The Highlands Taxidermists

Trophy Caping and Field Care

A cut is first made behind the shoulder of the animal straight around the body, and between the front legs (diagram 1) so that plenty of skin is obtained. Proceed then to cut along the back of the neck to a point behind the ears (diagram 2) The skin can then be carefully peeled/fisted off up to the base of the skull, where the head is severed from the neck. The head and neck skin (cape) should then be left for a short while to drain of blood if need be. Note that an animal acquired for this type of trophy mount should never be bled from the throat, and that the skin should never be cut along it's front surface. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT HOW MUCH SKIN TO TAKE, ALWAYS TAKE MORE THAN YOU FEEL NECESSARY - IT CAN ALWAYS BE CUT SHORTER. Once drained of excess fluids, the trophy and attached cape should be placed in a hessian or cloth sack for transportation to ourselves. Never place a fresh cape into a plastic sack, as this can cause it to 'sweat', which would aid bacterial growth, rendering the skin practically useless and requiring a replacement skin. If the trophy cannot be delivered for a day or two, it is better to freeze it. If this is to be done, place the trophy and cape in a plastic sack for freezing, making sure that all extremities such as ears are covered to prevent freezer burn.

 

Winged Specimens

Once a good specimen is selected, a small plug of cotton wool or tissue paper can be placed inside the mouth to prevent any blood loss. The body should then be wrapped in absorbent material. The specimens are now ready to be frozen. Either place them as they are into a number of plastic bags, each specimen into a separate bag, or place them individually into a ladies stocking and then into plastic.

 

 

If you are a professional stalker or game keeper and wish to receive a FREE laminated version of this Trophy Caping and Field Care guide, specially designed for the game larder contact NNH.

 

If you require details of how to pack trophies for a courier delivery to Northern Natural History please get in touch.