Pheasants are beautiful game birds that many hunters like to preserve via taxidermy for lifelong keepsakes. When done properly, a mounted pheasant can look incredibly lifelike and will last for generations. However, in order to end up with a high-quality mount, you need to know how to properly preserve the pheasant after harvest.
Field Care
The preservation process starts the moment you harvest your bird. Here are some tips for field care of your pheasant:
- When you shoot a pheasant, retrieve it as quickly as possible. Leaving it lie can lead to insect or scavenger damage.
- Check the law – in many states, you are required to tag your pheasant immediately upon harvest.
- Do not field dress the bird. Taxidermists prefer to receive it fully intact.
- Place the pheasant in a game bag or other breathable container. Do not seal it in plastic.
- Keep the pheasant cool. Heat will rapidly degrade the tissues.
- Avoid dragging the bird on the ground or tossing it in the bed of a truck, as this can damage the feathers.
With proper field care, you can ensure your pheasant arrives to the taxidermist in optimal condition. This will make their job much easier and lead to better end results.
Transport
After caring for your harvested pheasant in the field, you next need to transport it to your taxidermist. Here are some tips for safe transportation:
- Keep the bird cool. Use a cooler or ice packs if transporting for more than an hour.
- Prevent movement. Pad the cooler or box to stop the pheasant from shifting during transport.
- Keep out of direct sun. Sunlight and heat will rapidly degrade the tissues.
- Do not freeze. Freezing can damage the feathers and skin.
- Get it to a taxidermist quickly. For best results, start the mounting process within 1-2 days.
Proper transportation will minimize any tissue degradation and prevent damage to the feathers and skin. This gives your taxidermist the best possible specimen to work with.
Taxidermy Preparation
Once you deliver your pheasant to a professional taxidermist, they will get to work preserving and mounting it. Here is an overview of how a taxidermist prepares a pheasant for mounting:
- Document the specimen – The taxidermist will photograph your pheasant and record key details like the harvest date, location, and any unique markings.
- Skin the bird – An incision is made from the breastbone to the vent to remove the skin. This is done very carefully to keep the skin intact.
- Flesh the skin – Excess fat and tissue are delicately removed from the skin so it can be tanned.
- Treat the skin – The skin is tanned and treated with preservatives so it does not decay.
- Prepare the mount – A mannequin form is shaped from foam and polyurethane to precisely match your pheasant’s body shape.
- Mount the skin – The preserved skin is carefully mounted onto the mannequin form and aligned to look natural.
- Add finishing touches – Realistic glass eyes are set and the feet are positioned. The feathers are preened and set into place.
In the right hands, this detailed process will result in a world-class taxidermy mount that vividly captures your pheasant for decades to come.
Caring for Your Mount
Once you pick up your newly completed pheasant mount from the taxidermist, follow these tips to keep it looking its best:
- Allow it to fully cure – Let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 months before handling it.
- Use a dust cover – Covering the mount when not on display will protect the feathers from dust and grease.
- Control humidity – Keep humidity between 40-60%. Too dry and the feathers get brittle, too damp and they degrade.
- Avoid direct sun – Constant sun exposure will cause fading over time.
- Handle gently – Pick up the mount carefully by the base to avoid damaging delicate feathers.
- Clean sparingly – Use a very light brush to remove dust. Avoid commercial cleaners.
With proper care and handling, a quality pheasant mount will stay in pristine condition to enjoy for a lifetime and pass down to future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to chill a harvested pheasant?
After harvesting, immediately place the pheasant in a game bag to allow air circulation. Keep the game bag in a cooler with ice packs or ice to cool the bird down to 40 degrees F or less as quickly as possible. Take care not to allow the bird to freeze.
How long can I keep a pheasant before taking it to the taxidermist?
For best results, start the taxidermy process within 24-48 hours. The tissues will start to degrade after this, making it harder to achieve a lifelike mount. Keep the bird refrigerated or on ice until taking it to your taxidermist.
What measurements should I take of my pheasant?
Documenting key measurements will help the taxidermist create an accurate and lifelike mount. Useful measurements include the length from bill to tail, wingspan, total length of the tail feathers, circumference of the head, and circumference of the body at its thickest point.
How long does the mounting process take?
It typically takes 4-6 months or longer to fully mount a pheasant for display. The skin and tissue preservation steps take 1-2 months. Then the taxidermist meticulously shapes the mannequin, positions thewing feathers, and adds fine realistic details. Good things take time!
How much does it cost to get a pheasant mounted?
Pheasant Mount Type | Typical Cost |
---|---|
Simple Wall Mount | $245 – $295 |
Full Flying Mount | $395 – $550 |
Full Strutting Mount | $595 – $895 |
Prices vary based on mount complexity, taxidermist skill level, and geographic location. Expect to pay more for champion taxidermists creating elaborate habitat mounts.
Conclusion
Preserving your pheasant harvest via high-quality taxidermy takes care and planning. Follow best practices in the field, during transport, and when working with your taxidermist to ensure the best possible outcome. Take notes, take pictures, and take your time. With proper technique, you’ll enjoy a vivid, true-to-life pheasant mount that will become a family heirloom.