Hunting / Taxidermy question...

[Warners]

We've finally set a date for our very first hog hunt. We'll be heading down (from Chicago) to the Langley Ranch in Centerville, Texas in July. One of my goals for this trip is to get a trophy boar to mount the head....either a full mount or at the very least a skull mount. My question is, exactly HOW do I get to that point? I'm sure this is a real rookie question, but I want to make sure we're set up for this, in the event that I actally DO get a boar that'd I'd consider a trophy.

The pig is shot dead, then it gets field dressed and quartered. I get that part. From that point on, what needs to happen? What needs to happen with the animals head? Do people generally get the meat processed locally? Would it make packing the meat into coolers much easier if it were processed further than being quartered?

Any further explanation of how this all happens would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys,

Warner

 

[Flintknapper]

Hi Warner,

Glad to hear you chose the Langley, I think you will enjoy yourself there (except for the heat in July).

As you know, the staff there will field dress your hog(s), skin and quarter them for a paltry $20.00 fee. I would definitely take advantage of that.

From that point, it depends upon your mode of transportation as to what would be best to do with the meat. If you are driving, I would take the quartered meat (properly iced, in a GOOD cooler) back with you and have it processed locally.

If you are flying, you might want to consider having it processed near Centerville, then shipped to you. Otherwise, you would need to find a source for "dry ice", wrap the quarters, tape up the cooler, check into baggage/pay extra, etc....

As for the mount, I would take it (or have it taken) to the nearest (good) taxidermist. That will probably be in Bryan/College Station or Mexia, but there might be a decent Taxy in Centerville. The folks at Langley can tell you.

IF you intend to do a full head mount, BE SURE the person who skins the animal is aware of that. It will need to be "caped" and enough hide preserved to make either a shoulder mount or neck mount. I would expect to pay a small fee on top of the regular skinning fee for this service.

IF you just want a skull mount (European), you can either do that yourself, or have a Taxy do it (all he needs is the skull). A good skull mount will be cleaned and bleached, then placed on a mount of your choosing.

If you take an exceptional animal...then a full head mount makes a very impressive trophy. You just don't get the "whole picture" from a skull mount, but a nicely done skull mount makes a fine memento of the hunt and tends to show off the tusks (hardware) better.

Have a great time, be safe and take pics.


Flint.

 

[Warners]

As usual, a comprehensive and most helpful response from you Flint. It's MUCH appreciated! You are the go-to guy for hog questions!

Thanks again,

Warner



PS - Just for kicks, I went and checked the weather differences in late July between Chicago and Waco (the closest city that was available with the service I used). I think we're mostly known for our winters here, but it gets plenty hot here in Chicago in the summer, too! The difference in average high temps between here and there was less than 10 degrees, and the average humidity there was actually a few percent LOWER than here in Chicago in late July. I think we'll survive the temps.

 

[WNTFW]

Warners,
You might want to shop for a taxidermists beforehand that does good work. Then get his advice on how to handle the head.

 

[Warners]

Yeah...I will do. I will likely ask the Langley's who they typically recommend....

Warner

 

[Warners]

Here's the taxidermist that the Langley's recommended to me:

http://www.wildernessartistry.com/

Warner