Field Care For Your Trophy

After the Harvest: Care Instructions for Your Trophy

Whitetail Shoulder Mounts

Proper field care ensures the best quality mount. Please follow these guidelines:

  • Do not cut the animal’s throat.

  • Make a belly incision and stop at the sternum—do not cut up into the chest or neck.

  • Hang the animal by the rear legs using a gambrel.

  • Remove the front legs by cutting at the knee joints.

  • Starting at the rear edge of the front legs, cut up to the armpits. Then turn your blade 90° and cut toward the tail about 8 inches.

  • Make a circular cut around the torso.

  • Do not make any additional cuts.

  • Skin the deer as far up the neck as possible.

  • Carefully separate the head from the carcass, avoiding damage to the hide.

  • Cool the head, then place it in a plastic bag and either ice or freeze immediately.

  • For best results, bring your trophy to Kingston Wildlife Works as soon as possible to prevent spoilage or freezer burn.

Lifesize Mounts

  • Do not gut or skin small mammals.

  • Bring them in whole—we’ll make all necessary incisions.

  • Ice or freeze immediately.

  • If you cannot freeze, bring it to us right away.

Birds

  • Gently place a rolled paper towel or tissue into the bird’s mouth and partially down the throat.

  • Wrap the head, bill/ beak, and both feet in damp paper towels

  • fold the head onto the birds back, if possible.

  • Place in a plastic bag, remove as much air as possible and freeze.

Shipping Information for Out-of-State or International Hunts

Planning a hunting trip? Contact us 2–3 weeks before your departure so we can prepare you with:

  • Detailed shipping and handling instructions for your outfitter and shipping agent.

  • CITES permit guidance (if required for your species). Contact U.S. Fish & Wildlife at 1-800-344-9453.

Once your trophies are in transit:

  • You’ll be notified when your shipment arrives in the U.S., before it clears Customs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife, and our broker.

  • The broker will invoice you for all associated fees. This invoice must be paid immediately.

    Note: While Kingston Wildlife Works will assist with the process, the payment must be made directly to the broker to avoid confusion or double payment.

Once your trophies arrive at our shop:

  • We’ll contact you to confirm mounting instructions.

  • A 50% deposit is required at this stage, along with any applicable shipping charges.