Each shoulder mount comes with a heavy duty hanger attached to the backboard. Always hang the mount on a screw for better strength (no nails!) Hold the mount with one hand on an antler and another on the brisket, then align the hanger to the screw and make sure it catches. Hair sticking out between the wall and the backboard can be tucked in towards the backboard with a butter knife for a cleaner look.
Taxidermy tends to collect dust and will need to be cleaned regularly. A microfiber dusting mitt works very well for this. Run the mitt over the direction of the hair pattern to catch dust, then wipe the mount with a soft detailing cloth and some Lemon Pledge (a little goes a long way). The glass eyes on your mount can be cleaned with Windex and a Q-Tip.
Mounts have several enemies: excessive temperature changes, extreme heat and smoke, direct sunlight and moisture are the main things. In other words, it is not a good idea to hang a mount directly over or near the fireplace, in a basement where moisture tends to collect, or in a garage. Direct sunlight must also be avoided - over time it will dull the coat on your animal considerably.
Copyright 2011 Outdoor Dreams Taxidermy. All rights reserved.
