Shoulder Mounts:

• Leave at least 4 inches of hide behind the shoulder.
• Never cut the throat, brisket, or neck.
• Avoid dragging the animal if at all posible. If it is necessary, drag by the antlers and keep the head, neck, and shoulders off the ground.
• Cut the hide around the body about 4-6 inches behind the shoulders. (Fig. 2a)
• Cut the skin around the legs just above the knees. (Fig. 2a)
• Make a cut up the back of the legs to the previous cut around the body. (Fig. 2b)
• Peel the skin forward to the head.
• Cut through the neck (not skin) and spinal column about 3 or 4 inches below the head/neck union. (Fig. 3)
• Soak up any blood with paper towels.
• Keep the cape cold and dry.

Small Mammals:

• Do not gut.
• Leave whole and freeze, or keep cold/dry and bring to the taxidermist as soon as possible

Fish:

• Do not gut.
• Wrap in a wet towel, place in plastic bag and freeze.

csmelser@legendarytaxidermy.com