The thrill of a successful mountain goat hunt is unmatched. These majestic creatures, with their impressive horns and powerful build, represent a significant achievement for any hunter. Preserving this memory through a high-quality shoulder mount is a natural next step, ensuring generations can admire your accomplishment. This guide will walk you through the process, from initial preparation to choosing a taxidermist, ensuring your mountain goat shoulder mount becomes a cherished heirloom.
Preparing Your Mountain Goat for Mounting
Proper field care is crucial for a successful mount. Neglecting this step can severely impact the final product. Here’s what you need to know:
Immediate Post-Harvest Steps:
- Accurate Measurements: Before doing anything else, record crucial measurements—horn spread, body length, and overall weight. These details will help your taxidermist accurately recreate your goat.
- Cooling: The faster the goat cools, the better. Get it out of direct sunlight and into a cool, shaded area as quickly as possible.
- Skinning: This is best left to professionals, particularly for a shoulder mount. Improper skinning can ruin the hide, leading to a poorly executed mount. If you must skin it yourself, be incredibly careful and consult a guide specific to mountain goat skinning.
- Caping: This involves carefully removing the skin from the head and shoulders, leaving enough to create the mount. Again, professional help is strongly recommended.
Transportation:
- Proper Storage: Use a breathable bag or wrap to prevent spoilage. Keep the cape cool and prevent it from getting too wet or too dry.
- Cool Transportation: Maintain a cool temperature during transport to the taxidermist. Never leave it in a hot vehicle.
Choosing the Right Taxidermist
Selecting a skilled taxidermist is paramount to a stunning and accurate mountain goat shoulder mount. Consider these factors:
Experience and Specialization:
- Look for Expertise: Seek out a taxidermist with proven experience mounting mountain goats specifically. Their portfolio should showcase their work.
- References and Reviews: Don't hesitate to ask for references and check online reviews. This will provide valuable insight into their craftsmanship and customer service.
- Communication: A good taxidermist will communicate clearly throughout the process, keeping you updated on progress and answering your questions.
Understanding the Process:
- Realistic Expectations: Discuss your vision for the final mount. A skilled taxidermist will offer guidance and manage your expectations based on the condition of your goat and the available materials.
- Timeline: Get a clear understanding of the estimated completion time. Quality taxidermy takes time.
- Pricing: Obtain a detailed quote that includes all costs—preparation, mounting, and any additional services.
The Mounting Process (Simplified Overview)
While the specifics are best left to the taxidermist, here’s a general outline of the process:
- Tanning: The hide undergoes a tanning process to preserve it and prevent decay.
- Form Selection: A manikin (form) is selected, accurately representing the size and posture of your goat.
- Mounting: The tanned hide is carefully fitted onto the form, creating a natural and lifelike appearance.
- Finishing Touches: Details like eye placement, horn positioning, and hair texture are meticulously refined to create a stunning final product.
Preserving Your Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount
Your magnificent mountain goat shoulder mount deserves proper care and maintenance:
- Dusting: Regularly dust the mount with a soft cloth or brush to prevent dust accumulation.
- UV Protection: Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration.
- Temperature and Humidity: Maintain a stable temperature and humidity level to prevent cracking or warping.
A properly cared-for mountain goat shoulder mount will serve as a treasured memento for many years to come, reminding you of your hunting accomplishment and the majesty of these impressive animals. Remember, patience and choosing the right professional are key to achieving a high-quality, lifelike representation of your trophy.
