Quick Answer
Nerve damage can indeed have a significant impact on the quality of a taxidermy mount. When nerves are damaged, it can cause muscle tissue to atrophy or shrink, leading to uneven or unnatural posing of the animal's muscles. This can result in an unappealing or unrealistic appearance.
Nerve Damage in Taxidermy Mounts
Nerve damage can occur due to improper handling, storage, or handling of the animal’s body. In the case of shoulder mounts, nerve damage can cause the muscles of the neck and shoulder to become disfigured or unevenly posed. This can be particularly evident in animals with thick or well-developed neck muscles, such as deer or elk.
Impact on Mount Quality
When nerve damage affects a taxidermy mount, it can compromise the overall appearance and quality of the finished product. In extreme cases, the damage may be so severe that the mount must be remounted or re-tanned. To prevent nerve damage, taxidermists and hunters must handle the animal’s body with care, following proper procedures for skinning and handling the carcass.
Preventing Nerve Damage
To prevent nerve damage in taxidermy mounts, it is essential to handle the animal’s body with care and attention to detail. When skinning the carcass, taxidermists should avoid cutting or damaging the nerves, and should handle the muscle tissue gently to prevent atrophy. Hunters can also take steps to prevent nerve damage by storing the animal’s body in a cool, dry environment and handling it with care until it is received by the taxidermist.
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