Specimen Care and Handling for Taxidermy

Proper care of freshly found specimens is essential for ensuring the best possible outcome for your taxidermy mount. As a general rule, handle specimens minimally and chill or freeze them at the earliest opportunity.

Below, I’ve addressed some common questions and provided guidance on how to assess and care for specimens while awaiting freezing or delivery.

Q: Do I need to document where I found the specimen?

Yes, it is important to document the details of where and how a specimen was found to ensure it was acquired legally. I will require this information for my records. At a minimum, please include:

• Date found

• Location found (Screenshots from Google Maps are helpful)

• Cause of death (If known, or suspected cause, such as road traffic accidents (RTA), flying into a window, prolonged bad weather leading to starvation, etc.)

• Finder's details (Name, address, and contact number)

Notes:

• All wildlife is protected by law, and it is crucial to document the details of any specimens found.

• If specimens are gifted to you, ensure the same documentation is provided.

• If the specimen was obtained through legal activities (e.g., general/specific licences, in-season game hunting, or stalking), please provide that information.

• Any specimens suspected to be the result of wildlife crime should be reported immediately to your local Police Wildlife Crime Department.

• Some species, such as European otters, are protected by special legislation. Unless licensed by Natural England, they cannot be mounted, kept, or traded under any circumstances.

Q: I’ve found a deceased animal or bird—can it be used for taxidermy?

The sooner a specimen is delivered after death, the better the outcome for the finished mount. However, many specimens that may initially appear unusable can still be successfully mounted. If you are uncertain, follow the guidelines below for storing and delivering the specimen for assessment.

Q: I see fly eggs on the specimen—does this mean it’s decaying?

Fly eggs on a specimen are common and do not necessarily indicate decay. Flies can lay eggs within hours of death, prior to significant decomposition. If the specimen appears fresh, it can still be used.

Most wild animals carry parasites, but these can be left on the specimen and frozen in an airtight bag. All specimens are thoroughly washed during the mounting process to remove dirt and parasites. If specimens cannot be fully contained in airtight bags, insecticides or fly sprays can be used to neutralize flies, ticks, and fleas.

Q: What if the specimen has broken bones?

Broken bones are not uncommon, especially in the case of road traffic accidents. In most cases, broken bones will not impact the final mount’s appearance and can be repaired during the taxidermy process.

Q: The specimen is wet and muddy—can it still be used?

Specimens found wet or muddy can still be perfectly usable for taxidermy.

To protect dry specimens from staining, fur, or feather damage, and to slow the decay process, ensure they are not exposed to water or dirt. Keep specimens clean and dry until they can be delivered.

Q: What should I do with the specimen I have found?

Minimal handling is key to preserving the quality of the specimen. The heat from your hands can promote decay by encouraging bacterial growth, particularly in mammals and smaller birds, leading to the loss of fur or feathers.

• Place the specimen in a lock-seal freezer bag or a similar airtight bag.

• For birds, ensure the beak is tucked under a wing to prevent damage when freezing.

• Allow warm specimens to cool to ambient temperature before placing them in a bag to avoid decay. Fresh specimens should not be kept in bags, car boots, or cloth wraps that do not allow airflow.

Q: Should I freeze my specimen straight away?

Yes, freezing is especially important in warmer months. If freezing is not immediately practical (e.g., with larger mammals or birds with long tails), ensure the specimen is kept in a cool environment until it can be delivered.

Summary

• Handle specimens as little as possible.

• Place heads and wings of birds carefully under wings to prevent damage when freezing.

• Use bags large enough to prevent bending or breaking feathers.

• Freeze specimens as soon as possible, particularly in warm weather, to preserve their condition.

By following these guidelines, you will help ensure your specimens are well-preserved, giving you the best chance of a high-quality taxidermy mount.