Field Care Tips

Immediate Cooling: Promptly cool the animal to prevent bacterial growth. For mammals, field dress as soon as possible and keep the body cavity open to allow airflow. For waterfowl, avoid placing them in plastic bags unless you can refrigerate them quickly.

Minimize Damage: Handle the animal carefully to avoid cuts, bruises, or feather/hair loss. Carry waterfowl by the feet and keep deer and other mammals off rough surfaces to preserve their hide.

Proper Skinning: If you need to skin the animal in the field, use clean, sharp tools and follow recommended skinning techniques to avoid damaging the hide or feathers. Leave plenty of skin around the incision points for the taxidermist to work with.

Freezing and Storage: If you cannot deliver the specimen to the taxidermist immediately, wrap it in a breathable cloth and place it in a plastic bag to prevent freezer burn. Freeze the specimen as flat as possible to maintain its shape and avoid creases or distortions.