Information for Your Next Hunt
NORTH AMERICAN HUNTERS
Some helpful information as you prepare to take your trophies this season.
- SKINNING AND FIELD PREP: IMPORTANT! We encourage you to do your own skinning to prevent additional charges (skinning and fleshing services are higher this year). We try to avoid extra fees, but it is imperative that the skins and skulls go to our tanners and skull bleachers in the best possible condition. In addition, poor field preparation can result in unusable skins. So, take ample cape, don’t cut it too short. Keep it cool to prevent rotting and slippage later. Antelope are especially susceptible to these issues. However, if the field prep is not something you are comfortable with, we will take care of you. Please keep in mind we DO NOT accept skulls with brain matter, due to potentially spreading a wasting disease.
- SHIPPING FROM ALASKA: If you are fortunate enough to obtain a bear, mountain goat or sheep tag from Alaska, please use Alaska Air Cargo (through Alaska Airlines) for the best price and attention. If your outfitter can either salt the hide before your return trip or freeze your hide, you can turn your trophy over to Alaska Air Cargo for a fraction of the cost a Forwarder will charge AND we will have your trophy within 24 hours of shipping. Stewart Brown here at Animal Artistry can walk you through the process and provide our account number.
- CREDIT FOR CAPES: If you are hunting elk, deer, or antelope, please be aware we can trade your cape for a European mount. This offer is valid only if the cape is usable – that is, if it is in excellent condition and not cut too short. This is a great deal for those hunters with no interest in mounting an animal but wish to preserve the horns/skull.
- DEPOSIT, POSES, AND PHOTOS: A deposit is due upon receiving your trophy. Pose instructions are requested at that time as well as any kill photos. We do not schedule the mounting of an animal without both the deposit and pose instructions. Photos are important in recreating the animal you took in the field – focus the pictures on the face and neck of the animal to capture subtleties like scars, nose shapes, horn/antler damage, etc. If we are creating a mount with habitat, snap a shot of the landscape and flora/fauna in which you hunt. For a life-size mount, take photos of the entire body to also let us know of body shape, hair condition, scarring, etc. We need photos from every angle (front, left, right, etc.) to really get an idea of the specific animal. We can also do repairs if you wish to show a prime animal.
- OTHER: Should there be any issues discovered during the receiving of your animals or when skins are returned from tanning, we will contact you. This may include damage to the hide or to the antler and horns. You will be given the options to repair, replace or retain any pieces not in excellent condition. There are charges for repairs and replacement capes, etc.
- DROP-OFF: If you are not able to drop your trophy off during our normal work hours of 7am-3:30pm, Monday through Friday, we can arrange for special times – contact Stewart directly at 775-342-7231 or 775-622-4205 to schedule. Please leave a voice message (no texts, please) if no immediate answer. Animal Artistry is available for drop-offs during business hours, Monday-Friday 7am-3:30pm, and after hours by appointment. Contact Stewart Brown 775-323-0203 (office) 775-342-7231 (mobile)
ANIMAL ARTISTRY TAKES GREAT PRIDE
IN PRODUCING A QUALITY MOUNT
THAT KEEPS THE MEMORY OF YOUR HUNT ALIVE.
When you are sitting in your room and telling the tale of your hunt, we want you to be proud you chose Animal Artistry as your taxidermist.
Please reference the resources below:
Note: When skinning, it’s always best to have more skin than you think you need. Please consider the damage done to the skin during the preservation process, either bullet or knife holes. You will want to act fast during the preservation process and keep your trophy cool and away from water. Nevada Department of Wildlife has great information and resources on how to dress your harvest properly and caping your kill. How to Dress Your Harvest Properly