Freezing animals for taxidermy later

[jeebo]

Hi all,

Can someone tell me is freezing an animal or part of it the best thing while finding/waiting for a taxidermist?

I know there is salting for it as well, but that can't last for ever.

Salt or freezer? Or both?

How long do they last?

Thanks.

[mausermate]

from what I understand, salting is better and the process requires you to stop bacteria developing on the skin. Salt or freezing both work.

Skin the thing and salt it, put it in a hessian bag and hang it up. It will last in the bag salted for ever if you do the job right. Lips and ears are really important.

If you are a mug like me and not so good at all this, get the skin off quick and put it in the fridge for a while to cool it before popping it in the freezer. If you are really nervous you can put the lot in the freezer. You have to cool it before you freeze it otherwise you burn the tips, so...fridge first.

Most of us don't have a freezer big enough for a whole deer so skin the cape and cut the head off. Pop that in the freezer. It will last in the cooler for ages. Make sure you put it in face up......so you can scare the missus

[AusC]

Salt or freezer? Or both?

How long do they last?

Depends on how long you need to keep it for.

Like you said, just throwing a handful of salt on it wont keep it forever, but a good doze will keep it for a couple of days until you finish your hunting trip and can do it properly.

Freeze it once you get home to preserve until you get to your taxidermist.

[Tiiger]

One thing I'd add to Ausc comment.

They're both preservatives and will help.

If you were running straight to the freezer with a skin I'd still salt it for the extra protection.

Maybe he meant the same but just in case it wasn't clear...

[Aussier]

from what I understand, salting is better and the process requires you to stop bacteria developing on the skin.

You definitely want that if it's not the end of your trip too.

Once that bacteria builds up it starts to stink!

You don't want that hanging over your tent for days.

[AusC]

They're both preservatives and will help.

If you were running straight to the freezer with a skin I'd still salt it for the extra protection.

Maybe he meant the same but just in case it wasn't clear...

Yeah, I didn't mean one or the other.

Salt definitely in the field after you've cleaned it up as best you can.

Once you're back in town make sure everything's cleaned properly and salted evenly and if you're not going to the taxidermist sooner rather than later put the prepared skin in the freezer for longer storage.

IMO.