If any question is not answered on this page please feel free to contact us.

Taxidermy FAQ

QUESTION:  If I choose to salt my trophy what type of salt is recommend?

Non-Idolized Salt, the finer the granule the better.  The salt can be rubbed into the flesh.  Medium grain salt can be used but under no circumstances should table salt or rock salt be used.

QUESTION:  If I need to ship my mount what should I do?

If shipping a frozen hide be sure to ship it UPS on a Monday or Tuesday and using 2nd day air.  Another option is using Fed-Ex Overnight shipping.

QUESTION:  If I am not able to freeze my trophy what should I do?  How long before the skin with spoil?

We always recommend freezing the skin, the sooner the better.  But if the circumstances do not allow it there are some steps that must be taken before salting.  You must remove as much meat and fat from the hide as possible and the ears, nose, and mouth should be split and turned inside out which your guide/outfitter should be able to assist you in doing so.  The animals hide will be begin to spoil once the animal expires.  The bacterial growth starts at forty degrees Fahrenheit.  Weather also plays a huge factor on how fast the skin decomposes.

QUESTION: If I catch a fish I would like mounted, what information do you need to re-create it?

The most important thing is to take as many pictures as you can immediately after it has been taken from the water.  The longer the fish sits out of water, the more the colors change.  Take the length of the fish and the girth measurements.  We reproduce the entire fish with fiberglass and paint (as long as good photos are taken).  Photos can be sent to islandoutfittersli@gmail.com

QUESTION:  How do I clean and care for my trophy?

If the trophy has hair your should use a compressor at 40psi and gently clean the mount.  If a compressor is not available your common household hair dryer only if it has a cool setting may be used.  When cleaning feathered trophies you can mineral spirits on a cotton ball and gently wipe feathers making sure to stay away from any painted surfaces.  A feather duster can also be used being careful to dust in the direction of the feathers.  For fish you can use a damp lint free towel and wipe with water.  If this is something you do not wish to do we will gladly come as we offer a cleaning service.  Please call for pricing (631) 445-6817.

QUESTION:  How do I preserve a bird I would like to get mounted.

The best thing you could do would be to freeze them.  We do not recommend field dressing or cape any small game.  The best way to freeze a bird is to make sure the head is tucked under one of the wings to preserve all of the delicate features of the face.  Be sure to also tag your waterfowl with the proper information before transporting it from the field.

QUESTION: Do you require a deposit?

Yes we require 50% as a down payment, but we are willing to work with people on an individual basis.  

QUESTION: I have an old set of horns from my grandfather harvested many years ago, can these be mounted?

Yes, we remount heads, we do several a year.  If the cape is no longer good or you do not have one, we can supply one.

QUESTION: I have an old deer mount and some damage has been done to the ears and it has some cracking around the eyes and nose.  Can something like this be fixed?

Yes, in most cases repairs can be made and if not we can always remount your trophy.