Tips for Mounting Taxidermy Animals

In order to properly show off your taxidermy mount you need to make sure that the animal is mounted properly to the board. In addition to the actual act of mounting, there are other factors which can improve the quality of your taxidermy mount.

• Keep the cape of the animal dry. Exposure to excess moisture and water can greatly compromise your mounts quality.


• Keep the head of the animal and the mount cool.


• Try to avoid freezing the cape of the animal. When storing the cape in the freezer wrap the cape in a plastic bag and make sure to squeeze all the air out. Repeat this with two more bags to help decrease the circulation of air around the cape and avoid freezer burn.


• For hunters, have a plan for getting the animal back to the taxidermist. This will help to ensure the animal is in the best quality for mounting.


• Avoid shooting the animal in the head or neck in addition to making sure not to slit the animal’s throat. These can be difficult to repair and can detract from having a well-mounted animal.


• Do not freeze and salt the hide at the same time.


• Do not transport or hang the mount where it will be in the sunlight or heat.


• When mounting an animal such as fish, use silver nails to avoid tearing the skin.


• Avoid washing the mount. To remove excessive blood or other dirt use paper towels or rags.