SmithTaxidermy.Net Kentucky Taxidermist Velma Smith

Head and Neck shots should always be avoided whenever possible. Dragging and 4 wheelers are very detrimental on big game mounts in the shoulder areas as it removes top hair and hair completely from the shoulders.

Birds should be shot with the smallest shot particles possible for the situation and species. Birds should be frozen whole in plastic bags with sufficient protection for long tail feathers by carding them if necessary. If you wrap each foot in a small wet paper towel and then wrap them with plastic wrap, they will stay perfect and in excellent condition for at least 10-12 months. For wild turkey heads, wrap the head in a small wet wash cloth then in a small bag over the head, it will prevent freezer burn and moisture loss in the snood and wattles. Also, don't forget to do the feet.
Wrapping: Never put a warm animal or skin in plastic bags as this will cause rapid bacterial growth resulting in loss of hair or feathers. Burlap bags are excellent in the field if you are in the high country and are away from a locker or meat processor. It will allow air to circulate around your animal, let fluid escape and it will stay cool as well as keeping the flies off your trophy. North American shipments of salted, dried hide should be shipped in woven, burlap bags and put in boxes if necessary to allow fresh air in to help prevent spoilage.
Freezing: When putting these animals in the freezer, you should place the animal on a plastic bag so they won't stick to the freezer. After the animal is frozen, then the animal can be placed into a bag and closed, but not before. Fish should be kept alive or on ice (not in ice water) until they can be wrapped in a wet towel or cloth and frozen in a plastic bag.

SHIPPING FROZEN ITEMS
Ship frozen Items Monday next day air or second day air depending on temperature.
Ship parcel post, UPS, DHL or Fed-Ex.
Newspaper and paper towel have good absorbancy properties. Use these items to wrap around frozen Items and put into plastic bags to prevent leakage . Tag each Item with hunter name address,tel/fax or contact number. Inside and out in packing list. These Item can be place in a inexpensive cooler. Seal all edges with duck tape .This will help prevent leaking, Use newspaper to fill empty voids in cooler. Once packed cover cooler with card board box for labeling and shipping purposes.

SHIPPING BIRDS FROM OUTSIDE US
If shipping turkey from Mexico. Contact us before shipping.
Notify us before you ship . So we will be expecting your shipment.