Specimen Intake Best Practices

A thorough intake process protects both you and your client. Here is a complete intake workflow for MountChief.

Step 1: Client Information

Full name, phone, email, and preferred contact method

Ask if they have used a taxidermist before and what their expectations are

Step 2: Specimen Assessment

Identify the species and verify the mount type the client wants

Inspect the cape or hide for damage: bullet holes, knife cuts, hair slip, freezer burn

Document all pre-existing damage with photos and written notes

Step 3: Measurements

Shoulder mounts: neck circumference (base and mid), eye-to-nose, ear-to-ear

Full body: add body length, girth, and leg measurements

Fish: total length, girth at widest point, reference photos for coloration

Step 4: Photos

Take a minimum of 4 photos: front, left, right, and any damage

Include a photo of the antlers or horns with a ruler for scale

Step 5: Pricing and Payment

Provide a written quote with itemized costs

Collect a 50% deposit and provide a receipt

Set a realistic estimated completion date

Step 6: Storage

Tag the specimen with a unique ID and store frozen until work begins

Log everything in MountChief under Dashboard > Intake