Field care instructions

A lifelike bird mount starts the moment your harvest hits the ground. Proper field care protects delicate plumage, skin, and feather structure so Prairie Mounts Taxidermy can deliver a clean, show-quality piece for your collection.

Frequently asked questions

Review these critical handling tips and storage instructions before your hunt in eastern South Dakota or beyond. Following these simple steps ensures your waterfowl and upland trophies stay in optimal condition for mounting.

What should I do immediately after retrieving a bird?

First, remove as much blood as possible from the feathers with cool water or a clean cloth. Next, wrap the head and feet in damp paper towels to keep them from drying out. Then, place the bird gently into a thick freezer bag or a specialized "Tagged & Bagged" preservation bag (Duck Preservation Kit – Tagged and Bagged) and get it into the freezer as soon as possible.

How should I wrap and store my bird until drop-off?

Place the prepped bird securely inside a thick, heavy-duty freezer bag, tuck the head under a wing naturally, and squeeze out excess air before sealing. Place it flat in your freezer until you can schedule drop-off or transport to our shop.

Should I gut or clean the bird before bringing it in?

No, never gut or field-dress a bird intended for taxidermy. Leave the bird completely intact, as gutting damages delicate skin and muscles required to properly position your mount.

What are the biggest mistakes that ruin a mount?

The most common mistakes are wringing the bird's neck, gutting the carcass, allowing hunting dogs to hard-mouth the plumage, and failing to freeze the specimen promptly. Any of these can irreparably damage feathers and skin.

Are there special handling tips for pheasants and upland birds?

Yes. With upland birds such as ring-necked pheasants, take extra care to keep the tail feathers completely straight. Bending or folding long tail quills inside a bag or cooler can leave permanent kinks.

How long can a bird stay in the freezer before being mounted?

When placed inside a thick, sealed freezer bag with the head and feet wrapped properly, birds can stay safely frozen for months without freezer burn. However, getting your bird to us sooner ensures optimal feather freshness.

Ready to preserve your hunt?

Now that your harvest is properly cared for and frozen, explore our bird taxidermy services and custom mounting options to bring your memory to life.