A quality mount begins in the field.

For all birds

1. After retrieval, make sure the bird is expired. Do not wring its neck.
2. Inspect the plumage. Late-season birds are generally best for mounting.
3. Do not skin, gut or breast your bird.
4. Wash carefully in clean, cold water, then pat dry.
5. Wrap the head and feet in soapy, wet paper towels.
6. Double-bag the bird in thick freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. For large birds, use large trash bags and roll the air out.
7. Get the bird to Bo as soon as possible. Never wrap birds in newspaper.

For turkey

For full-body turkey mounts, a head shot is preferred and avoid shooting through a fanned tail. Let the bird cool in the shade for about two hours. Put paper towel in the mouth, wrap the head, place it in a small plastic bag secured with a rubber band, then carry the bird by its feet only.

For longer transport, use pantyhose after the bird cools, then roll it into a large trash bag with the air removed and place it in a chest freezer. Avoid frost-free freezers, which can cause freezer burn.