Raw preparation or pre-preparation
- If it is not possible to go straight to a taxidermist with the shot animal, the animal has to be pre-prepared in the field, so that the animal does not start to rot.
- All furred game should be gutted and cleaned on location. In the case of birds and small animals, the shot holes must be closed and any dirty feather or fur must be cleaned.
- Allowing the animal to cool is very important. A marmot which is still warm when it is put into a rucksack for transport will almost certainly be spoiled and it will not be possible to turn it into a good mount.
- If the animal is brought to the taxidermist later, it can be frozen after it has thoroughly cooled.
Important: Do not cool wrapped in or laying on plastic – the hair suffocates on the underside. Then pack the animal well, so that it does not suffer any freezer burns and dry out.
- Avoid transport in nylon bags. Use well-aired boxes and lay the animal on twigs (pine branches) or newspaper.