Preserve Your Coyote Hunt With a Professionally Mounted Head

The Art of Mounting a Coyote Head

For hunters who want to preserve the memory of a successful coyote hunt, mounting the head is a great option. Coyote taxidermy has been popular for decades, allowing hunters to proudly display the fruits of their success. With the help of a professional taxidermist, you can have a stunning coyote head mount that will last for generations.

Finding a Qualified Taxidermist

The key to a quality coyote head mount is finding an experienced taxidermist. Look for someone who specializes in predator taxidermy like coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Ask to see examples of their work to ensure it meets your standards. Taxidermy is an art that takes years to master, so you want someone with plenty of practice mounting coyote heads.

The taxidermist should have in-depth knowledge of coyote anatomy and musculature to reproduce the proper form and expression. Look for membership in professional organizations like the National Taxidermists Association as a sign of their qualifications. Be sure to find out if they offer specialty services like tanning the hide if you want to turn it into a rug.

Field Care of the Coyote

To ensure the highest quality mount, proper field care of the harvested coyote is essential. As soon as the coyote is taken, field dress it by removing the entrails and excess meat. This prevents spoilage and helps cool the carcass. If temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, place bags of ice inside the chest cavity to chill the body heat.

Be extremely careful transporting the coyote from the field. Avoid dragging it to prevent dirt and debris from ruining the fur. Place it on a tarp then gently move it to your vehicle. Keep the head, hide, and fur as clean as possible. If you have to hike a distance to retrieve the coyote, consider boning it out and packing it out in game bags.

During warmer hunting seasons, take the coyote to a freezer or taxidermist as soon as possible. In colder months, it can keep longer if frozen immediately. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles which degrade the fur and tissues.

Mount Preparation

Once at the taxidermist, they will skin the coyote head and place it in a rehydrating solution to restore moisture and suppleness. Precise fleshing of the hide removes all fat, tissue, and cartilage. Special care will be taken around the eyes, nose, and mouth. The skins are tanned to preserve them for decades.

For a life-like expression, the taxidermist will skillfully reproduce key facial features. Glass eyes that capture the coyote’s wild essence are set in place. Teeth may be cast from dental acrylic to perfectly mimic the originals. Careful positioning of the ears and proper musculature work conveys a realistic portrait.

To recreate the exact size and dimensions of your coyote, the taxidermist will make measurements and patterns. This enables an accurate form to be sculpted from foam and hardwood. The tanned skin is then meticulously fitted over the form to bring the mount to life.

Mounting Options

Coyote heads can be mounted in several ways to best display this magnificent animal. A popular option is a high-set wall pedestal mount with the mouth open showing teeth. This conveys an animated pose which shows off the coyote’s fierce expression.

Another option is a hanging snarl mount where the coyote head is suspended from the ceiling or beam with the lips curled back in a menacing snarl. This eye-catching presentation shows the coyote’s wild side. For a classic look, a table pedestal mount perched on a wooden plaque is an elegant choice.

No matter what style you choose, a professionally mounted coyote head is a true work of art. It provides a tangible connection back to the hunt and highlights the coyote’s striking features. With proper care, your trophy mount will be proudly displayed for generations to come.

Caring for Your Mount

To maximize the longevity of your new coyote head mount, proper care is important. Keep it in a climate-controlled room away from direct sunlight which can fade the fur. Use a duster or soft brush to gently remove any dust buildup on the fur.

Avoid placing the mount in humid areas which can cause mold or mildew. Never hang anything from the antlers which could lead to breakage. Periodically inspect for pests and use pest deterrents if needed. With the right care and maintenance, your coyote mount will stay in prime condition for many years.

Conclusion

Having a coyote head mount created by a professional taxidermist is a memorable way to preserve the hunt. With attention to field care and working with a quality taxidermist, you will have a stunning trophy display. A mounted coyote head represents one of North America's most adaptable predators and highlights its wilderness spirit. Let your trophy mount connect you to past hunts while fueling dreams of future success.

FAQs

What is the best way to field dress a coyote for taxidermy?

As soon as possible after harvesting the coyote, remove all entrails and excess meat to rapidly cool the carcass. Keep the fur, head and hide clean and place bags of ice inside the chest if temperatures are above 40 degrees F.

What size coyote works best for a head mount?

Choose a mature coyote, preferably over 30 pounds, for the best sized head mount. The taxidermist can work with any legal harvested coyote, but larger specimens display better on the wall.

What poses are popular for mounted coyote heads?

Snarl mounts with exposed teeth look very dynamic. A howling pose can look quite impressive. For a classic look, a head turned slightly to the side perched on a plaque is recommended.

What maintenance does a coyote taxidermy mount require?

Keep your mount out of direct sunlight and humid environments. Gently clean the fur with a duster or soft brush to remove dust. Inspect periodically for any pest damage and address issues right away.

How much does it cost to get a coyote head professionally mounted?

Depending on level of detail and extras like habitat bases, expect to invest $500-$800 for a quality coyote head mount from an experienced taxidermist.