FIELD CARE

Although it may seem straightforward, how you handle the duck from the moment your shots brought it down until you bring it to the taxidermist is crucial. Here are some guidelines to ensure your bird remains in optimal condition:

Avoid placing your prized duck on a duck strap. While convenient, these can cause feathers to bend and tear, and necks to stretch out.

Keep the duck separate. If there's any possibility of mounting the bird, refrain from piling it up with others. Blood and mud from different ducks can mar your bird's beauty.

Choose a cool, dry spot for the duck away from the sun, whether inside a gun locker, at the end of a bench, or in your blind bag. Also, ensure your friend's dog can't "retrieve it" again.

Gently dab away any excess blood, but refrain from washing the duck in water.

In freezing temperatures, make sure the duck doesn't rest on metal, wood, or the ground. Wrap it in a dry towel or shirt to prevent feathers from pulling out of the skin.

Upon returning home, wrap the feet and bill in a damp paper towel.

Tuck it’s head under its wing, taking care to not ruffle the head or neck feathers.

Double-bag the duck securely and promptly freeze it until you can deliver it to the taxidermist.

Be sure not to bend or ruffle the tail or wing primary feathers while packing.

Label the bird with your name, phone number, email, license number, species, and date taken.

We inspect all birds (defrosted) before accepting any work.

HOW TO PACK YOUR BIRD:

For Transport and Storage

Check wings and body for damage. Broken wings are accepted (Humerus, Ulna & Radius). Broken wrists (Radiale & Ulnare) will likely be turned away.

Check wings and body for damage. Broken wings are accepted (Humerus, Ulna & Radius). Broken wrists (Radiale & Ulnare) will likely be turned away.

Check wing tips and feathers for shot damage etc. If it's too damaged- It should be a standing bird.

Check wing tips and feathers for shot damage etc. If it's too damaged- It should be a standing bird.

Check for pin-feathers and moulting. Too many and we may turn it down.

Check for pin-feathers and moulting. Too many and we may turn it down.

Wrap the bill or beak with damp paper towel or clean rag.

Wrap the bill or beak with damp paper towel or clean rag.

Wrap the feet with damp paper towel or clean rag. (This prevents freezer burn & dehydration etc)

Wrap the feet with damp paper towel or clean rag. (This prevents freezer burn & dehydration etc)

Tuck the head under the wing for storage. keep feathers smooth and in-line.

Tuck the head under the wing for storage. keep feathers smooth and in-line.

Tuck into the corner of a plastic bag.

Tuck into the corner of a plastic bag.

Wrap it carefully and securely to keep feathers in place and feather tips safe.

Wrap it carefully and securely to keep feathers in place and feather tips safe.

Tape and seal the bag. Label and Freeze and keep frozen until delivery. We will inspect the bird when it defrosts.

Tape and seal the bag. Label and Freeze and keep frozen until delivery. We will inspect the bird when it defrosts.

UNCRATE INSTRUCTIONS

(For when you receive your bird from us)

Each Bird is crated differently - We usually provide uncrate instructions with the bird but just in case, here is how to do it. Take your time and be careful.

1. Remove packing peanuts or paper gently from around the bird.

2. Remove screws holding the bird to the crate.

3. Gently preen the bird if any of the feathers seem a bit out of place. I would just use a soft make up brush and brush with the flow of the feathers if some of the down is showing.

We do our very best to secure everything properly but we can't guarantee how people handle the crates once it leaves our hands.