I think I'm gonna do some squirrel hunting and maybe get a cool mount made. When I get these squirrels, should I immediately bag

[officerdom1987]

I think I'm gonna do some squirrel hunting and maybe get a cool mount made. When I get these squirrels, should I immediately bag them, and put them in the freezer till the taxidermy takes them or should I do some sort of field dressing? I don't want to mess up the pelt in the process. Any advice is appreciated

[JM]

My guess would be to freeze it whole just like you would do for a fish. To be safe though, call the taxidermist you would most likely go to and ask them.

[4everAutumn]

Yep, just freeze them whole and as soon as you can. I would also suggest using a shotgun with 6 shot or smaller, rather than a rifle.

[huntfishtrap]

I'm with JM, calling the taxidermist first would be the safest way to go. 4ever's suggestion about the shotgun is good too, and I would say that a medium-power .177 airgun would also work well for not tearing up the pelt.
Let us know how it goes.

[4everAutumn]

Another thought is that Van Dyke’s taxidermy supply has mounting kits for squirrels if you would be interested in trying it yourself. There is a sitting pose and one that’s climbing down a tree. They are under 30 bucks and are both fairly easy to use. In my opinion, the climbing one is a bit easier to do, but the sitting one looks better. They make a fun late winter project.