Choosing the Best Bird:

When selecting which bird to use, it is important to be mindful of the following information and to care for your bird properly. If you should ever have questions, please don’t hesitate to call/text Jay (405) 403-7966.

• Gently extend the wings, feet, and tail to inspect for broken feathers, bone fractures, or signs of predator damage.

• Examine the head and face closely for any shot marks or trauma.

• Look for pin feathers—especially around the head, neck, side pockets, scapulars, and tail—as these can affect mounting quality.

• If you are deciding between multiple birds, it is okay to bring both to Jay for consideration and he can help you make the best decision.

Proper Bird Freezing for Preservation:

• Wrap the bird’s face and legs/feet in moist paper towels to prevent freezer burn.

• Tuck the head under a wing or lay the bird on its back to protect delicate features.

• Place the bird in a freezer-safe bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly. For long-term storage, double-bag it.

• For larger birds, use two layers of trash bags to prevent punctures.

• Clearly label the bag with the harvest date and permit or conservation number.

Avoid using dry paper towels, newspaper, or grocery bags - these materials offer no real protection and can damage the bird.

Shipping Birds

You may ship your birds for taxidermy directly to the shop by using the instructions here:

• Freeze the bird according to instructions above. Please be sure to use 2 or more Ziploc freezer-safe bags to ensure they do not leak. Postal services will throw away leaking packages.

• Add disposable ice packs that have been put into another freezer-safe bag.

• Insulate the box or cooler with cloth, styrofoam, or newspaper.

• Print, fill out, and add a Federal Migratory Bird Tag.

• Ship at the beginning of the week (Monday or Tuesday) and take to the drop-off location close to when they are closing. Utilize overnight or 2-day shipping options only.

• Do not use USPS for shipping.

• Make sure you have tracking information for your package and share with Jay upon receipt.