To receive a quality bird mount, it is important to protect your specimen in the field. Protect a potential mount bird as best you can in the duck hide. I carry bags with me while hunting to place prime birds in for protection. Place the head of the bird on its back, similar to a sleeping position and tuck the feet under the tail. Inspect your potential mount for damage. Large amounts of blood or clots in the down can be gently washed out using cool water before freezing. If the bird is small enough, a large zip lock freezer bag is ideal to freeze the bird in. For best results, deliver the bird to the taxidermist as soon as possible to prevent freezer burn of the skin and feet.
The best bird mounts result from prime specimens. To identify prime birds gently look down to the roots of the feathers for "pin" feathers. A pin feather is identified by a small cylinder at the base of the feather. Pin feathers are feathers which are still growing or "molting". A bird is fully plumed when it is finished its molt. On most duck species the last locations to finish molting are: the top layer of the side pocket that covers the closed wings; the feathers on the back between the wings (scapulars); the head feathers; and the tail feathers. If no pin feathers are detected in these places, the bird is likely fully plumed.
If there are any questions on bird identification and care, feel free to call or e-mail from the information below.
