Taxidermy Care and Hanging Instructions

Owning taxidermy is much easier than having a pet, but still requires some care. Keep mounts clean and free from dust by using a feather duster or soft paint brush on fur or feather surface once a month. If mounts are already showing signs of dirt you can usually clean the fur with Windex (or similar cleaner). Spray on a paper towel, not directly on the mount, and wipe in the direction of the hair. Use a clean swipe every time. After cleaning, dry with a hair dryer on low setting. If you are dealing with white fur and it begins to yellow, you can clean with Basic White, available at hairdresser supply stores.  This is harsh bleach so be careful to follow instructions on the box. Wipe the eye surface gently with a little Windex on the end of a Q-tip, then use an artist brush and apply a clear coat (available at artist supply stores) to the surface of the eye to protect it.

To protect from bug infestation, use an insecticidal spray about twice a year. We recommend Spectracide as it lasts a few months, but other general garden sprays can be used as long as they are highly diluted. Spray lightly in spring at the first sign of warm weather and again in fall.  

Some indications that your taxidermy may have an infestation include yellowing or shedding coat, dust-looking particles, small black insect shells in fur or feathers.  If you notice anything unusual, immediately quarantine this item.  If your taxidermy piece is on the smaller side you can bag it and put it in your freezer for a week, then remove and follow cleaning and care instructions above.  If it is larger, try to confine it to a box or trash bag and add a number of moth balls with Naphthalene or fumigant strips and seal off for at least a week.  Upon removing the item from quarantine, follow cleaning and preventative instructions above.

For small to medium sized pieces (warthog, deer, small antelope, etc.) you need only attach your nail or screw to tongue and groove or, if possible, a stud. It should go at least 1.5"into the wall, so you'll need a fastener a minimum of 2.5" in length.

On larger pieces you should use the largest nail or spike possible. Do not use screws. Try it out on the piece before hanging to make sure it fits. Attempt to locate a stud by tapping on the wall. You'll know you missed a stud if after a few pounds of the hammer (and about 1.5" in) it slips in easily. If the wall continues to resist then you are in a stud. Once the nail is in place, pull down to make sure it is firmly attached.

How to anchor the nail: The MOST IMPORTANT part of hanging a piece is to have the nail or screw angled up toward the ceiling. This forces the piece to slide down the shank and rest against the wall putting all of the stress vertically at the strongest point. If the piece slides forward and is suspended on the end or head of the nail or screw, it is not attached correctly and requires a steeper angle. See illustrations.

When it's in place and you're in a safe position, grab it with both hands so you can catch it if it falls and tug on the outermost part (usually the nose). If it proves to be secure then it is safely hung.