Question?

**Strut_Buster** · 10-16-2004, 11:14 PM

What should I do with my Woodcock that I shot. We plan on getting it mounted because its very nice in size and very undamaged. Before i can get it to the taxidermist on monday should i Freeze it?

Its outside in 37 degrees right now but its gonna warm up tommorow and i'm wonderin what to do here.

**RTF** · 10-17-2004, 08:22 AM

Stick it head first into a sock and freeze it asap. Woodcock are the hardest birds to mount. Make sure your taxidermist has mounted a few first before you drop it off. Only a few taxidermists can mount this bird.

**Strut_Buster** · 10-17-2004, 07:08 PM

Ok

I stuck it into the freezer this morning.... .I wonder if anyone arround here ca mount it then... i guess i'll find out.

**RTF** · 10-20-2004, 04:56 AM

Are you still a licensed taxidermist dynamicdave ? Do you have pics of your work so we can see ?

FYI: A woodcock is a migratory game bird. Do you have a migratory bird permit issued through the dept of interior ? Which is federal law and is required for any taxidermist in the U.S.

Also the cotton in the mouth and the newspaper cone is a text book procedure for proper game care written in the mid 1900's. The way I told him to do it will do just fine. The tight sock around the bird will keep the feathers down and smooth and the material will soak up any fluid leaking from the bird before it freeze's.

**RTF** · 10-21-2004, 04:16 AM

[ QUOTE ]

but if you did that the absorbent material may soil the feathers.

[/ QUOTE ]

And the newspaper does a better job in this ? The feathers do not soil because the fabric wicks the moisture away. The feathers would already be soiled if blood and or other fluids leaked from the gun shot as in most cases does as soon as the bird is shot. I havent seen any bird not wash out yet when properly prepared for mounting.

Anyhow as long as the bird is frozen asap. That is priority in game care until a taxidermist can handle it.

**BowtechTurkeyHunter** · 10-25-2004, 10:00 PM

I personally have learned alot of different ways too take care of my bird when I shoot it sounds like they all work thanks for the great info guys .... I personally read these too learn ...