Field care guide for your trophy

A great mount starts long before you reach the studio. Follow these critical field care instructions from Rad Taxidermy in Idaho to protect your harvest and preserve your trophy in pristine condition.

Keep the hide cold immediately

The single biggest mistake hunters make in the field is letting the hide get warm. Heat accelerates bacterial growth, leading to hair slippage and permanent damage to your specimen. As soon as you harvest your elk, deer, pronghorn, or bear, prioritize cooling the cape down immediately.

Essential cooling and storage steps

After caping, get the hide cooled without delay. Place your rolled hide inside a durable bag and set it on ice in a cooler, or transfer it straight to a refrigerator or freezer. Always ensure the hide remains dry and protected from direct contact with melting ice water to prevent moisture degradation.