Have a hunting trophy mounted
A well-mounted hunting trophy starts with proper preparation.How does mounting a hunting trophy work?
Mounting, also known as taxidermy or preparation, is the skilled preservation of the hide and the lifelike reconstruction of the animal on an anatomically correct form. The skin is carefully treated, tanned, and then fitted over a suitable model. The result is a realistic trophy that can last for decades.
The quality of the final result directly depends on:
- Whether the animal is shedding its coat
- The condition of the hide upon delivery
- The accuracy of the skin cuts
- The speed of cooling or freezing the hide
- The desired pose and presentation style
What should you pay attention to?
The correct cut: crucial for the final result
An incorrect cut can negatively affect the final result or, in the worst case, cause irreversible damage. Always use a sharp and clean knife and follow the guidelines below:
| Important Point | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Cutting off | Cut well behind the shoulders, leave at least 10 cm of extra hide, and cut along the direction of the fur. |
| Visible areas | Never cut on the throat side of the neck, chest, or face. Always cut on the back side of the animal so it will not be visible afterward. |
| Head and antlers/horns | Keep them as intact as possible. The taxidermist will remove the skull personally. |
| Tools | Use a clean and sharp knife. If in doubt, contact us first. |
| Will the animal also be processed for meat? | Game processors often cut near the windpipe, making the animal less suitable for taxidermy. Instruct your game processor to make the cut on the back side according to the above guidelines. |
| Pose | Think in advance about how and in which direction the animal should look — always from the animal’s perspective. |
| Group hunt | Clearly tag your animal, especially when multiple trophies are delivered at the same time. |
Unsure about the correct skinning method? Always contact our workshop before you begin. Mistakes made in the field can be difficult to repair later.
How quickly should the animal be delivered?
Preferably as soon as possible. Heat and humidity are the greatest enemies of a good trophy. Keep the following guidelines in mind:
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Animal immediately available | Bring it in as quickly as possible, preferably the same day. |
| Delivery within 24 hours | Cool the animal immediately to 0–2°C. |
| Delivery after more than 24 hours | Freeze completely at -20°C as quickly as possible. |
Step-by-step plan: delivering a hunting trophy
Follow these steps for the best possible result:
- Cut the animal immediately after the shot, carefully and generously, following the guidelines above
- Cool the animal immediately or freeze it if transport is delayed
- Contact us for consultation and personal advice
- Schedule an appointment to deliver the trophy
- Bring the animal to us during opening hours or by appointment
- Discuss the desired pose, finish, and presentation of the trophy together with us
When is personal advice essential?
Please contact us before taking any steps in the following situations:
- You are unsure about the correct cutting method
- The animal is damaged (drag marks, bullet damage to the hide)
- You want a specific pose or unique presentation
- The animal has already been frozen for a long period or multiple times
- You have a rare or exotic species
Every species requires its own approach. Personal advice helps prevent mistakes that cannot be corrected later.
Why choose De Museumwinkel.com?
| What Sets Us Apart | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Award-winning taxidermists | Multiple awards at national and European championships, including multiple championship titles. |
| Own workshop | Complete transparency regarding quality and turnaround time. |
| Personal guidance | From delivery to completion, we take care of the entire process for you. |
| Craftsmanship & respect | The animal and the craft are central to every project. |
| Wide species expertise | From birds and roe deer to red deer and exotic trophies. |
Practical tips from our workshop
Our taxidermists are happy to share their expertise:
- A proper cut determines more than 50% of the final result. Take your time.
- The faster you cool or freeze the animal, the better the final result.
- Every species requires a different technique and approach.
- Proper preparation in the field saves costs and disappointment afterward.
- Discuss your wishes in advance so the pose and shape can be fully customized.
Contact & opening hours
You can bring your trophy to us during opening hours or by appointment. We are happy to advise you on the best approach for your specific situation.
| Contact | Information |
|---|---|
| Website | www.demuseumwinkel.com |
| Delivery by appointment | Please contact us in advance by phone or email. |
| Phone / email | 024 360 05 06 / [email protected] |
| Urgent advice in the field | Call us directly — we are available during opening hours. |
Do you have questions or would you like personal advice regarding your hunting trophy? Please feel free to contact us. We are happy to help.