What to Do with Old Taxidermy?

Assessing and Preparing Old Taxidermy for Sale or Donation

When dealing with old taxidermy, we need to ensure it is in good condition and meets legal requirements before selling or donating it. It is important to know various platforms and places where these items can be sold or donated.

Evaluating the Condition of Taxidermy

First, we should carefully examine the taxidermy mounts. Look for loose seams, fading colors, or missing parts. Check for any signs of damage such as insect infestations or mold.

A checklist for assessment:

• Color: Is the fur or feathers faded?
• Seams: Are there any loose stitches?
• Damage: Any missing parts or signs of decay?
• Smell: Does it have a musty or strange odor?

If repairs are needed, getting in touch with a professional restorer can help increase the item’s value.

Understanding Legal Regulations

Selling or donating taxidermy involves understanding regulations. Different laws apply depending on whether the items are from endangered species or protected under acts like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Key regulations:

• Endangered Species Act (ESA): Applies to endangered species.
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA): Protects migratory birds.
• Lacey Act: Prohibits trade in wildlife that has been illegally taken.
• CITES: Regulates international trade of endangered species.

We need to check if permits or licenses are required and ensure compliance with these laws to avoid legal issues.

Where to Sell or Donate

When it comes to selling old taxidermy, there are various options. Online platforms like eBay and Craigslist are popular. Antique shops and specialized auctioneers often handle such items. Some people prefer dealing with cash buyers.

Options for selling:

• eBay: Large online marketplace.
• Craigslist: Local buyers.
• Antique shops: Specialize in vintage items.
• Auctioneer: Can help in liquidating a collection.
• Cash buyers: Potential for quick sales.

For donations, museums, natural history institutions, and educational entities may accept taxidermy for their collections or exhibits. It’s important to contact them beforehand to confirm their interest.

By following these steps, we can responsibly deal with old taxidermy items while ensuring compliance and maximizing their value.

Caring for and Maintaining Taxidermy

Proper care is essential to keep taxidermy looking its best. We must be diligent about cleaning, preventing infestations, and ensuring proper display and storage.

Cleaning Techniques

We need to regularly clean our taxidermy to keep away dust and dirt. For cleaning, use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to gently wipe surfaces. Avoid using water, as it can damage fur and feathers. For eyes, we can use a small, damp cotton swab to remove dirt.

Feathers need special care; we can use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting to blow away dust. Regular cleaning prevents discoloration and maintains the lifelike appearance of the specimen.

Preventing and Treating Infestations

We must be cautious of bugs and pests like moths and beetles that can damage taxidermy. To prevent infestations, we should inspect specimens regularly. Using flea and tick spray, or bifen insecticide, can help deter pests.

If an item is infested, isolate it and treat it with salt or an appropriate disinfectant. Freezing the specimen for 72 hours can also kill pests. Keeping the environment clean and dry is crucial to avoid future infestations.

Proper Display and Storage

Proper display and storage are key to maintaining taxidermy. Taxidermy should be kept in a dry, temperature-controlled environment to prevent mold and mildew. Avoid direct sunlight as it causes fading and discoloration.

We should display items away from sources of heat and humidity. For storage, use acid-free tissue paper and boxes to protect the pieces. Regularly inspect stored taxidermy for any signs of damage or pest activity.

Safe Disposal of Unwanted Taxidermy

Disposing of unwanted taxidermy involves considering both legal and ethical aspects. It is important to check local wildlife laws and explore alternative uses like donations to educational institutions or museums.

Legal and Ethical Disposal Methods

In many regions, it is essential to follow wildlife laws when disposing of taxidermy. Contacting local wildlife agencies helps ensure compliance. They offer guidance on incineration or burial, which are common disposal methods. Incineration eliminates the risk of disease spread, but always use a licensed facility.

Burial is another option. Choose a location away from water sources. Ensure the burial site is deep enough to prevent scavengers from digging it up. Rendering, which breaks down animal parts for other uses, is less common but worth considering.

Alternatives to Disposal

Sometimes, donating taxidermy to local museums, gun stores, or sporting goods stores like Western Sportsman works well. Many educational institutions appreciate taxidermy specimens for teaching purposes. Contacting these places can find a new home for your unwanted items.

Exploring online marketplaces or community groups offers another route. Someone may treasure your taxidermy, turning it into a unique piece of decor. Avoid simply throwing taxidermy away, as it can pose environmental hazards and waste valuable resources.