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 Locked at Lac Seul  Dryden Deer |
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Thinking of Having a Game Bird Mounted? First off; of course you'll want to pick a specimen with outstanding colors and bright, glossy feathers. When you've found the perfect example of your favorite bird, don't stuff it into a gamebag. Get it to the taxidermists, the freezer of at least to the safe confines of your car as soon as possible. Carry the bird by its feet, head down. This will help keep blood drops draining off its feathers. Dab off visible blood with a cloth or handkerchief dampened if necessary with cool water. Use tissue, cloth or soft dry grass to plug the birds mouth, anus and any other sources of bleeding. Blood stains are difficult, sometimes impossible to remove from the feathers once settled in.
Do not gut or draw the bird. Bringing it directly to the taxidermist or freeze it intact. Be careful not to bend the feathers into unnatural positions. Secure the bird so that it won't be bounced around during the ride back to civilization. Keep it out of the truck, especially when the weather is warm. Before freezing the bird, wrap it in plastic. To protect the flowing tail feathers of a pintail pheasant, lengthen the bird against a long, stiff piece of cardboard before wrapping. The package should be as airtight as possible to prevent freezer burns. The quality of commercial taxidermy varies wildly, so choose your taxidermist with care. He should have experience with the species you're having mounted. Ask for references and whenever possible examine examples of his work. Once you've settled on the taxidermist, tell him how you'd like the bird positioned (a photograph and/or drawing is superb). Keep in mind such things as which direction you'll want the mount to be facing or "flying" when you place it in your den. Don't neglect your mount after getting it home or you might find yourself tossing it out or hiding it in the basement closet after a few years. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from head and soot. Dust it occasionally with a feather duster. With a little effort you will have a bird that retains its natural beauty and brings back waterfowling memories for years to come.
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