FIELD CARE

Although it may seem straightforward, how you handle the duck from the moment your shots brought it down until you bring it to the taxidermist is crucial. Here are some guidelines to ensure your bird remains in optimal condition:

Avoid placing your prized duck on a duck strap. While convenient, these can cause feathers to bend and tear, and necks to stretch out.

Keep the duck separate. If there's any possibility of mounting the bird, refrain from piling it up with others. Blood and mud from different ducks can mar your bird's beauty.

Choose a cool, dry spot for the duck away from the sun, whether inside a gun locker, at the end of a bench, or in your blind bag. Also, ensure your friend's dog can't "retrieve it" again.

Gently dab away any excess blood, but refrain from washing the duck in water.

In freezing temperatures, make sure the duck doesn't rest on metal, wood, or the ground. Wrap it in a dry towel or shirt to prevent feathers from pulling out of the skin.

Upon returning home, position the duck's head against its chest or back and carefully smooth all of its feathers.

Wrap the feet and bill in a damp paper towel.

Tag the bird with your name, address, license number, species, and date taken.

Double-bag the duck securely and promptly freeze it until you can deliver it to the taxidermist.

UNCRATE INSTRUCTIONS

(For when you receive your bird from us)

Each Bird is crated differently - We make sure to provide uncrate instructions with the bird but just in case, here is how to do it. Take your time and be careful.

  1. Remove the wires around the wings being careful not to bend the feathers or wings too much.

2. Remove the screws from the wood pillars (if applicable) and the plaque- Be very careful to not drop the bird whilst doing this. I'd recommend finding a way to unscrew it from beneath it.

3. Carefully remove the tape and cardboard gently.

4. Gently preen the bird if any of the feathers seem a bit out of place. I would just use a cotton swab or soft make up brush and brush with the flow of the feathers if some of the down is showing.

We do our very best to secure everything properly but we can't guarantee how people handle the crates once it leaves our hands.