Bugs in mounts...most susceptible critter is a turkey mount

[Outdoors Junkie]

Auggie, Have you ever heard of this?

You've earned your trophy. You scouted all summer and fall. You hung your stand and waited for the perfect wind. And when things fell together perfectly you made a great shot and collected your best animal ever. He hangs on your wall along with a dozen other priceless trophies to treasure forever - right? Well, maybe not.

You pass by your prized mount hundreds of times. What you don't realize is that it is under attack by something that moves so slowly, quietly and deliberately that most people never notice anything wrong. Then one day you move your mount and ten square inches of fur just falls out like it's been buzzed with a number 0 hair clipper. You are dumbfounded and immediately check your other mounts - only to find the exact same thing is occurring across your entire collection. Sound far fetched? I thought so, until it happened to me. Luckily, I was aware of the warning signs. I knew exactly what was happening, and who could fix it. After you read this feature, you will too.

Click the link below to read the full story:

http://bowsite.com/bowsite/features/articles/bugs/

[lentz]

great find that seems like a very serious problem

[Auggie]

    I didn't look at your link but I am guessing it is dermestid beetles. I keep a colony of beetles for cleaning skulls. If the mount was properly done in the first place you should not have the problem. They like flesh. Turkey mounts will be more susceptible most likely because of freeze dried heads. But again if they are done properly in the first place it should not be an issue. Especially on any furred mount. One reason price shopping is a bad idea when it comes to your trophies. Some blame can also be held by the owner care and placement as well. But more times than not it is on the taxidermist that is experienced and doesn't charge enough. Quality costs money.