IN THE FIELD. ON THE WAY. AT HOME.

Good care starts
before the first cut.

Use these guides to prepare for the conversation. Contact Presten for instructions suited to your specimen and intended mount.

Whitetail Wing Taxidermy · Presten Nitz · (763) 280-4432

This is general preparation guidance. Conditions, species, and wildlife rules vary. Confirm the plan with Presten and the relevant wildlife agency before cutting, treating, transporting, or shipping a specimen.

Deer

Protect the cape.

The right preparation keeps more mount options open. Speak with Presten before caping whenever possible.

Keep the animal out of direct sun and begin cooling promptly. Avoid dragging the shoulder area across rough ground.
For a shoulder mount, preserve generous hide behind the shoulders and brisket. Avoid cutting the throat or making extra cuts in the visible cape.
Contact Presten for cooling, bagging, and freezing instructions. Do not seal a warm cape or let it sit in meltwater.
Keep the required harvest records with the specimen. Check current transport and disposal rules before crossing a state boundary.

Ducks & geese

Keep the feathers intact.

A bird’s condition matters as much as its pose. Limit handling and arrange prompt care.

Do not gut a bird intended for a full-body mount. Protect the feathers from rubbing and pressure.
Keep it cool and contact the studio promptly. If immediate delivery is not possible, ask about bagging and freezing the whole bird.
Use enough space for the wings and tail. Do not force long feathers to bend simply to fit a smaller bag or freezer.
Retain all required identification and tags. Confirm lawful acquisition and the current paperwork requirements before drop-off.

Turkey & pheasant

Give the tail room.

Long feathers and fans are easy to damage. Plan storage and handoff before compressing or trimming anything.

Handle the bird gently and keep feathers protected from friction, dirt, and crushing.
For a full-body mount, leave the bird intact and contact the studio before gutting, skinning, or removing parts.
Cool promptly. If you cannot deliver it right away, ask Presten for packing and freezing instructions suited to its size.
Support long tails without bending them. Keep harvest information and any required documentation available.

Bear

Plan before skinning.

A bear’s intended display affects the preparation. Arrange instructions with Presten before the hunt if possible.

Contact the studio promptly and describe the intended piece: shoulder, full or half body, or rug.
Keep the hide clean and cool. Avoid leaving it in heat or tightly packed while warm.
Ask for specific skinning, fleshing, and storage instructions. Do not salt, chemically treat, or trim the hide without agreed guidance.
Confirm possession documents and transport requirements before delivery. Arrange the handoff in advance.

At home

Care for the finished piece.

A thoughtful display location and gentle routine care help protect a finished mount.

Choose a stable indoor environment away from direct sunlight, damp areas, fireplaces, and heating vents.
Keep the piece out of reach of pets and away from places where it may be bumped.
Dust gently. Ask Presten how to care for the fur, feathers, eyes, antlers, base, and habitat separately.
Avoid household sprays, solvents, and wet cleaning unless specifically recommended. Ask for help if you see signs of damage or insects.

CHECK BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

Preparation and paperwork.

Keep records with the specimen and check current requirements for the species and the places involved. A found animal or bird should never be assumed lawful to possess. If Minnesota is part of your journey, the DNR links below are a starting point.

Links are provided for reference. The studio’s location and service area are still to be confirmed.