If you are one of the lucky hunters this fall to kill an early season animal that is still in velvet consider it an early Christmas present. Not many hunters get the chance to haul such a trophy out of the woods.
However, if you are not careful you could do damage that the taxidermist can't fix. Follow these steps and your special trophy will grace your wall for years to come.
- Never, and I mean never use the antlers as a handle. Don't even lift the head up by the antlers for a picture. If the tips of the antlers are already showing you can be assured that the velvet is close to coming off naturally.
- Do not drag the animal on the ground. Use a sled or another means of transporting it out of the woods. If you can cape the animal in the field, do it.
- Keep the antlers out of the sun and protected from insects.
- Keep the antlers dry and cool.
- Do not lay or store the antlers on their side or upside down. Set them with the tips up to allow the blood to drain.
- Get the antlers to the taxidermist or the freezer as soon as possible.
3 comments:
That would be cool to be able to kill a buck with velvet still on it. With the hunting season not starting til Oct. 1st in Michigan though, the chances are about slim to none. Good tips for those you who have a shot though.
I just can't seem to get on one in Velvet. I've hunted August in South Carolina, early September in North Carolina, and July and August here in CA...
But one day, it will happen. And then I can put this advice to work for me.
Keep up the great stuff, Craig!
Great tips Craig! If I'm ever fortunate enough to take a buck in velvet I'll put the tips to use!
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