It is vital that your trophy or specimen be handled correctly in the early stages. A cape will be rendered useless if there is any fur slip or spoilage due to careless or incorrect handling in the field. This sort of damage is irreversible and a waste.

If you do not know how to remove the skin, then smaller animals such as foxes and rabbits should be wrapped in an airtight plastic bag and frozen immediately.

It is rarely practical to freeze larger animals such as deer, and feral pigs. These animals need to be caped, and the skin either salted or frozen straight away.

Never transport a raw cape or thawed specimen in a plastic bag. Plastic bags provide a good environment for bacterial growth.

Open containers and Hessian sacks are a better option.

Plastic bags are for the freezer only!

Whether you be hunting deer, or retrieving Australian native specimens for a museum collection, it is always wise to carry some staple items in your vehicle.

Some fine grain, non-iodised salt. Some Hessian sacks. A good sharp knife. Methylated spirits and vinegar can be handy for impeding bacterial growth.

If you are unsure about skinning, salting, or any other aspect of field care, then contact your taxidermist for more details.