With temperatures on the rise and spring at our doorstep, thoughts of catching some big slab crappies, finding a mess of morel mushrooms or shooting a big old longbeard are probably filling the heads of many right now. The last thing nearly any outdoorsmen wants to think about is “spring cleaning.”

For those with irreplaceable whitetail, fish, or other game mounts, spring is the perfect time to take a few moments, wipe away the dust and cobwebs and restore these works of art. While different taxidermists may have differing techniques for cleaning a neglected mount there are several things nearly anyone can safely do.

BIG-GAME &

FUR-BEARING ANIMALS

Whether you’ve got one trophy whitetail or a roomful, most taxidermists agree that you should take a damp rag and gently rub your big game mounts down thoroughly, pushing the cloth with the hair and never against it. To be safe, most professionals recommend using a soft rag or even a feather duster so that no damage is done to the cape.

While the hose attachment and brush on your vacuum may sound like a good idea, many taxidermists discourage it, as the suction could actually pull hair from the hide. These same techniques can be used on smaller mounts such as squirrels, rabbits or anything with fur.

While many claim to use products like WD40, Windex, furniture polish, or human hair conditioner to clean their mounts, I would recommend contacting your taxidermist before trying that, as these may or may not cause problems in the future, such as fading, discoloration and even residues that attract increased dust.

For the antlers, a good damp rag may be all you need, but once again, many claim rubbing a little WD40, Liquid Gold, or even a mixture of Old English Furniture Polish and turpentine will do wonders. Just remember, a mount is irreplaceable, and you’re better off following your particular taxidermist’s advice.

UPLAND BIRDS,

WATERFOWL, TURKEYS

Birds tend to be a little more fragile than deer mounts because of all the feathers. From wood ducks to turkeys in full strut, some of the most beautiful mounts ever made include those with birds or even parts of the bird such as a turkey fan.

These mounts are also the simplest to maintain as most taxidermists agree they should only be gently dusted with a dry cloth or feather duster and nothing more. The suction from any type vacuum could pull the feathers from the mount and moisture from a wet rag could ruin them. Be sure to dust them more frequently to avoid any excessive buildups.

FISH

When cleaning fish mounts, using a cloth dampened with water is the safest way to wipe dirt and dust away. A few slightly dampened cotton swabs or a tiny paint brush will allow you to clean between the fin rays and in any tight corners. Be careful not to damage the fins as they are often the most fragile part of the mount. Most taxidermists agree to avoid using any solvents or cleaners, as they may discolor the finish on your mount.

To clean the eyes on just about any mount, use a cotton swab and a very light amount of Windex. Any hard surfaces such as antlers, horns, feet and claws should be dusted regularly and periodically wiped with a damp rag, followed by a dry rag, to remove any moisture.

To prolong the life of all your mounts, avoid exposure to sunlight, tobacco smoke or other things which may fade or discolor them. Mounts should also be placed in areas where they are not exposed to extremes in humidity or temperature.

One final concern for the well being of your mounts is insects. While you obviously don’t have to worry about mosquitoes and ticks, there are some tiny insects, such as dermestid beetles, and certain moths that eagerly will prey on and ruin a prized mount.

To protect your trophies, there are products like “Mount Shield,” which can be applied to most mounts and repels these trophy-devouring insects. These products have a fairly pleasant smell and can actually help increase the flexibility and strength of the mount and prevent hide shrinkage.

When in doubt, contact the taxidermist who created your mount.Technology and materials have changed considerably over the years, and what worked 15 years ago may not with current techniques. A prized game mount is a very unique and irreplaceable item, and a little bit of spring cleaning will keep it looking great.