How to Preserve a Pheasant for Mounting

You finally got that dream pheasant. That's a bird you're putting on the wall.

Now the clock is ticking.

Most upland hunters have no idea what to do in the next five minutes, and that's honestly where mounts get ruined. By the time a bird gets home, tossed in a plastic bag in the back of the truck, tail feathers bent and skin starting to go, your taxidermist is already working at a disadvantage. That bird you're proud of deserves better than that.

Here's what you do the right way.

Why Pheasants Are Tricky to Preserve

Pheasants are one of the most popular birds to mount, and they're also one of the easier ones to mess up. Those tail feathers are fragile. They bend, they break, and once they're damaged there's nothing your taxidermist can do about it. On top of that, feather slippage and skin breakdown start fast in warm fall weather.

The guys who end up with perfect mounts are the ones who treat the bird right from the moment it hits the ground.

Step-by-Step: How to Preserve a Pheasant in the Field

1. Lightly groom feathers and rinse off any blood.
Keep it gentle. Pat, don't rub. You want those feathers clean without pulling anything loose.

2. Gently place the gauze ball inside the mouth.
This absorbs moisture and bacteria right at the source.

3. Wet the towelettes.
Get them damp and ready before you start wrapping.

4. Wrap the head and bill in a wet towelette, then secure with a strap.
This is where you protect the part of the bird your taxidermist is going to work with most. Take your time here.

5. Wrap both feet in wet towelettes, then secure with the remaining straps.
Feet get overlooked. Don't skip this step.

6. Gently lay the head of the bird back onto its body.
Natural position. Keeps the neck in good shape.

7. Gently slide the bird halfway into the preservation bag.
Hold the tail end out for now, you've still got two more steps.

8. Fill out your Federal Migratory Bird tag and place it in the bag.
Don't skip this. It's required, and your taxidermist needs it.

9. Gently slide the tube over the tail feathers.
This is the step that sets the Upland Kit apart. That protective tube is the only thing standing between those tail feathers and a bent, broken mess. Remove the end cap if you've got a long tailed rooster.

10. Slide the bird fully into the preservation bag and squeeze out any air.
Get it sealed tight. The less air, the better. Toss it in the freezer and you're good. A properly preserved bird can stay mount-ready in the freezer for 3+ years.

What Makes the Upland Kit Different

The Tagged and Bagged Upland Bird Preservation Kit was built specifically for pheasant, quail, grouse, and other upland birds. It's got everything you need, the towelettes, the straps, the preservation bag, the direction card, and that tail tube to protect the most important part of the bird.

It's less than a pound, fits in your blind bag, and at $26.99 it's the cheapest part of the whole mounting process by a long shot.

Shop the Upland Bird Preservation Kit →

Don't Let a Perfect Hunt Go to Waste

You put in the work to be in the right field at the right time. You made the shot. The only thing left is making sure that bird makes it to the wall the way it looked the second it dropped.

Throw a kit in your blind bag before the season starts. You'll be glad you did.

At Tagged and Bagged, we are here to preserve your once in a lifetime memory!