Preparation

The following instructions should allow you to safely and legally ship any specimen to my studio.

Fish and animals up to 40 pounds can be shipped using UPS without a problem. You should take extra care when shipping small fish or small animals to prevent thawing while being shipped. Small fish and animals under 15 pounds should be shipped whole without cleaning or field dressing. To reduce shipping expenses, large fish can be cut on the back side (NON-SHOW SIDE) and cleaned out. Medium animals (fox, raccoon, etc.) can be gutted using a small cut down it's stomach. Clean as much blood off as you can then follow these instructions:

• Wrap fish and small animals in a WET cloth and place it in a plastic bag. Medium animals can be placed in multiple bags.
• Roll the fish up in the bag, tape, and freeze. This could take up to a week depending on size.
• Remove the animal and roll it in multiple layers of newspaper making sure to cover and tape the ends.
• Smaller fish and animals (under 3pounds) should be rolled together in the newspaper. Put back into the freezer until you are ready to box and ship.

Box Method of shipping for frozen animals and fish

• Use a sturdy cardboard box. Place multiple layers of newspaper on the bottom, or use a 2" thick piece of Styrofoam. Crumple newspaper until box is half full.
• Put all the fish or animals together in a heavy plastic bag and place in box.
• Crumple newspaper on all sides of bag. You can also use Styrofoam for this.
• Crumple newspaper or foam peanuts until box is full.
• Using an envelope place a piece of paper with your name, address, phone number, e-mail (optional), and sign it. Also include the deposit and any tags or copies of required paperwork i.e. city tags, hunting/fishing license, special tags or permits etc. Place envelope in plastic bag and tape to inside flap of box.
• Tape box closed and label perishable.
• Call me before you ship so I can expect the package. Ship using UPS on a Monday or Tuesday if you ship from one of Wisconsin's neighboring states. Don't ship during a week that has a holiday in it. Packages under 5lbs ship Next Day, 6-15lbs ship 2 Day and 15lbs or over can be shipped regular Ground. During hot weather use your judgement.
• I will notify you when I receive the package. You will then be sent a receipt and project number. Use the project number if you have any questions or when making payments.

Shipping - Cooler Method

• Prepare the fish or animals as above. Place the fish or animals on crumpled newspaper in the cooler. If shipping more than 1 fish or animal put them together in a heavy plastic bag. Pack cooler with newspaper or packing peanuts. If using a cheap cooler place it in a cardboard box and pack paper around it. If you're using a regular ice chest use step 5 thru 8.

Shipping Large Animals and Game-heads

Life-size animals and game-heads must be skinned first. Don't forget to take measurements first. Go to our Trophy Care for this information. Once skinned DO NOT SALT. Remove as much of the fat and meat as you can to reduce the weight. Roll the skin up and put it in several heavy plastic bags. Freeze solid. you can ship up to 70 pounds using UPS. Otherwise you must use truck freight. Follow the above instructions.

You can also have a local taxidermist in your area measure, skin, flesh, and salt the hide. You can ship the dry skin using regular Ground. I will then deduct the price you payed the other taxidermist from your bill.