Hunting the perfect animal is only half the job — the other half? Preserving the memory.
At Eternal Taxidermy Mounts, we often see incredible trophies brought in that could’ve looked even better if a few key steps had been taken in the field. Your choices right after the shot can make or break the final mount — whether you’re going for a shoulder mount, full-body mount, or even something as unique as a fish replica.
Here are the top 5 mistakes hunters make before heading to a taxidermist — and how you can avoid them.
1. Poor Field Care of the Trophy
The most common mistake we see is improper handling of the animal in the field. Dragging it by the neck, not cooling the cape properly, or letting it sit too long in warm weather can lead to hair slippage, discoloration, or even rot.
Pro Tip:
Always handle your trophy with care. Avoid dragging the animal across rough terrain and try to keep the cape cool and dry until you can freeze or refrigerate it.
Looking to upgrade your mount? Browse our full collection of taxidermy mounts for sale — we offer shoulder, lifesize, bird, fish, and more.
2. Caping Too Far or Too Little
Caping the animal is essential, especially if you’re going for a shoulder mount. But if you cut too close to the neck or too far behind the shoulders, you limit mounting options — or worse, make the cape unusable.
Pro Tip:
If you’re unsure, leave extra skin and let your taxidermist trim what’s needed. Or better yet, don’t cape it at all — we’ll gladly take care of that for you.
3. Freezing the Whole Animal
Some hunters will freeze the entire animal thinking it’s safer that way — but this often leads to thawing issues and freezer burn.
Pro Tip:
Instead, skin and prep the cape and skull, double-bag it, and freeze only the parts needed for mounting. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to display your next trophy, check out our full-body taxidermy mounts and rug and skin taxidermy options.
4. Delaying the Drop-Off
Waiting too long to take your trophy to a professional can be risky. Even in the freezer, improper packaging or fluctuating temps can lead to long-term damage.
Pro Tip:
Aim to bring your animal to a taxidermist like Eternal Taxidermy Mounts within 24–48 hours after harvest. The sooner we receive it, the better the final result.
5. Choosing the Wrong Taxidermist
Every trophy is unique. You want someone who doesn’t just mount — but honors the story behind the hunt.
Pro Tip:
Not all taxidermists are created equal. At Eternal Taxidermy Mounts, we specialize in everything from bird mounts and antlers & skulls to decor collectibles that add character to any space.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Mount the Moment Right
A perfect mount starts long before you ever step into the studio. Avoid these mistakes and give your taxidermist the best starting point to create something worthy of your trophy.
Explore our full range of taxidermy options, and feel free to contact us for advice, prep tips, or to request a custom mount.
📦 Turn your hunt into art — with Eternal Taxidermy Mounts.