Field care basics that save your mount

November 6, 2026 · Field Care

The best mount in the world cannot fix a hide that was left warm too long. A few early decisions matter more than anything that happens later in the shop.

Cool it fast. Get the animal field dressed, keep the hide and cape cool and dry, and get it to a freezer or a taxidermist as soon as you can. Heat and moisture are what let bacteria slip the hair.

Be careful with cuts. Leave extra cape behind the front leg, avoid cutting up through the throat for a shoulder mount, and let the taxidermist make the fine cuts around eyes, ears, and lips if you are not sure.

Salt only if you know the timing. A properly fleshed and salted hide can buy time, but a half-fleshed hide with salt on it can cause more trouble than it solves. When in doubt, freeze it and call your taxidermist.