cougar care

[oneezreiter]

Hi guys,
I am heading out on a cougar hunt in January in the black hills of South Dakota.  Is there anything special that I need to do to care for the hide? 
Thanks all,
Rick

[Michelle_Nelson]

Is this a DIY hunt or will you be going with a guide?

Will you have access to a freezer?

How long after you kill your cat are you planning on staying in the state or will you be coming home imediatly followingor early the next morning?

[oneezreiter]

It is a DIY hunt with my brother and stepdad.  I live in Sioux Falls now so it is about a 5 hour drive home after the hunt.  we will probably head out the morning after the kill.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Well since I am sure there will be snow on the ground.

Once you kill the cat get it skinned out and lay the skin out so it can cool while you take care of the meat.  Keep the skin cool and as dry as posible until you can get it into the freezer.  On your way home you can fold the hide with the head of to the side and put it in a cooler with ice.  Keep the hide from getting wet.  Try not to put the hide in plastic. 


Once you get it to the freezer FOLD the hide and lay it in the freezer with the head off to the side so it doesn't take as long to freeze.  You don't want the head and paws wadded up in the center of the hide.

Or take it to the taxidermist as soon as you can the day to get home.

[Michelle_Nelson]

Well since I am sure there will be snow on the ground.

Once you kill the cat get it skinned out and lay the skin out so it can cool while you take care of the meat.  Keep the skin cool and as dry as posible until you can get it into the freezer.  On your way home you can fold the hide with the head off to the side and put it in a cooler with ice.  Keep the hide from getting wet.  Try not to put the hide in plastic. 


Once you get it to the freezer FOLD the hide and lay it in the freezer with the head off to the side so it doesn't take as long to freeze.  You don't want the head and paws wadded up in the center of the hide.

Or take it to the taxidermist as soon as you can the day you get home.

[oneezreiter]

Thanks for the help, I will get a big cooler and some of those blue plastic ice things and get that bad boy frozen.  I havn't found a taxi out here yet that I like so i am not sure how I am going to do this.  But I have faith that I will find some one I like, or I will make a road trip out west.  Again, thank you.

[muleyhunter]

The most important special thing is your rifle 

[oneezreiter]

I was going to use a big rock and a club, but I like your idea a lot better.

[carpsniperg2]

 

[Michelle_Nelson]

I would just wash out some gallon milk jugs and fill them with water or go buy a case of bottled water.  Put them in the freezer and bring them with you in a cooler.  That way to you can use what you need.