Many times trophies are ruined due to improper care in the field. By taking every precaution possible, you can help to ensure a quality mount. Shoulder Mounts: Leave at least 4 inches of hide behind the shoulder. Never cut the throat, brisket, or neck. Avoid dragging the animal if at all possible. If it is necessary, drag by the antlers and keep the head, neck, and shoulders off the ground. Cut the hide around the body about 4-6 inches behind the shoulders. (Fig. 2a) Cut the skin around the legs just above the knees. (Fig. 2a) Make a cut up the back of the legs to the previous cut around the body. (Fig. 2b) Peel the skin forward to the head. Cut through the neck (not skin) and spinal column about 3 or 4 inches below the head/neck union. (Fig. 3) Soak up any blood with paper towels. Keep the cape cold and dry. 

Small Mammals: Do not gut. Leave whole place in a clean paper bag if possible and freeze, or keep cold/dry and bring to the taxidermist as soon as possible. 

Birds: Do not gut. Pick the best specimen. Choose the one with the least blood stains, broken feathers/bones, and pin feathers. Leave whole and slip, head first, into a nylon stocking then into a plastic bag and freeze. 

Fish: Do not gut. Wrap in a wet towel, place in plastic bag and freeze.