These simple maintenance tips will keep your hunting mounts looking great for years to come

RUGS

A rug made from a bear, wolf or other game is easy to maintain, Darren says. For starters, simply avoid walking on it, as that risks introducing dirt and other contaminants. It also breaks the individual hairs. If the rug does become dirty, Darren recommends wiping down the face with a damp cloth before vacuuming the hide. He also suggests putting a couple of fingers over the vacuum’s nozzle to lessen the suction and reduce the likelihood of damaging hairs. Once you’ve finished vacuuming, brush the hair back into position, again ensuring you work with the grain.

As for treating and cleaning the eyes, meanwhile, Darren says to follow the same procedure you’d use for shoulder and full-body mounts; similarly, clear gloss will revitalize the nose.

BIRDS

It’s especially easy to keep bird mounts looking fresh and clean. They require little more than a gentle wiping with a soft, damp cloth, always in the natural direction of the feathers. Again, a cotton swab and some glass cleaner will bring the sparkle back to the eyes.

SKULLS/EUROPEAN MOUNTS

For the antlers, again use the turpentine and linseed oil mixture for long-lasting vitality. As for protecting the skull, Darren recommends sealing it with a non-yellowing clear coat (if the taxidermist didn’t already do it). That way, future maintenance will be as simple as a periodic wipe down with a damp cloth.

Bonus tip: Other risks

We’re fortunate our climate doesn’t allow for the same damage trophies can endure in places with warmer, more humid environments. If a hide is properly tanned (above), for example, insect damage is seldom a problem here, Darren says. Of course, unexpected risks are difficult to protect against. As we spoke, he was repairing a black bear mount that had been seriously damaged by squirrels—I guess the long, silky hairs make for great nest-lining material!