For small game and birds, make no cuts, keep specimen cool, clean and dry. Wrap specimen in newspaper or paper towels, place in PAPER bag and freeze or bring to a Taxidermist as soon as possible.
For big game, make no cuts past the front legs. If possible, leave the hide attached to the cape, let the taxidermist cut the hide away from the cape. For larger game ( caribou, moose, elk, etc) call your taxidermist before you leave for your hunt. He can instruct you on some basic caping and inform you as to which measurements to take from the specimen before and after caping.
Skins are just as perishable as meat. It is important that you get your trophy to a taxidermist as soon as possible. If you can't get to a taxidermist, place the trophy in the freezer until you can get to a taxidermist. Salting capes and hides is an alternative when freezing or immediate delivery are not possible. Keep in mind, that salt only affects the immediate area that it is applied. It will not protect unturned ears, facial features( lips, nostrils, eyes, etc), feet or tails. Salting should be done after all meat and fat have been removed from the skin.
When freezing specimens, do NOT use salt. Salt will keep the skin from freezing.
In some states, big game tags must be attached to the ear of the specimen. When tagging the ear, make as small a hole as possible. Bread bag ties or safety pins work great for attaching tags to ears.