With a sharp knife, slit the hide circling the body behind the shoulder at approximately the mid-way point of the rib cage behind the front legs.
Slit the skin around the legs (just above the knees).
An additional slit will be needed from the back of the legs ( Figure 2A and 2B).
Peel the skin forward up to the ears and jaw exposing the head/neck junction.
Cut into the neck approximately three inches down from this junction. Circle the neck cutting down to the spinal column.
After this cut is complete; grasp the antler bases and twist the head off the neck.
This should allow the hide to be rolled up and put in a freezer until transported your taxidermist. These cuts should allow ample hide for the taxidermist to work with when mounting. Remember, the taxidermist can cut off excess hide; but can't add what he doesn't have.
Note: When field dressing a trophy to be mounted, don't cut into the brisket (chest) or neck area if blood gets on the hide to be mounted, wash it off with snow or water as soon as possible.
Also avoid dragging the deer out of the woods with a rope. Place it on a sled, rickshaw, or 4-wheeler. The rope, rocks or a broken branch from a deadfall can easily damage the fur or puncture the hide. If you need to drag it out with a rope, attach the rope to the base of the antlers and drag your trophy carefully.
Small Mammals
Animals, coyote sized or smaller should not be skinned unless by a professional.
Do not field dress the animal. Small mammals, especially carnivores; will spoil quickly because of their thin hide and bacteria.
If you can't take the small game animal immediately to a taxidermist, as soon as the carcass cools completely, put it in a plastic bag and freeze it.
With the epidemic of rabies evident in many areas of the country take every safety measure necessary when handling your game.
Birds
Do not field dress the bird.
Rinse off the blood on the feathers with water.
Take the bird immediately to your taxidermist or freeze it. Put the bird into a plastic bag for freezing being careful not to damage the feathers, including the tail.
If the bird's tail feathers do not fit in the bag do not bend them. let the tail stick out of the bag and tie the bag loosely.
Fish
Do not gut your fish.
If you can not take your fish immediately to your taxidermist; wrap it in a very wet towel and put it in a plastic bag.
Make sure all fins are flat against the fish's body (to prevent breakage), and freeze it.
A fish frozen with this method can be kept in the freezer for mounting.
Note: a fish will loose its coloration shortly after being caught. A good color photograph immediately after being caught may enable the taxidermist to duplicate the unique color tones of that particular fish.
General Information
Always have appropriate tags with your trophies when you take them to your taxidermist.
Do not cut the ears for attachment.
Songbirds, eagles,hawks and owls are protected by Federal permit.
For a situation where you are hunting with no available taxidermist or freezer; ask your taxidermist about techniques to skin out the entire cape(including the head) and salting the hide. This is the only method in remote locations that can preserve your hide for later mounting. Note: Because of the various diseases that wild game can transmit to humans, always use extreme caution when handling your trophy. Use rubber or latex gloves and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after handling.
