Spring cleaning is upon us, and for many, this also means hunting season is as well. Taxidermy is a common way to help commemorate successful hunts and save a trophy to show others. However, time can often wear on these ornaments, and eventually, the day may come when it is time to say goodbye to members of your collection.

Unfortunately, it may not be so straightforward to dispose of old taxidermy. In most cases, taxidermy cannot be disposed of through regular trash collection. Instead, disposal must be completed through different means, which often depends in part on local and state regulations.

The good news is that it is possible to get rid of your old taxidermy you no longer have any use for, and here we will take a look at some of the best ways to get rid of your unwanted taxidermy.

Begin With Cleaning

Before anything else, it is a good idea to ensure that your old taxidermy is clean and insect free. This is a multi-step process because each part of the body will require different cleaning to avoid damage. For example, the fur and body of taxidermy can generally be gently dusted or wiped with a slightly damp rag and cleaned with any ordinary disinfectant.

For the eyes, use the same cleaner but gently dab it on with a cotton swab to remove contaminants. Avoid applying the cleaner to any portions that may be damaged by the cleaner. Simply use a rag slightly dampened with a water and dish detergent mixture to wipe down antlers or horns and finish by removing dust and fluffing fur by using compressed air.

For birds or fish, avoid using anything wet and instead use a feather duster. It is crucial when cleaning any taxidermy to apply a gentle touch and avoid harsh cleaners.

Donation or Sale

Traditional routes for donation often won’t work with taxidermy, but there are some organizations that will accept or potentially help to find a route to donate these items. In some cases, you may even be able to sell them for some money. Some options include:

• National Taxidermist Organization: This organization is a non-profit that is dedicated to promoting the art of taxidermy. They can often help to determine how to donate old taxidermy.
• Bass Pro Shops: This company is not only a great place to check out quality taxidermy, they are also often willing to accept donations or sales of taxidermy. Depending upon the age, wear, and quality of the specimen, they may not be willing, but it is most definitely worth a try.
• Behring Global Educational Foundation: This organization is a non-profit group that donates items to museums across the globe. They are a great source for donating specimens to worthwhile causes.

Throw It Out

Just because you can’t toss it in the trash doesn’t mean you may not be able to dispose of your old taxidermy. In many cases, contacting your local waste management provider can give you the information you need to dispose of your old taxidermy. If this doesn’t often work, a professional junk removal company can help you to get rid of unwanted taxidermy safely and legally.

Conclusion

Taxidermy can be a wonderful way to commemorate your past hunting excursions. However, when specimens are no longer wanted, you need a safe and legal way to dispose of them. The best route to go may depend on the condition and type of specimens, but often the best way to go is to work with an experienced junk removal company.

Contact Us

For help disposing of your old or unwanted items, contact ABH Services. Our experienced team can help you to arrange for the pickup and disposal of a wide range of items. So, call us at (781) 941-2422 and connect with us on Facebook.