Top 5 Field Care Mistakes to Avoid

Most hunters know how quickly things can change in the woods. You can sit quietly for hours, patiently waiting for a deer to appear. And in a matter of seconds, it’s go time, and that’s when the real work begins. 

If you’re fortunate enough to harvest an animal you want to preserve, proper field care is vital. So whether it’s your first buck or your 50th, arm yourself with some knowledge, and remember to avoid the following 5 mistakes. Trust us, your taxidermist will thank you.

1. Temperature

   Once in a while, I’ll have someone swing by the shop, and before I even unwrap the cape, I can tell it wasn’t stored properly due to the smell. I never like having to tell someone who had their heart set on a shoulder mount that it’s a no-go. But once bacteria set in, the flesh starts to deteriorate, and the hair begins to separate from the skin. This is referred to as slip, and unfortunately, it’s not reversible. The easiest way to prevent slip is to keep your specimen cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. 

   
   

2. Improper storage

   Some folks can’t get to their taxidermist right away, and that’s okay. You just need to make sure you store your deer properly until you can get to the shop. Once you get your specimen home, try to get it in the freezer as soon as possible. Be sure to roll the hide hair side out, place it in a bag, and freeze it. Keep in mind that your taxidermist will need to thaw and inspect the hide for condition issues before starting your mount.

   
   

3. Cutting too far up the neck

   Just like getting a haircut, your taxidermist can always cut away extra skin. But they can’t put it back. It’s better to have more material to work with than not enough. So for shoulder mounts, make your cut around the animal’s midsection, not the neck. This is another situation where I’ve had to tell folks that they’ll need to choose a euro mount or have me source a replacement hide, which adds to the cost.

   
   

4. Rough handling

   Some years, I’ve had to go to great lengths to get my deer back to my vehicle, so I know what a chore it can be. I hunt in Kentucky, and the deep hollers on my property make for some pretty rough transport. But the goal is to avoid dragging the deer with a rope (or anything else). Rocks, trees, and other debris can abrade the animal's skin and coat. So, come prepared with a tarp, cart, sled, or ideally, a buddy so that you don’t damage the cape on the way to the truck. 

   
   

5. Skull removal

   If you choose to cape your deer yourself, don’t attempt to remove the skull or antlers. Removing flesh from the eyes, lips, ears, and antler burrs is very delicate work. It's easy to make mistakes without the proper tools and technique. So save yourself some trouble and let your taxidermist handle that part of the process.

Like other aspects of hunting, a little preparation can give you more confidence in your field care. If you take your time and follow the advice we’ve shared here, you’ll most likely arrive at the shop with a specimen in great shape. And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. From pre-season prep to pickup, we’re here to help you have a successful hunt.

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