What to Do After the Hunt

Assess the Animal

Before you do anything, decide whether this is the trophy you want mounted. If it is, every step from here protects that decision. If you're unsure how the animal needs to be prepared, contact The Taxidermist — the cost of a quick call is far lower than a ruined cape.

Cool It Down Quickly

Heat is the enemy of a good cape. Get the animal cool as soon as possible after the shot, especially in warmer months. Keep it out of the sun and in a cool, shaded spot. Don't leave it in a warm car or a plastic bag — the cape needs to breathe while it cools.

Get It Frozen Early

Once the animal is cooled and the cape is prepped, freeze it as soon as you can. A trophy that sits too long, especially in warm conditions, will spoil. If you can't prep it yourself, contact us to arrange it — we'd rather see the trophy frozen properly than risk the cape.

Look After the Cape

The cape is what we mount, so treat it carefully. Keep dirt, grass and hair out of the cut, avoid dragging the animal along rough ground, and don't let it dry out or sit in the heat. A clean, well-kept cape makes a huge difference to the finished result.

Caping — Leave the Cuts to Us

Caping a shoulder mount correctly takes experience, and a careless cut can't be undone. Rather than risk it, we're happy to cape the animal for you — $250 per head. If you do it yourself, contact The Taxidermist first so we can talk you through the right approach for your species.

Moving a Frozen Trophy

If the trophy is frozen, keep it frozen until it reaches us. Pack it so the cape isn't crushed, and don't leave it to defrost in the back of a warm ute or car. If you're travelling from Melbourne or regional Victoria, let us know — we'll advise on the best way to get it here without damage.

Common Mistakes

• • Don't leave the animal sitting warm for hours.
• • Don't drag the animal and tear the cape.
• • Don't cut the cape without knowing where to cut.
• • Don't leave a fresh cape in a plastic bag.
• • Don't freeze a dirty or wet cape without prepping it.

Better to Ask First

If you're not sure at any point — how to cape it, how to cool it, how to transport it — stop and call. A five-minute phone call protects a trophy that might have taken you years to get. We're happy to give practical, straight advice.