Field Care of Mountain Sheep

Avoid dragging your sheep

If the sheep must be moved, roll it onto a heavy tarp before

dragging Lifting the sheep is ideal

Begin skinning as soon as possible

Delaying skinning increases the chance of spoilage

Skinning

Remove as much meat from the hide as you can and completely

open the neck

“Tubed” necks and excess meat promote spoilage

Leave skinning of head and hooves to your taxidermist

Ask your taxidermist how best to cut the cape for the mount

you want

Care of the Cape

Place the skinned cape hair down in the shade to cool

Direct sunlight can destroy the cape

Transport the cape in a burlap sack or breathable deer bag

Bagging the cape protects hair from packing ropes and straps

Plastic bags trap heat and moisture, and should not be

used in the field

At camp, clean any blood off the hair and horns with water

Rub a non-iodized salt onto the flesh side of the cape

Canning salt works well, and is available at most grocery stores

Hang the cape in a cool place to drip

After about 2 hours, re-salt

Avoid over drying the cape to the point of stiffness

Fold up the salted cape and put on ice if available

If you will be freezing the cape, place it in a plastic bag first

This prevents hair from sticking to the inside of the freezer

Transport the cape to your taxidermist as soon as possible

Pack it on ice for the trip

Taxidermy Mounts

Pedestal Life-size Half Life-size

Shoulder European Wall Pedestal