Remember Your Fishing Trip With Taxidermy

Fishing in the springtime can be an exciting and rewarding activity. With the right tools, you can have a successful trip and bring home your catch to be mounted. This month, we are sharing the benefits of taxidermy so that you can make the most of your next fishing trip this season!

Taxidermy can be an excellent way to preserve the memories of a successful fishing trip, as it provides a natural-looking representation of your catch. Taxidermied fish and game look beautiful on the wall, with the colors and patterns of their natural habitat still intact. Many anglers choose to display their catches as trophies or mementos so that they can remember their time out on the water for years to come. Not only is taxidermy a great way to showcase your accomplishments, but it can also provide invaluable scientific information, such as the size, age, and weight of the animal.

For those looking to have their prized catch preserved for a lifetime of memories, taxidermy is the perfect way to immortalize your most significant fishing catches. Taxidermy requires some special attention when preparing your fish for mounting. When done properly, you can enjoy an impressive trophy for years to come!  When you catch your fish, wrap it in a wet towel, then carefully place it into a cooler or plastic bag filled with crushed ice and allow it to cool. You want to keep the fish at a cold temperature until it’s ready to be mounted. This will help preserve its skin and maintain its vibrant colors! Don’t forget to also clean and gut your fish. Carefully remove the scales, fins, and any other parts that may be in the way.

Taxidermy can transform your catch into an amazing conversation piece and is a great way to commemorate a successful fishing trip. If you’re planning on going fishing this season, contact Tim Knight Taxidermy at (919) 291-6506, and let us bring your harvest back to life!

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/spring-wild-turkey-hunting-tips

Start Preparing for Spring Turkey Season!

The days are getting longer, the temperatures are starting to warm up, and the turkeys are starting to gobble. That can only mean one thing: Spring turkey hunting season is just around the corner! Here in North Carolina, spring turkey hunting starts in mid-April and goes until the end of May. Keep these tips in mind as you begin preparing for any future turkey-hunting trips:

Count On Camouflage. It’s essential that you wear proper camouflage when you decide to go out hunting for turkeys. Don’t forget,  always wear bright reflective blaze orange clothing or something that is not a red, blue, or white color. Those colors resemble male turkeys so if there are any other nearby hunters, you could easily be mistaken for a turkey! Your total camouflage attire should include a face mask and gloves. If you don’t wear these things, it can be a lot easier for a turkey to spot you and flee the area.

Bring a Hunting Buddy.  If you plan on enjoying turkey hunting this season, bringing a buddy to hunt with can be a lot more effective and rewarding. This way, you and your friend can take turns shooting and calling. It’s also important to remember to ethically harvest a turkey. To do that, just make sure that you aim for the head and neck. This will ensure a quick, clean kill and will also prevent any pellets from getting into the meat.

Never Stalk a Turkey. It’s important that you never stalk a turkey. This will increase your chances of being mistaken for other types of game! Instead, you can position yourself so that your back is against a tree wider than you are. This helps hide your outline and can protect you from accidental shootings from behind.

If you plan on doing some spring-season turkey hunting, contact me today at 919-291-6506 and we’ll preserve your harvest for you to enjoy for a lifetime!

SOURCES:

https://www.ncwildlife.org/Portals/0/Hunting/Documents/HE_Spring_09.pdf

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/spring-wild-turkey-hunting-tips

How To Properly Care For Your Trophy Mount

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

https://kanati.com/articles/how-to-care-for-your-taxidermy-mount/#:~:text=For%20both%20short%20haired%20and,on%20a%20non%2Dheat%20setting .

Don’t Forget These Basic Hunting Safety Tips

Whether you are planning on hunting for the first time, you’re bringing someone for their first time, or you just haven’t been hunting in a while, it’s always good to brush up on the basics of hunter safety and actively practice these hunter safety tips:

1. Always Practice Firearm Safety. 

A good rule of thumb when handling a firearm is to treat it like it is already loaded. Make sure to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and never at somebody, including yourself. You never want to touch the trigger of a firearm until you are ready to shoot. You also need to be familiar with your gun and know how to properly carry, hold, load, and unload it. 

2. Wear Proper Clothing. Clothing is very important when you’re out hunting. Do you know why hunters have to wear orange or reflective clothing? This is so that they are not mistaken for another animal by any other hunters that may be in the area. It is just an extra level of precaution. 

3. Set Up Your Tree Stand Safely. 

Before you even go on your hunting trip, make sure to inspect your gear, including the straps of your tree stand, to see if anything is damaged and needs to be replaced. When you’re ready to get out and set up your tree stand, make sure that you are not alone when installing it. It’s also important to always use a rope to pull up your firearm or bow. 

Are you planning on going hunting anytime soon? Contact us today at 919-291-6506 and let us turn your special harvest into a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Duck Hunting Tips To Remember This Winter

With places like the Pamlico and Albemarle sound, duck hunting in North Carolina this time of year can be extremely rewarding. You can expect to find plenty of Redheads, Bluebills, Pintails, Black Ducks, and more. Here are three things to remember before you go duck hunting this month. 

Don’t Forget Swamps & Marshes. While there are lots of waterfowl around the sound, wood ducks still prefer to be in the swamps, marshes, and any other forested wetlands. Wood ducks typically start their day about half an hour before sunrise and another half an hour after sunset. 

Look For Oaks. Headed to the marsh and swamps to try and duck hunt? You can find species such as Mallards, Black Ducks, and Widgeons in the swamps. Try finding spots near oak trees. During the winter, ducks feed on acorns. 

Find Open or Flowing Water. Late-season duck hunting typically means that ducks are searching for more open water for a better chance of finding food. This time of year is tricky since there is usually a chance for ponds and swamps to freeze over. If the swamps and lakes are frozen, look for small streams or flowing rivers for a better chance of catching your harvest. 

Are you planning on going duck hunting this year? At Tim Knight Taxidermy, we will help you remember your harvest for a lifetime! Contact us today at 919-291-6506 to get started! 

Beginner’s Guide to Hog Hunting In North Carolina

Did you know that in North Carolina, feral hogs are considered an invasive species? This is due to their aggressive and destructive nature. Hunting wild hogs is considered to be a dangerous and risky sport even for seasoned hunters. Here are three things to know when hunting feral hogs. 

1. Poor Eyesight. One thing about feral hogs is that they have poor eyesight. You can take advantage of this by hunting in low light so that you have a better chance at catching one. Feral hogs have an extremely strong sense of hearing and smell so just be sure that you keep a good enough distance. 

2. Hunt During the Early Evening. Because of their poor eyesight, feral hogs are most active during the day which means they start to settle down by the evening. You will have the most luck trying to hunt for them when they are trying to find or eat dinner. 

3. Watch Out for Aggression. If you’re planning on hunting feral hogs, it’s important to remember that they can be extremely aggressive and territorial. If they feel threatened, they have the tendency to charge and use their razor-sharp tusks to defend themselves. 

Being able to bring home a dangerous animal like a feral hog is impressive. Let Knight’s Taxidermy help you admire it for a lifetime. Give us a call today at 919-291-6506 to get started!

SOURCES:

https://www.hogmanoutdoors.com/blog/hog-hunting-tips-for-beginners

It’s Early Duck Hunting Season in NC!

As Thanksgiving approaches, duck-hunting season in North Carolina begins! The Outer Banks and Pamlico Sound are some popular duck hunting destinations with many flocks heading to those areas this time of year. Whether you are trying duck hunting for the first time or you’re trying to hunt to bring back the perfect gift for your loved ones this year, check out these tips for the early duck-hunting season. 

When ducks start to fly South for the winter, they use a lot of energy during this period of migration. Ducks are looking for the most available food source as soon as they land from their long flight. In North Carolina, some of the most popular places to go early-season duck hunting are between the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds near swamps or even around the Outer Banks near shorelines. The reason ducks tend to gravitate to those areas this time of year is that there is plenty of food and resting areas. 

Scouting is one of the most important things that you can do to help you narrow down the perfect duck-hunting spots. We suggest finding an area that a lot of ducks are using and set up a spot there for the next day. Finding their food source will almost always lead you right to the ducks unless they are disturbed. You can also bring a large spread of decoys to help gain the attention of ducks that are farther away. 

Are you planning on going hunting soon? The holidays are around the corner. Don’t forget to bring Tim Knight Taxidermy your harvest so we can transform it into the perfect gift this season to last a lifetime! Call us today at (919) 291-6506 to get started. 

SOURCES:

https://www.outerbanksblue.com/blog/duck-hunting-in-the-outer-banks-of-nc/

Scary Hunting Mistakes To Avoid This Month

Do you have any fun hunting trips planned for this month? Here are four hunting mistakes for you to avoid on your next hunting trip. 

1. Forgetting About Scent Control. Scent control is something you never want to ignore while you’re out hunting. If your clothes smell like food or any other human-like odor, it can ruin your hunting trip by scaring off deer. Whitetail’s noses are extremely sensitive to smell. Make sure to spray yourself with a scent eliminator to get rid of human odors. 

2. Moving Too Fast. Moving too quickly can often ruin your opportunity to hunt, especially while trying to get in or out of your deer stand. Make sure that when you’re out hunting next to take your time and move slowly. Be sure to also walk like a deer by taking a few small, quiet steps at a time. 

3. Lack of Pre-Hunt Preparation. One of the most common mistakes that hunters often make is not doing any preparation before their hunt. Those who are prepared properly usually have more frequent success. Before your next hunting trip, make sure to walk the trail you want to hunt and make sure you have all your gear ready. 

4. Poor Stand Placement. In order to do well on your next hunt, the placement of your tree stand will usually determine a good shot opportunity. Make sure that you aren’t too close to your trails. You also want to make sure it doesn’t sit too low or high. If you haven’t already, experiment with what places could be good spots for your stand this hunting season. 

Make sure to follow these tips to avoid some of these scary hunting mistakes. Are you planning on going hunting this season? Bring us your harvest and let Tim Knight’s Taxidermy bring your trophy back to life for you to admire! Call us today at (919) 291-6506 to get started. 

Get Ready To Hunt Early-Season Deer

Is anyone else eager to go out and hunt? It’s finally time for early-season deer hunting, and we are here to remind you of some things to help you this season! Here are four things you can do to get prepared for early-season deer hunting. 

1. Scout Out Your Land. When you’re planning on early-season deer hunting, knowing the land you’re hunting on is crucial. This will help you find the perfect spots for setting up your trail cameras and tree stands. You can also look at maps and photos on Google of most hunting grounds. This is a great tip for those planning their hunting trip! 

2. Check Near Water Sources. Since the weather is still hot this time of year, early-season deer hunting means that deer are still trying to find ways to cool off. Try setting up trail cameras around lakes and streams. Don’t forget to check for fresh deer tracks near the water! This could let you know if there are any deer nearby.

3. Don’t Forget Your Scent. Knowing all the hotspots that deer like to go to is only part of how to prepare for deer hunting. It’s important that you also behave similarly to deer. Since deer are scared of the smell of humans, it will run them off very quickly. Make sure that you cover your scent with scentless soap or scent-nullifying sprays. 

4. Sweet Treats. Did you know that deer love acorns? There is still time to find plenty of acorns, so take advantage! Want to try and catch a buck during feeding time? Make sure to find trees that have a good amount of acorns nearby and set up around that area.  

Are you planning on going early-season deer hunting? Bring your harvest to Knight’s Taxidermy and let us make you the perfect mount! Contact us today to get started! 

SOURCES

https://community.legendarywhitetails.com/blog/10-essential-early-season-deer-hunting-tips/

https://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/hunting/index.aspx

Explore The Great Outdoors At Howell Woods

Are you ready to take your hunting and fishing experience to the next level? Howell Woods is a beautiful 2,800-acre natural resource designed to give you incredible outdoor educational experiences. From environmental education to recreation activities like bird watching and fishing, Howell Woods is the perfect place for you and your friends or family to go this summer. 

You can also enjoy their hiking trails, horseback riding, and biking! If you’re big on bird watching then take advantage of the 15 trails through the woods. They are also a feature of the North Carolina Birding Trail!  

Looking to hone your fishing skills this season? Choose from the five ponds of various sizes as well as the Neuse River to enjoy recreational fishing. They also offer canoes for rent so you can glide across the water and fish to your heart's content! 

They even have controlled hunting areas that are best known for the feral pigs, deer, waterfowl, and wild turkeys. This is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enhance their hunting or fishing skills and catch their forever trophy! 

Are you thinking about heading to Howell Woods this season? Bring us your catch and let Tim Knight’s Taxidermy bring your trophy back to life for you to admire! Call us today at (919) 291-6506 to get started. 

SOURCES: 

https://www.visitnc.com/listing/FTx5/howell-woods-environmental-learning-center

https://www.johnstoncc.edu/howellwoods/