FIELD CARE GUIDELINES

All Birds go through a molting phase in the Fall and Winter months as they prepare for the mating season each Spring.  Choose a bird with the best plumage possible and with the least amount of damage.

Learning how to properly take care of your birds is easy if you follow a few basic “Field Care Guidelines”.

1). If you wish to have your trophy

     mounted, it is best NOT TO let your

     dog retrieve it for you.  You should

     handle the bird yourself.

mounted away from the other birds

taken that day, if possible.

4).  Never place a freshly taken bird in any

       field jacket pocket or bag.  This

       procedure will only promote the bird

       to spoil.  So after collecting your

       trophy, place your bird in a cool

       environment for about an hour and a

       half. 

5).  DO NOT “GUT” or remove any of the

      “organs” from your bird yourself, and

       do not try to skin your bird yourself for

       your Taxidermist’s convenience.  It is

       essential that important parts of your

       bird remain in tact when delivered to

       your Taxidermist.

      Blood stained birds should be left

      untouched to dry. Let the professional

      taxidermist handle issues regarding

      stains and blemishes during the

      mounting process.

6).  Freeze your bird as soon as possible. 

      The best way to freeze a bird after it

       has “cooled down”, is to wrap the 

       head and feet in wet paper towels,

       tuck the head under one of the

       wings, and place your bird in three

       tightly sealed plastic “bread bags”.

7).  Never place your trophy bird in the

       freezer with just the protection of a

       pair of  pantyhose. This procedure

       could freezer burn the bird.  Always

       use "air tight" plastic bags to cover

       over the pantyhose.

       It’s ok to use a pair of pantyhose, but

       please  remember to cover the 

       pantyhose with three tightly sealed

       plastic “bread bags”.

 8). Place your bird in a safe area of your

      freezer where no one can disturb it, or

      possibly lay something on the top of

      your bird that may cause damage to

      the feathers or other important parts.

      Birds can stay in the freezer up to one

      year without being freezer damaged.

     As a general rule of thumb:  The better birds for mounting are taken later in the winter season, (this includes both upland game birds and waterfowl, as well). 

     And please remember that the feathers are one the most important items to pay attention to and to keep safe.

     Bills, feet, bones, etc. can all be replaced, or repaired, but feathers usually cannot.

     FYI - Damaged or broken wings or broken bills are also mountable and are often easily repairable.

     Birds with shot or broken wings will still make for a beautiful mount in a standing or swimming position.