Overview
Every season, unsuitable capes are given to taxidermists. Most of the time these capes are unworkable because they have been cut too short or because the harvested animal was kept above freezing for an extended period of time.
It’s crucial to brush up on your taxidermy preparation techniques as hunting season draws near and avoid making errors in the field that could damage your mount.
In order to finish your season with an exciting trophy animal, adequate field maintenance is required. This will let you to enjoy your harvest for many years to come.
When it comes to conserving your trophy for mounting, what you do in the field right after harvest is essential. Here is some expert advice for getting your antelope ready for this procedure:
1. How to cape and dress your antelope in the field
Before going on a hunt, it’s a good idea to coordinate with a taxidermist. Inquire as to whether they prefer a caped or skinned appearance, and decide ahead of the time as to whether a shoulder or full body mount would be preferable. The standard is a shoulder mount, however there are some animals that truly deserve the spotlight with a full body mount.
Once you’ve arranged with a taxidermist, it’s time to let your hunting guide know what you’re hoping to accomplish. Verify that your understandings are aligned.
In order to get the finest possible shoulder mount, we must always be sure to leave as much of the animal’s neck, chest, and shoulder hide as possible.
The central rib area of the hide is essential to many taxidermists. The taxidermist will appreciate the extra space, and you can still get all the meat out by rolling up the hide. Separate the head from the body by pulling the hide up to the base of the neck. Familiarise yourself with the salt process.
Generally speaking, it’s safest to just leave the skin attached to the skull. A skilled taxidermist will be the one to do the intricate caping cuts around the mouth and snout.
2. How to transport your antelope from the field
Once the flesh has been removed during field dressing, the head and cape are packed and ready for shipping. A good game bag can be used. In this way, the head and cape may be transported without getting dirty and will continue to allow air circulation.
For long-term preservation and maintenance prior to taxidermy, a thorough capping and cold storage are required. You should take the animal to a taxidermist as soon as possible, and at most, you should only store it for a day or two.
3. Delivering your antelope to the taxidermist
The time it takes to harvest an antelope and get it to a taxidermist can make or break this step. If you find a nearby taxidermist, you can have the animal delivered right away without worrying about it rotting or getting freezer burn.
A cold, dry place is ideal if you need to keep the hide and skull for a few days. Ideally, the hide would be stored in a cooler where it wouldn’t come into contact with any ice or moisture. Remove any blood from the hide and bundle it up before sealing it tightly in a plastic bag for long-term storage.
In order to avoid freezer burn, it is important to remove as much air as possible before placing the hide and cape in the freezer. Only in cases of lengthy delays between the hunt and the taxidermy do we recommend freezing.
Bonus tips
Don’t drag the antelope:
If the antelope is going to be used in taxidermy in any way, mount or skin tanning, it should not be dragged at all. In the veld, the animal can be moved by being carried or by using a canvas.
Even while the animal is being transported in the back of the recovery vehicle, it must be kept safe. Any hair left unprotected against the vehicle’s continual friction will be rubbed off.
Mark the antelope correctly:
Be sure to properly label your trophy when you go back to the lodge or skinning shed to finish the job. The last time you view your trophy before it is mounted on your wall many thousand kilometres away is now, so this will eliminate any confusion at the taxidermist.
The trophy should be hung as soon as possible, preferably from a high point so that the hair is not in contact with the ground or the blood. If there is any remaining blood at this stage, washing it off is a good idea.
Visit www.hunt24 for the best referrals to taxidermy companies in South Africa.
