November 16, 2024

Taxidermy Tips for Hunters: Dos & Don’ts for Preserving Your Trophy Animal

26 minutes

Smart Taxidermy Tips: Dos & Don'ts for Preparing Your Trophy Animal to become a mount that is a beautiful work of art. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka 'BEC' and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with The Bend Radio Show & Podcast, your news outlet for the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News!

Episode 211 Details

Why Proper Preparation Matters for Trophy Taxidermy

Harvesting that long sought after animal is one thing, but then moving forward to prepare it for taxidermy takes consideration. The hunt, the details of the memory, are all important in telling the story of that trophy animal and preserving it as a work of art. Before going hunting, these are added thoughts that need to be remembered prior to and after taking down that animal. Meet Jake Faehnrich, owner and taxidermist at JB's Wildlife Designs located in Mandan, North Dakota who offers tips to preserve your trophy of a lifetime.

Don’t: Cut Corners on Field Care

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Trophy’s Quality

Gutting: Understanding how "WHERE TO" and "WHERE NOT" to cut up when getting towards the neck.

Skinning: Leaving enough of the hide for the type of mount wanted, you can never leave too much.

Dull Knives: Sharp knives are key and we recommend Outdoor Edge Knives for their quick replaceable sharp blades.

Cooling Head & Hide: Moisture is important, one does not want the hide or head to lose moisture and for preserving needs to be cooled as quickly as possible.

Time: Try to have your animal to the taxidermist within 24 hours. If that is not possible, freeze until delivery. We cape out our deer with the entire hide still intact to the head. The cape is then folded and rolled up under the deer head, and placed into a garbage page tied securely around the base of the antler. Be care to not bend or manipulate the ears in an unnatural state.

Do: Communicate Clearly with Your Taxidermist & Understand Expectations

Research: Evaluate taxidermists work prior to hunting in order to be prepared.

Time: Are you okay with the expected time of delivery of your mount? It is not uncommon for taxidermy to take 1-2 years turn around.

Vision: Mounting style, pose, habitat, position of the deer looking to the ear placement including specific details. Providing an example of a well-liked mount is often very helpful.

Cost: Taxidermy can be very expensive. It is common when dropping off your animal to make a deposit that can be as much as half the price of the mount or more. Be prepared, and understand the Terms & Conditions.

Ensure a Trophy Mount Worthy of Your Hunt

There are hundreds of reasons to have an animal preserved with taxidermy. Is it your personal best, a hunt of a lifetime, your first ever? There are no wrong answers, only what makes this memory extra special.

Featured Taxidermy Guest, JB's Wildlife Designs

Jake Faehnrich - Award winning taxidermist and owner of JB's Wildlife Designs specializing in big game custom taxidermy.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/jbswildlifedesign

Location: Mandan, North Dakota

FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

Call or Text your questions, or comments to 305-900-BEND or 305-900-2363

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The Outdoors, Rural America, And Wildlife Conservation are Center-Stage.

AND how is that? Because Tigger & BEC… Live This Lifestyle.

Learn more about Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca Wanner aka BEC here: TiggerandBEC.com

https://tiggerandbec.com/

WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff 'Tigger' Erhardt & Rebecca 'BEC' Wanner are News Broadcasters that represent the Working Ranch world, Rodeo, and the Western Way of Life as well as advocate for the Outdoors and Wildlife Conservation.

Outdoorsmen themselves, this duo strives to provide the hunter, adventurer, cowboy, cowgirl, rancher and/or successful farmer, and anyone interested in agriculture with the knowledge, education, and tools needed to bring high-quality beef and the wild game harvested to your table for dinner. They understand the importance in sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of our labor and fish from our adventures, and learning to understand the importance of making memories in the outdoors. Appreciate God’s Country.

United together, this duo offers a glimpse into and speaks about what life truly is like at the end of dirt roads and off the beaten path.

Tigger & BEC look forward to hearing from you, answering your questions and sharing in the journey of making your life a success story. Adventure Awaits Around The Bend.

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By Rebecca Wanner