I have a Mallard Drake and a Coyote, that I need to freeze for around a year. What is the best thing I can do to keep it frozen that long, without hurting it?
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I had some animals that were frozen for over 15 years and most mounted up just fine. They were well wrapped in plastic and stored in a cold-storage facility at very low temps. If I were going to do it over, I would vacuum-seal them prior to freezing. When they are thawed out, you may need to inject some soapy water into the feet, ears, nose, etc to counteract drying that may take place. Good luck. By the way, I certainly don't recommend freezing for a decade and a half.....my work in Alaska prevented me from doing the animals in a more timely manner.
A year is a long time to freeze a duck but you can sure do it. I once mounted 2 that were frozen 10 years! Best way I think is to freeze the duck, after skinning it, in water. Next best is freeze whole in a block of "water". This will have to be done in stages. Put the duck CAREFULLY into a plastic bag, add water and freeze. Now place into a slightly larger bag add water and freeze. The main thing is to prevent freezer burn which greatly impacts a bird mount. Frozen in water should keep that duck a long time. The coyote is a different deal. I would curl him up tight like a dog on a cold day and tripple bag with heavy trash bags. All air should be pushed out of each bag. Good luck, AH