Frank J. Zitz And Company Museum Quality Taxidermy

Over the years, I have worked with many very talented, professional people relating to my field of work. They all agree that field preparation of your trophy or specimen should be your top priority. Accurate measuring and photographic notes in the field are very important to ensure correct size and an accurate, natural appearance of the finished mount. When I'm collecting for a museum project, I always do the photography first, then take the measurements. Once the animal's hide has been professionally
removed and split (splitting is a finer skinning work by turning the ears and other smaller areas so that the salt can penetrate it), it should be salted. This pulls the moisture out of the leather. The skin should be shaken out and re-salted the next day. The skull or antlers should be cleaned and boiled.

If you are hunting overseas, your trophies are generally stored in warehouses and shipped months after your return. To ensure your horns and hide are identified properly, our company supplies waterproof,
laminated shipping tags for our clients at no charge, which you should attach yourself, one to the horns or antlers and one to the skin.

I've provided measurement information so you can understand what needs to be measured and remember-- be accurate. The skin will only stretch as big as it was. If you exaggerate, we will know the moment we attempt to fit the skin to the mannikin.

You also should read about the skinning procedure.