Turkey Field Care for Taxidermy :
Proper field care of your turkey is very important for the taxidermy process.
Before you shoot
Headshots are preferred. Avoid shooting the bird multiple times if possible. If feather damage does occur, we can repair it for an extra charge. Spring is the best time to shoot birds for mounting. Fall turkeys have new growth pin feathers and generally make poor mounts.
Out-of-state Hunts
If you are planning a trip out of state, please contact us prior to your hunt for instructions. Normally birds can be frozen and brought back to our shop when you return. Do not gut the bird and do not try to skin the turkey unless we give you specific instructions. Whole frozen turkeys can stay frozen for days while in transit. Please see the complete field care instructions below.
Mexico Hunts
If you are hunting in Mexico, the birds will need to be shipped directly to a USDA clearing facility before we can accept them at our shop. Please contact us for complete instructions.
Wisconsin Hunts
If you are hunting in the state, please follow these instructions after you shoot your bird.
1. Do not gut the bird.
2. Do not wash the bird. Any blood that is on the feathers will come off during the taxidermy process, as long as you bring it to us shortly after you shoot it.
3. Put a small number of paper towels in the beak of the bird and put the head in a plastic bag. Lay the bird out on a garbage-type bag and keep it out of the sun in a cool place.
4. If possible, bring the bird to us right away after you shoot it. If you would like the meat returned, we can skin the bird while you wait. It is not necessary to freeze the turkey if you can get it to us the same day you shot it. We are open Mon-Sat and after hours/ Sun. by appointment. Please call or text Aaron at 920.650.5457 to schedule after-hours skinning.
5. If you cannot get the bird to us right away, you can freeze it. Put a small number of paper towels in the beak of the bird and place the head in a plastic bag. This will keep blood off the rest of the feathers. Place the bird in a garbage-type bag but do not seal it shut. Put the bird in the freezer until you can bring it to us.
Shipping to us
You can ship to us from any location in the USA. Please contact us for complete instructions before you ship. Please note that we cannot ship birds back to you. You can pick up the finished mount at our shop when completed. We also have delivery options available through our own truck fleet and a number of other delivery services that run throughout the country. Contact us for more details.
