Preserving a trophy animal is something you might want to do for many reasons. Maybe you would like to commemorate a successful hunt, or perhaps your trophy room wall needs a spot filled. But there may come a time when room for displaying becomes limited, leaving you having to put some pieces into storage. So, from planning secure animal mount transport to selecting a proper rental unit, here’s some advice on how to keep your taxidermy in Cody, WY in good condition:
• Store indoors: It may be tempting to leave your mount under a covered patio or around your yard during a move, but the simple fact is that the elements can wreak havoc on your trophy. The biggest danger is UV sunlight, which will dull and break down fur and make it look old and tired. The wind and rain will also do irreparable harm. Wind carries dust and can age your mount, while rain and excess moisture can cause mold and mildew to build up. Keep all of your taxidermy inside, dry and out of direct sunlight.
• Wear protective gloves: Some mounts rely on toxic chemicals to complete the mounting process, so you should always use caution when handling any trophy. While most are safe, some are not, and oils from your skin can make the fur look dull and allow for dust to gather. Whenever you handle your trophies, be sure to wear protective gloves to avoid any unnecessary damage.
• Use wooden crates: When it comes to storing your trophies, don’t just leave them to fend for themselves. Instead, store them in wooden crates to avoid unexpected damage. The crates are a safe and secure way to ensure that nothing crushes, breaks or otherwise gets to your mounts. Wooden crates are also a fairly safe way to keep critters that might be looking for nesting materials or food away from your taxidermy.
• Protect from pests: In addition to wooden crates, there are other options for separating your pieces from pests and insects. Defend your trophies by hanging mothballs and use plastic sheeting to cover each piece in your collection. Also, spray the perimeter of your storage unit for bugs.
• Rent the right size space: When it comes to the size of the storage unit, don’t go too small, or you could risk damage to your collection. Shoving a bunch of mounts into a tiny space will no doubt result in a broken antler or missing eye. Instead, box what you can, and take measurements.
• Consider climate control: One of the major killers of any taxidermy piece is a climate that is either too wet or too dry. If it’s too humid, you risk mounts getting musky and stinky; too dry, and the skin can crack and age beyond its years. Climate controlled units allow you to control the temperature and humidity in your particular unit and ensures you won’t lose the trophies you treasure.
If you are looking around for a company that offers superior taxidermy in Cody, WY, look no further than the team at Nature’s Design Taxidermy. We’re here to transform your hunt into a quality trophy mount you will be proud to display!