Should You Mount That Duck?

In this episode of Ten Minute Tuesday, the guys tackle one of the most common questions waterfowl hunters ask every fall: should I get this duck mounted? Joey shares what he has learned after getting plenty of birds taxidermied over the years, including why age, feather condition, plumage, and sentimental value all matter when deciding whether a bird is worth sending to a taxidermist. They get into how to tell whether a duck is fully plumed, why early-season birds can be much harder to work with, and why a late-season canvasback or redhead can look completely different from the same species shot earlier in the fall. The guys also cover choosing a good waterfowl taxidermist, rising prices and long wait times, different mount styles, and how to properly store a bird in the freezer without ruining it. There’s plenty of personal experience mixed in too, from damaged mounts and freezer failures to birds that looked perfect at the time but didn’t compare to their late-season counterparts. They also explain why keeping a potential trophy bird dry after the shot can make a big difference and come back to the most important point: if a duck means something to you, that matters more than whether it is technically the “perfect” specimen. For anyone considering duck taxidermy this season, this episode is a practical look at what to watch for before putting a bird in the freezer. Thanks for listening to the Midwest Flyways Podcast! Be sure to check out the Flyways Hunt Club for even more exclusive content every week. Join Flyways Hunt Club and get 1 month free! Flyways Hunt Club New Waterfowl Film out now! Out West | Waterfowl Hunting in Montana Stay comfortable, dry and warm: First Lite (Code MWF20) Go to OnXHunt to be better prepared for your hunt: OnX Learn more about better ammo: Migra Ammunitions Weatherby Sorix: Weatherby Support Conservation: DU