Preping birds for mounting.

[Jim Sr.]

How do you guys & gals prep birds (duck & geese) in the field that you want to send to a taxidermist? I did a google search but want to ask here since I see some very nice ones on another thread.

Any good taxidermist on the wetside of the Cascades? Cost?

Thanks in advance. Jim Sr.

[Heartsblood]

Dunno if you've checked the taxidermy board yet :
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?board=5.0

Specific bird instruction/tutorial:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,25138.0.html

[Jim Sr.]

Nope , I'm still kinda a newby here. Thanks for the link.

Jim Sr.

[Heartsblood]

No worries man. 

[cryfowl]

I clean as much blood and dirt off them as possible and dry them off.  Then I just put them in my freezer.  I know a lot of people say put them in a nylon stocking etc, but I just lay them on butcher paper and have never had a problem.  Don't use newspaper as the print can come off and stain the feathers.  There are lots of Taxidermists around that do exceptional work, many you will see on here.  I started mounting my own birds years ago and encourage everyone to try it, it's not as hard as you might think.  Cost varies quite a bit depending on the mount you want and the base.  Bases can get pretty spendy depending on what you want, or you can buy pre-fab bases with all the trimmings.  Good luck!       

[Jim Sr.]

Thanks Cryfowl, a no nonsence way to do it, I like it!!!
As far as the base I will build it my self as I am a woodworker AKA: a welder of wood and have alot of ideas from what I've seen here.
Thanks for the tips!!!

Jim Sr.

[Ellensburg]

Whatcha gettin mounted?

[Camp David]

Wrap them in Duck tape 

[Jim Sr.]

Whatcha gettin mounted?

I was thiking about the first duck that I shot on my buddies property, it has been a goose producer for 2 years.

[boneaddict]

Get the blood off is the most important thing.   Sometimes I shove some papertowel or something in the mouth as they often bleed after I have stuck them in the freezer.     I usually tuck the head under the wing and create a nice football.   

As mentioned alot of people use a stocking, but I don't like to.   I also use freezer paper.   Usually two layers.(wrappings).

[tabler4113]

The taxidermist I use for all my mounts recommends putting the duck in a plastic garbage sack. Placing the bird in paper of any kind takes the moisture out of the bird and can cause it to go bad much faster. He also recommends NOT placing the bird in a frost- free freezer because they will freezer burn faster. I usually pack a plastic garbage bag with me to the blind just in case I get something worth mounting. The taxidermist I used told me not to worry about blood and such so much because its pretty easy to damage the feathers. Leave it to the pros. Hope this helps.

[Stilly bay]

clean them up, smooth out the feathers and  put it in the freezer. when fully frozen in a day or two, take it out. vacuum seal and put it back in the freezer until ready to go.

[Jim Sr.]

I really appreciate all the tips & info, it seems it is not rocket science worthy & simple.

[hdshot]

Nylon stocking your wife or gf wears before she wears them.  Or buy them, will look like a perv but would be worth it.  Got an ada boy from the taxidermist when he pulled my frozen goose placed head 1st in nylon stocking from the plastic sack.

[BOWHUNTER45]

Nylon stocking your wife or gf wears before she wears them.  Or buy them, will look like a perv but would be worth it.  Got an ada boy from the taxidermist when he pulled my frozen goose placed head 1st in nylon stocking from the plastic sack.