9 Ways to Completely Ruin Your Big-game Trophy Mount

#9 Bad Idea: Leave the Animal in Your Garage

Good Idea:

When hunting in the late fall, it’s generally cold enough for your trophy to sit in a shed or garage until you bring it to the taxidermist. But don’t leave it too long—the longer you wait, the more likely mice will come out of the woodwork and munch on the nose, ears and antlers. Chew marks can be tough to fix, and will without doubt lower the quality of the end result. As well, the dry conditions definitely won’t do your cape any good, especially if it dries out around the eyes, nose and ears.