If you’ve been hunting long enough, chances are you already have an animal hanging on your wall at home. Having a trophy mount can feel like a big accomplishment, especially after a very memorable or successful hunt. However, most hunters think that once you hang up your trophy, the work is done. The truth is, you should never stop taking care of your trophy. Here are a few things you can do to keep your trophy mount looking as good as it did the day you brought it home!
One of the best things you can do for your mounted trophy is to make sure it’s in a room protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Heat and sunlight can cause the colors of your harvest to fade the color, hair, or hide, and even crack and split your animal over time.
Over time, dust starts to settle on and around your animals. You should be gently dusting your mounts at least once a week if it’s in a high dust area so that they look their best! If your trophy is not in a high dust area then dusting at least twice a month will keep it looking polished! Next time you need to dust, you can try using the brush attachment on your vacuum or you can use a soft, dry rag. Taking a few minutes to dust off your trophy can really make a difference!
Whatever you do, make sure you avoid cleaning your trophy with household cleaners. Most household cleaners have harmful chemicals that leave behind an oily residue. Touching your trophy can also leave behind your natural oils and disrupt natural hair patterns. You can use special taxidermy cleaner like ‘Cowboy Magic Spray’ to help keep the fur clean, neat, and dust-free.
Next time you complete a successful hunting trip, let Tim Knight Taxidermy help you remember your harvest for years to come. Contact us at 919-291-6506 to get started.
SOURCES:
https://outbacktaxidermy.net/caring-for-taxidermy-at-home-tips-from-the-experts/
https://www.gohunt.com/content/skills/other/handle-with-care--cleaning-your-mount