Instructions for Gray Fox Mounts

Gray fox are found throughout much of the southwest United States. In most western states, there are legal hunts for the animal. If you have a gray fox and want to display it, learn the basics of taxidermy and mount your take on your own. Be aware that many of the taxidermy preservatives are highly toxic, examples include arsenic, so use caution and wear rubber gloves, eye goggles and a mask when working with the chemicals.

Things You'll Need

  • Taxidermy fox mold
  • Taxidermy kit of thread, wire, preservative and needles
  • Cutting tool
  • Mounting plate
  • Taxidermy fox eyes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay out the fox on your work table. Wear gloves, mask and goggles. Cut from the base of the neck down to the end of the tail. Gently pull out on the skin as you slice down the length of the fox.

    • 2

      Slice any sinew or tissue still connected to the skin. Pull the skin off the body. Slice all fat and tissue off the underside of the skin.

    • 3

      Run the fur under warm water and wash thoroughly with soap. Scrub to remove any grit, grime and all blood. Set the skin out, underside up, to dry.

    • 4

      Treat the back of the skin with the taxidermy preservative. Sponge brush the entire underside of the skin. Leave the skin out to cure for two to three days. Be sure no pets or children have access to the skin as it cures, as the preservative is highly toxic.

    • 5

      Set the fox mold on the work table and wrap the skin around it. Start with the head, move down to the back and spine and finish with the legs and tail. Bring the two ends of the skin together under the body and neck.

    • 6

      Sew the skin together using the taxidermy thread and needle. Depending on the hue of your fox's fur, use the corresponding thread color so it blends and is camouflaged in the fur.

    • 7

      Insert the fake fox eyes into the model's eye sockets.

    • 8

      Glue the fox to the display base board or plank.