Apparently the Wisconsin DNR has a new rule in effect this year that states if you harvest a deer in either the DEZ or HRZ, that you MUST relinquish the head if the DNR requests it. (Sorta buried in regs book - gee, I wonder why) No longer a choice.
Furthermore, they state that if you wish to have a mount done, arrangements will be made. What in the heck does that mean? Am I limited to a taxidermist in Wisconsin that's on the DNR's list? What about a shoulder mount? Is the Wisconsin DNR QUALIFIED to properly skin the animal for such a mount? Is the DNR responsible if the rack is lost? (I already know the answer to this one).
I know I'm putting the cart in front of the horse, but what a pain in the doopah if a non-res DOES get a trophy.
Furthermore, at the head removal site we checked in three deer and I never saw them clean the saw (w/bleach) after the first one (but I did get distracted for a second). Has anybody else witnessed their (lack of) folowing procedures?
With the increased cost this year, it may be time to come back home and hunt next year...
Return to Deer Taxidermy Category Menu
I'am a taxidermist in wisconsin and recieved instructions from the DNR that they will give the hunter who wants their head mounted paperwork to take to the taxidermist with them. After caping out the head and removing the skull cap you have to put the brains back in, fill out the paperwork and it's up to the hunter to get the skull back to the DNR regisration station where it was registerd. Which really sucks if the hunter took the deer back home to have mounted and is four hours from the registration. The head must be kept cool and only frozen once.
Aren't they going to remove the head when I check it in? Otherwise I would think they'd be concerned of me contaminating the brain sample?
Who's caping it?
"Put the brains back in" - what are you talking about?
From the WDNR website, I was under the impression the DNR is taking the head upon registration (just like all the other samples).
Could you please go thru the process step by step for the terminally ignorant? (P.S. I am a fish taxidermist, so I know a little bit about mammal taxidermy)
thanks...
Hi marty, If you harvest an animal that you don't want mounted, they will cut the whole head off at the registration station. They want the head and about 6" of the neck. If you want it mounted, you can take it and have it caped out, but they want the head back for testing. If you live a long ways away fron the registration station, it can be a pain dealing with it. Most of the registration stations can refer you to someone locally to have it caped out while you are still in the area, and then pou can take it the cape and antlers home with you. It is a pain to have to deal with, the the DNR is working hard to gather information in a CWD area. Hope this helps.
Sounds like Wisc. sportsmen are singing the BLUES (zone that is)
I am a taxidermist in southwest wisconsin and I have caped out alot of deer from out of towners. I usualy set up right at the check station and skin. We get $60 to skin a deer off the face but I think it is well worth it and it is only about a 45 min. wait
Boy, I sure wish the Wisonsin DNR would have put some procedures in detail in their regs. Normally, they seem to be on top of things as hunting is such a huge part of Wisconsin's economy. But as I said, I have a feeling they really didn't want to publicize this too much.
Speaking of economy, isn't it about time for Wisonsin's unemployment rate to top the charts? Happens every year during deer season. Priorities ya know - lol!