Henson Taxidermy

Field Care Instructions

(See skinning diagram below)

The quality of your finished mount depends as much on how it is cared for in the field as it does when it gets into the taxidermy shop. If a mount is ever to be ruined it is most likely to happen before it ever gets to the taxidermy shop.

Here are some simple things to do in order to help prevent disappointment.

1) If you are having your animal processed at a butcher shop - let them know you plan to have it mounted. Ask them to cape it extra long (I can cut off the extra but is tough to add on). Also ask if you can pick up the cape that day (or as soon as possible).

2) Leave plenty of hide. Cut around the front legs at the knee; do not cut the - throat, brisket, front of the legs or the armpits. Skin the neck down as far as you can without cutting the hide; sever the neck being careful not to cut the hide.

3) Do not put salt on the hide, especially rock salt. If you do put salt on the hide, DO NOT PUT SKIN IN THE FREEZER IF YOU HAVE SALTED THE HIDE!!! Salting the hide and then putting in the freezer only allows bacteria to grow, the salt is fighting the freezing process.

4) If you can't get the hide to me promptly - bag it and freeze it! (Without salt).

5) Unless you have to, do not cape out the head - bring it to me and let me cape it. I can get your horns back to you right away if you want to show them to the guys.

6) Bird hunters - keep a pair of panty hose in your pocket. If you shoot a bird that you want mounted - carefully slip it into the hose without creasing any feathers. DON'T let your dog retrieve the bird if possible.

7) If you plan on going on a back woods hunt and will need to cape out a head stop by and I will walk you through it (not all guides and outfitters know how - in fact very few know how to do it right).

By following the above procedures only saves me time and your money.

When in doubt call me!!!

Skinning Diagram

Shoulder Mounted Animals

Life-size Rugged Animal

Life-size Animal

For Life-size mounted animals, cut down the backside of the animal and peel it down to the feet. Start at the back of the head and cut down to the end of the tail. This is the only cut on the skin you will make. Leave the paws and head attached and fold skin to skin and freeze immediately or bring to me ASAP!!

Any questions call me at (c) 541-621-0629

Travis Henson

Henson Taxidermy