Care of Small mammals for the taxidermist. How to

Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro
1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950
Web pages
http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com

http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM

E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com
Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 22 Aug 2007 11:42 AM Last Edited By: rgswildlife
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Small mammals can be frozen whole (fox or smaller). Larger mammals should be first skinned. Unless you are going to drop the animal off to me that day, at least keep it cold or on ice. General Notes · All trophies must be properly skinned & salted or frozen immediately to inhibit bacteria growth. · Measurements of your trophy are helpful (nose to eye, nose to tail, and circumference of belly). · All incisions should be made as straight as possible. · Make all incisions from under the skin up through the hair to avoid cutting the hair. After all incisions are made pull and cut the skin loose from the carcass. · Remove the skin from the carcass to the base of the skull. · Sever the neck meat from the base of the skull. · Sever the tail bone from the carcass, leaving it inside the skin. At this point the skin is now ready to be frozen, with the head, tail, paws/hoofs inside. If a freezer is not available, see Fleshing and Salting. Skin the Paw/Hoof The paws/hoof must be skinned out to the last knuckle of each toe, leaving the claw/hoof connected to the skin Skin the Head Do this by carefully cutting the skin away from the skull. · The ear butts must be cut off very close to the skull. · Be especially careful not to cut the skin around the eyes and tear duct areas. · The lip skin should be cut very close to the gums. · Leave some nose cartilage on the skin and you will be finished skinning. The skin is now ready to be frozen or, if a freezer is not available., see Fleshing and Salting. Skin the Tail · Make an incision on the bottom side of the tail. · PUSH the skin from the bone - DO NOT PULL THE SKIN OFF. Removing Antlers · Skin the head first. · Saw through the back of the skull through the eye sockets. · Remove all flesh, membrane, etc. and allow it to dry. · The horns are then ready to ship to us. · If your antlers/horns are in velvet, Contact Us for further instruction. Fleshing and Salting A temporary way of preserving your trophy is by fleshing and salting the skin. This process should not be done unless you are sure of what you are doing. · The entire skin must have all fat, flesh, and membrane removed from it. · The ears must be turned inside out - separating the cartilage from the back ear skin. · Eyes and lips must also be turned, removing all flesh. · Rub generous amounts of non-iodized granulated salt (available at farm feed stores) into the flesh side of the skin. It is very important in this step to not miss any areas. · Roll the skin up overnight allowing it to drain. · The next day, shake off the old salt and apply new salt. · When no more moisture is present (approximately one week), the skin can be shipped to us. NOTE: Do not use rock salt. The salt will remove moisture from the skin so be prepared for this mess also, do not salt and then freeze this could ruin your skin. If you have any questions call me at 732-449-5950 Thanks Rich Here is the photos of lifesize mounts from my web site: http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com/rgs_taxidermy_MAMMALS.html __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 22 Aug 2007 12:44 PM
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A short note: I prefer to dorsal cut my mammals for mounting, this could only be done if the hunter does not gut the animal and brings it in frozen. Most of the non eatable game is brought in that way (frozen whole). __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 22 Aug 2007 2:07 PM Last Edited By: rgswildlife
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Red Fox stalking a Pheasant. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Oct 2007 3:51 PM
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If anybody has any questions before or after the hunt or trip, post them here or call me at the phone, number in my signature below. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 23 Dec 2007 1:00 PM
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The customers bring these in froze whole or fresh. Either way is fine. Coyote walking. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 10:59 AM
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Pair of Red Fox playing. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:00 AM Last Edited By: rgswildlife
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NJ Coyote drying. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:01 AM
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Grey Fox with grey squirrel. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:02 AM
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Grey Fox with Quail. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:03 AM
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Sleeping Red Fox. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:04 AM
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Nice colored Red Fox on ledge. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:05 AM Last Edited By: rgswildlife
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Red Fox pedestal mount drying. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:06 AM
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Red Fox with duck. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:07 AM
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Alaskan Wolf. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:08 AM
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Whitetail fawn. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:09 AM
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Bobcat chasing Pheasant. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:10 AM Last Edited By: rgswildlife
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Young Black Coyote from southern state. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:11 AM Last Edited By: rgswildlife
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Porcupine drying. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:12 AM
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Bobcat with Fox squirrel. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:13 AM
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Mink resting. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:16 AM
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Beaver drying. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:17 AM
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Pet rabbit. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:18 AM
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Spotted Skunk. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:19 AM
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Woodchuck. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:20 AM
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Otter. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:21 AM
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Another Beaver mount. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:22 AM
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A pair of Weasels with Pheasants. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:23 AM
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A small Beaver. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.

Posted: 27 Feb 2008 11:24 AM
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Arctic Fox sleeping. __________________ Wildlife Taxidermy By Richard G. Santomauro 1732 Hgy # 71 Wall NJ 07719 Phone 732-449-5950 Web pages http://www.rgswildlifetaxidermy.com http://www.VELVET-ANTLERS.COM E-Mail rgswildlife@yahoo.com Life member - NRA & NJFSC: Standard Member UBNJ, NTA, GSTA, New Jersey Outdoor Alliance.