If a downed animal is still alive and you want to save the head for mounting, what should you do?

When dealing with a downed animal that is still alive and you wish to preserve the head for mounting, it is crucial to ensure that the animal is put down humanely and efficiently. Shooting it in the heart-lung area is the appropriate action because this method ensures a quick and humane death, allowing for the preservation of the head for taxidermy. This approach minimizes suffering for the animal and also helps to retain the integrity of the skin and other materials needed for mounting.

The heart-lung area is targeted because it is a vital zone that leads to rapid death, causing less distress for the animal and allowing you to proceed with your intentions for the mount. Additionally, immediate action is vital as it prevents any unnecessary suffering.

Other options would not be effective or ethical. Waiting for the animal to die on its own could prolong suffering and complicate the process. Using a tranquilizer may not be practical in a hunting scenario and could also require special training and equipment that is not typically available to hunters. Ignoring the situation altogether would be unethical as it would mean allowing the animal to continue suffering without addressing its condition.