| Smith's Taxidermy 1815 E. Washington, Joliet, IL 60433 (815) 723-0760 Deer - Fish - Birds Mammals of All Species |
| This page constucted by Illinois Outdoors, Inc. For information about this page, contact DonDz@IllinoisOutdoors.Com |
| "Official Buckmasters Scorer" |
| Trophy Mount Care FISH HANGING: Fish should not be placed in heat or sun, faded color and raised scales will result. If possible place where temperature is about 68 degrees and humidity around 35%. In winter when in heated room, if fish is above head level, lower to face level1 (it is about 15 to 20 degrees warmer a foot over your head). Excessive heat and lack of humidity will cause scales to raise; this is due to the skin contracting and not due to the taxidermy work on the specimen. Iron and steel will contract and expand with heat and cold, so a taxidermist cannot stop a fish skin from contracting due to being in a warm place and no humidity in the room. KEEP IT COOL. CLEANING: Use a piece of felt, working from head to tail. SCALES RISING: If this should start, remove fish from present position to a place at least 20 degrees cooler with at least 35% humidity. GAME HEADS CLEANING: Feather dust or lightly brush with the fur, wipe with old nylons to restore for luster. Apply Vaseline to nose and eyelids to prevent over drying and cracking. BIRDS CLEANING: Feather dust lightly with the flow of the feathers. A WORD OF CAUTION Do not hang fish, birds, game heads, or animals near wood burning stove , fireplace, etc., as excessive heat can damage the mounts. |