Handling
Handling an animal head mount is important. Be careful
not to ruffle the hair and ruin the appearance of the
mount. Unnecessary touching or handling of the trophy
should be avoided. When hanging or removing a trophy
from a wall it should be handled by the horns, the
muzzle, or the brisket. If handled any other way,
especially hollow-haired animals, the hair on these
animals becomes very dry and brittle and will break very
easily. Treat them like the artwork they are.
Dusting
Mounted trophies, like furniture, will collect dust.
Therefore, periodic dusting is necessary. Remove from
the wall and place the trophy on a table or bench low
enough to allow you to reach all parts. Trophies can be
dusted with a vacuum attachment or they can be wiped off
with a soft damp cloth, always moving in the direction
of the grain of the hair. Never vacuum or wipe a trophy
head going against the grain of the hair. The eyes and
nostrils can be cleaned with a damp cloth also.
Cleaning
Some trophies become soiled to the point that they need
additional cleaning rather than just dusting. When this
occurs they can be washed with soap and water. When
washing trophies, take a bucket of mild soap powder or
chips, and wash with a soft damp sponge. Always remember
to wash with the grain of the animal's hair. The
following day, when the trophy is dry, the mount should
be brushed with a soft brush or comb, once again in the
same direction as the grain of the hair. Don't saturate
the trophy or soak the head or skin in water. |
