Stuffed Pet

I want to take a squirrel to a taxidermist. What should I do to prepare it?

Should the squirrel be gutted? Frozen? Anything else I should do immediately upon the kill? Can the taxidermist do a clean job if I use a .22 or should I use a shotgun with an 8 shot?

Public Comments

1. At least you only go after big game, I love how you worded that...upon the kill.
2. Put it in a heavy freezer bag and FREEZE it. No need to gut it or anything else. If a .22 damaged it,the Taxidermist can easily fix that. You can use either a Shotgun or a 22 rifle..Your choice.
3. It really doesn't make any difference if you shoot it with a .22 or shotgun.....I would try not to shoot it in the head with a .22...The head is not as thick furred, and sewing up the bullet hole might show through....Basically, just keep the squirrel as clean as possible, and do not gut it....The taxidermist will do all the incisions, and skinning....If you can keep blood off the white underparts, that will help, but most of the degreasing agents contain agents that attack and break down blood enzymes....Do freeze it....Place it in a zip lock freezer bag, and squeeze all the air out that you can, and put it in the freezer....Most taxidermists, this time of year have enormous backlogs, and it may be quite a while before he can get it mounted....The day you shoot it, call and see if he can work it in, if so, you won't need to freeze it.....Basically, any small game animal, or bird just needs to be kept as unruffled and blood free as possible.....
4. Shoot with your .22 behind the shouder, just like a deer. Don't do anything else, just wrap it and freeze it. I have friends who are making a wildlife scene in their resort. I have provided them with everything from a squirrel and rabbit, quail, pheasant, turkey and bobcat. I just freeze it and drop it off. I currently have white-tail main-frame 10 with kickers caped and frozen-waiting for the taxidermist. The freezer is your best friend if you can get there in time!
5. From a taxidermists point of view, do NOT take a head shot on a squirrel. Try to shoot it like you would a deer. A shot gun with 8 shot would work well, however a .22 might leave less holes. Unless you take a shot with the shotgun at distance. The reason for taking a body shot over a head shot, is because of the fur. The head is so small, if you shot it in the face it is next to impossible to hide any damage due to it's size. A body shot is easily hidden because the body can stretch and there is much more to work with, than trying to pull up a cheek to hide a whole. The face is only so big. Body shot is best. Roll up in a nice ziplock freezer bag, remove air and freeze. We will do the rest. Please do not " Help" it makes it harder for us.