.

NEVER DRAG AN ANIMAL Drag marks, torn ears, damaged noses and heat exposure can permanently affect the final mount. Lift the animal carefully. When loading it, support and protect the head and neck with dry grass or soft leafy branches. If possible, line the vehicle bed with something soft and keep the trophy from rubbing against the floor or sides: vibration and rough terrain can cause the skin to chafe, compromising the quality of the final tan.

1. SHOOT WITH THE FINISHED MOUNT IN MIND

Whenever possible, avoid shooting the head or neck. These wounds are difficult to camouflage in a finished mount. On small animals, full metal jacketed bullets (solids) are recommended.

2. SKIN PROMPTLY AND CORRECTLY

Skin the animal as soon as possible. This prevents bacterial activity and hair slip. Remove all flesh from the skin and work carefully around the eyes, ears and lips.

• Flatskins and rugs: cut from the tip of the tail along the centre of the belly to the centre of the chin for an even pattern.
• Capes for shoulder mounts: make a V-cut from the top of the head to the horns, then cut down the back of the neck well behind the shoulders.
• Animals with manes: make the cut on the side to which the mane falls, approximately 2 cm away from the mane.

3. WASH, SALT AND DRY

Wash the skin immediately after skinning to remove all blood, using cold fresh water with a suitable bactericide. Allow it to drip-dry briefly before salting.

Use clean, dry, non-iodised salt liberally and work it thoroughly into every fold. Roll the salted skin, allow it to drain, then re-salt until excess moisture has been removed. Keep the skin cool and dry.

• Never reuse salt from a skin that may already be spoiled.
• Keep skins away from metal while drying; rust stains are extremely difficult to remove.

4. TRANSPORT AND STORE WITH CARE

Never transport fresh, wet skins. Allow skins to become at least partly dry and pack them in an open bucket or similar container—never in plastic bags. Store trophies in a cool, dry place and deliver them to your taxidermist as soon as possible.

5. SKULLS, BIRDS AND REPTILES

Skulls: remove as much flesh as possible, including the eyes and brain. Keep the skull in clean, cold water for a few days, changing the water daily. Salt it well and allow it to dry, taking special care not to damage delicate lip and nose bones—particularly for European mounts.

Birds and reptiles: freeze as soon as possible without removing the intestines. Only classified game birds may be exported; most other birds are protected in South Africa and require a special permit.