Preparing for the Hunt: The Foundation of a Great Mount
Securing Permits and Licenses
The journey to a breathtaking Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount begins long before you squeeze the trigger. Meticulous preparation is essential, laying the groundwork for a quality trophy and a safe, ethical hunt. Neglecting this crucial phase can lead to disappointment, affecting the final quality of your mount and potentially jeopardizing the hunt itself.
Planning Your Hunt
Securing the necessary permits is the first critical step. Hunting regulations vary significantly depending on location. You’ll need to thoroughly research and understand the specific rules of the region you intend to hunt in. This typically involves obtaining permits, licenses, and possibly tags, all of which often have deadlines and specific requirements. Familiarizing yourself with bag limits, legal hunting areas, and any restrictions on weapon types or hunting methods is vital. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines, legal repercussions, and a tarnished reputation, completely ruining the possibility of your Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount.
Scouting and Reconnaissance
Planning your hunt is the next essential element. This involves selecting the optimal time of year, which often corresponds with specific hunting seasons. Mountain goats often exhibit predictable behaviors during certain periods, such as the rut, allowing hunters to maximize their chances of success. Research the local weather patterns and anticipate the challenging conditions of mountain hunting.
Physical Fitness and Equipment
Scouting is another invaluable part of pre-hunt preparation. Utilizing binoculars and spotting scopes, you can identify areas where mountain goats congregate. Learn to recognize their preferred habitats, such as steep, rocky terrain, and alpine meadows. This pre-hunt reconnaissance will help you determine the best approach and location for a successful hunt, ultimately affecting the success of your future Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount. Understanding their movements and habits, the terrain and other animals in the area and taking a scientific approach will increase your chances of success.
Field Dressing and Caping: Preserving the Quality for the Mount
Immediate Steps After Harvest
The moment of truth arrives when a successful hunt transitions into the critical phase of field dressing and caping. These crucial steps immediately after the harvest determine the quality of the hide, which directly influences the final appearance of your Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount. Doing things correctly here is critical.
Preserving the Hide
The first step is to ensure the animal is properly field-dressed. This process involves removing the internal organs to preserve the meat and prevent spoilage. Field dressing should be performed carefully and efficiently, minimizing any damage to the hide and meat. This is also where it is important to make sure the animal is completely dead, and that it is safe to begin field dressing. The internal organs should be removed as soon as possible, and the carcass should be cooled promptly to slow bacterial growth. Use clean tools and work in a sanitary environment to reduce contamination.
Caping Techniques
After successful field dressing, you need to properly preserve the hide. The hide is the foundation of the Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount. This involves ensuring the hide is kept cold, clean, and dry. Once the animal is field dressed, the hide needs to be handled with care to prevent hair slippage, which can occur if the hide is not handled properly. Skinning of the head and shoulders in preparation for the taxidermist is also included in caping. The process of caping involves removing the hide from the head, neck, and shoulders.
Choosing a Taxidermist: The Artisan Behind the Mount
Finding a Qualified Professional
Selecting the right taxidermist is a crucial decision. This person will transform your harvested mountain goat into a stunning piece of art, so finding someone experienced and skilled is paramount. Look for a taxidermist who specializes in big game mounts, particularly mountain goats, and who has a proven track record of high-quality work.
Communication and Expectations
Begin your search by gathering recommendations from fellow hunters and wildlife professionals. Ask to see portfolios or examples of their work and inquire about their experience with mountain goats. A reputable taxidermist should be able to provide references and examples of their past mounts.
Cost and Timeline Discussions
When you’ve narrowed down your choices, schedule consultations with potential taxidermists. Discuss your vision for the mount. Describe your desired pose, posture, and any special requests you may have. This is your opportunity to determine whether they align with your artistic vision.
The Taxidermy Process Unveiled
Skin Preparation
The taxidermist will begin by preparing the skin. This process involves salting, tanning, and treating the hide to remove moisture, oils, and contaminants. These steps prevent decomposition, preserve the hide, and prepare it for mounting. The tanning process is usually done by professional tanneries, ensuring the hide’s durability.
Form Building and Shaping
Next, the taxidermist will build a form. This may involve creating a custom form to match the size and pose of your animal or using a commercial form. The form serves as the foundation for the mount, providing the shape and structure for the finished product. The taxidermist will carefully sculpt and shape the form, ensuring the dimensions and proportions are accurate.
Mounting the Hide
Once the form is ready, the taxidermist will fit the skin over the form. This can be a delicate process, requiring careful stretching, fitting, and sewing to ensure a snug fit. The taxidermist will also attach the ears, eyes, and lips to the form, creating the face of the mount.
Detailing and Finishing
The final phase is where the taxidermist brings the mount to life. This includes setting the eyes, which have a huge impact on the overall realism of the piece. The taxidermist will sculpt the facial features, paying close attention to detail. The hide will be carefully groomed, and the mount will be given its finishing touches. This stage is where the artistry of the taxidermist is most evident. Only the most skilled taxidermists can create a Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount that captures the animal’s spirit and realism.
Mount Care and Maintenance: Preserving Your Treasure
Proper Placement
Once your Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount is complete, proper care and maintenance are essential to preserve its beauty and longevity. Taking the time to care for the mount ensures the preservation of your memories.
Cleaning and Dusting
Selecting the right placement is crucial. Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, as these can cause fading, cracking, and damage to the hide. Choose a location away from heat sources, like fireplaces or radiators, as excessive heat can dry out the hide. Consider the humidity levels, as high humidity can promote mold growth, while very dry conditions can damage the hide.
Pest Protection
Regular cleaning is essential. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove dust and debris. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaning agents, which can damage the hair and hide. If necessary, consult a professional taxidermist for guidance on cleaning.
Cost and Considerations: Investing in a Legacy
Factors Influencing Price
Obtaining a Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount represents a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time and effort. However, understanding the factors that influence the cost allows you to make informed decisions and appreciate the value of your trophy.
Value and Investment
The taxidermist’s experience and reputation have a considerable impact on the price. Taxidermists with specialized experience and an established reputation usually charge more. However, their expertise and attention to detail are often well worth the investment. Complexity is another crucial factor. A mount with intricate poses, customized habitat bases, or other special features will typically cost more than a standard mount.
Conclusion: Celebrating the Majesty
A well-executed Mountain Goat Shoulder Mount represents more than just a hunting trophy; it’s an investment in a cherished memory and a stunning piece of art. It represents hours of preparation, challenges overcome, and the deep connection to nature that comes with a successful hunt. A well-cared-for mount can last for generations, becoming a treasured family heirloom.
