Taxidermy and Field Care of Bowfishing Trophies
by Brian Almberg 2009
With the growing popularity of bowfishing, there’s a lot of information out there on the subject. Information like where to go, arrow rigging, boat modifications and just about everything else you can think of. One thing missing however is information on trophy taxidermy and field care. So I thought I’d share the following on the topic.
I have owned and operated Almberg Taxidermy Studio since 1984, located in the Southwest corner of Minnesota. My specialties have grown to include Bow fishing trophies of all kinds. Concentrating on, but not limited to, the gar species; primarily Alligator Gar.
With the ever increasing interest in gator gar bowfishing and angling, I decided to do some research.
I discovered that the cost for a quality guided trophy gar hunt can be as much as that of a guided deer or antelope hunt. Also, I learned that there are very few taxidermists in the country that mount these giants and none, that I know of, that mount them on a regular basis.
In 2003 I decided to take on the challenge of recreating these fish in the most life like flowing poses possible. Anatomical accuracy is a primary consideration in all trophy mounts. Close attention to the small details adds to a mount in a big way. Details that include molding and casting of that bizarre looking tongue as well as handmade custom eyes that recreate the gars uniquely shaped pupil. The goal? To give bowfishers and anglers the confidence that their trophy is in reliable competent hands taking the guesswork out of the, “where can I get my fish mounted?” question.
Given the time and expense involved in landing a trophy gar, not to mention the “awe” factor; they are fish truly worthy of quality preservation.
Many states are now protecting the Gator gar by implementing limits and regulation. Texas is the latest and will be going to a one per day limit beginning in September 2009.
Hopefully these conservative steps will legitimize the archaic Alligator gar as one of the North America’s most unique and beautiful native fish as well as insuring it’s survival for generations of archers and anglers to come.
Field Care of Bowfishing Trophies
“OK, it’s in the boat; now what”?
I’ll address this question so you won’t be left asking when you land a fish worthy of mounting.
Unfortunately, I have been witness to literally dozens of lost trophies, due to neglect, in my 20 plus years in this business. Armed with proper field care knowledge all were preventable.
For the summer time bowfisher/angler, the heat is what needs to be beat. This means getting your fish on ice or in a freezer as soon as possible. A live well or covered tank etc. filled with an ice slurry will adequately keep fish for the duration of a day or nights outing. Huge gar require a little more planning. Obviously, most freezers aren’t big enough to accommodate a seven to eight footer. It’s best remove the skin and head of the fish. If you’re with a guide, they will more than likely be able to help with the skinning. The procedure basically consists of cutting down the SIDE of the fish from the tail all the way through the gill girdle bone. Next, separate the skin from the carcass with a sharp knife. The fin rays extend in to the fishes body and will need to be cut through with a tin snip. Separate the skin from the head where the two meet. The idea is to remove just the skin leaving the head attached to the body. Take care to get all the skin in the throat area. Once, the skin is completely removed; the head can then be easily severed from the carcass with a saw or bolt cutter etc. Some may find it easier to remove the head first; it can be done either way.
Removing the head makes it much easier to fold the skin and freeze for transport or shipping. Plus, it’s necessary to have the head separate for the mounting procedure, which is reattached after a thorough cleaning.
Take plenty of photos of your trophy, especially those with unusual coloration or markings. Fish will fade soon after removal from water so photos will be beneficial in restoring your fish’s original color in the final phases of the mount.
Ultimately, advance planning will mean the difference between a lost trophy and a striking mount. Bowfishing trophies make for impressive, even spectacular, mounts that are sure to inspire awe in the unfamiliar and familiar observer alike.
Please visit my website www.almbergtaxidermy.com. and feel free to contact me at 507-478-4350 with any questions you may have regarding skinning, pricing etc.
I can also instruct you on how to easily and safely ship your frozen fish to our studio for mounting. Crating and freight shipping of finished mounts is available at the most competitive rates in the country.
