Whether you are a trophy hunter or just a wildlife enthusiast, you shouldn't give up your collection of taxidermy pieces just because you're planning a long distance move. Pack each individual stuffed fox or deer head with care to keep your expensive artwork from getting damaged. Follow these simple steps to pack the animals securely and carry or ship the pieces to your new home.
Choose a Package
Anything larger than a fox or lamb likely needs a wooden crate or carton to keep it from being crushed by packages placed on top of or next to it. Small items can go in properly reinforced cardboard boxes, but trophy deer heads and full size displays definitely need the extra protection of plywood. You can also screw the wood bases or backs to 2x4s, attach the boards to plywood, and build your own custom crates from a few more plywood pieces for loading in the back of your own truck.
Reinforce the Edges
If you pick a cardboard box, you definitely need extra layers of corrugated cardboard tucked into the inner corners to prevent crushing and crumpling. You can also reinforce the corners of wooden cartons with leftover scraps of plywood and 2x4s. Buying reinforced shipping crates and boxes is easier if you don't have the power tools for putting things together on your own.
Buffer with the Right Materials
Packing in crumpled newspaper may work for dishes and picture frames, but the pressure from that kind of material can rub off delicate feathers and scales. Whether you want to use the classic styrofoam peanuts or reusable inflatable packs, wrap the taxidermy mount with a few layers of plain kraft paper to keep ink and plastic off the fur and skin. Building a frame of wood around the piece or attaching it securely to the sides of a cardboard box are the best ways to keep the artwork from bouncing around without resorting to a bunch of filler materials.
Invest in Insurance
Even small bird and squirrel mounts usually cost hundreds of dollars due to the time and effort that goes into taxidermy. Since it's always possible for a package to get damaged or go missing during a move, you should take out insurance with a moving company or your home insurance company. Ensure the replacement value of the item instead of the original amount you paid so you can afford to restore your collection as soon as the move is over.
Contact a service like Wheaton World Wide Moving for more help.
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