elk cape question

29 November 2011, 09:37

georgeld

elk cape question

another member has offered me a cape from his bull killed some over a month ago that's never been frozen, only salted.

I can't get a reply whether the ears, lips, nose & eye's were fleshed out & salted or not.
He said today that it's not hairslipped yet.
Didn't say whether that was on top, or unrolled.

I'm in need of a cape just about this size for Dad's rack from the 50's.
I've asked if he'd send the cape to a tannery for insp first before we make a deal.
Am I out of step on this, or not?

What if these place's have soured? Can they be fixed up w/o major problems or expense? I'd have it mounted by a shop & end up paying the price either way.

Thanks for your replies,
George

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Jerry Huffaker
State, National and World Champion Taxidermist

02 December 2011, 11:48

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by georgeld:

I've asked if he'd send the cape to a tannery for insp first before we make a deal.
Am I out of step on this, or not?

I can't really see a problem with this. If he is selling it to you as a good cape he should not mind having it inspected.

Have you talked to your taxidermist about a replacement cape? If you get one from the guy who is doing the work you should be getting a good cape.

Jason

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03 December 2011, 19:20

Jerry Huffaker

quote:
Originally posted by JBrown:
quote:
Originally posted by georgeld:

I've asked if he'd send the cape to a tannery for insp first before we make a deal.
Am I out of step on this, or not?

I can't really see a problem with this. If he is selling it to you as a good cape he should not mind having it inspected.

Have you talked to your taxidermist about a replacement cape? If you get one from the guy who is doing the work you should be getting a good cape.

Jason has a good point here, also if you didn't know Elk capes are readily available. You can easily purchase a good tanned Elk cape on Taxidermy.net.

Jerry Huffaker
State, National and World Champion Taxidermist

05 December 2011, 10:25

georgeld

Thanks guys,
I've been sicker that hell since posting,
still not up to much yet. Now it's turned cold & started snowing so everything is on hold for awhile yet.

Jerry: I've asked for capes from hunters & taxidermists for yrs w/o much luck. My buddies gave me two but, they'd been skinned a week w/o any care at all. Took them to my taxi & hairslip so we tossed 'em. Such is my exp finding one.
I've gone elk hunting since 95 except two yrs w/o filling a bull tag. Just not any bulls where we go. I did get a cow, and the guys seem to get a few cows most yrs but, nothing like we used to bring home.

George

"Gun Control is NOT about Guns'
"It's about Control!!"
Join the NRA today!"

LM: NRA, DAV,

George L. Dwight

05 December 2011, 23:05

L. David Keith

George, Jerry is right on; most professional Taxidermists can obtain a quality cape for you, tanned and ready to go. Personally, I'd prefer a fresh, wet tanned cape. Those retain their natural hair luster and just have more give/stretch. Nothing wrong with a good dry tanned cape, but just my preference. I know several guys that can get you a good cape if you can't find it. I would encourage you to use a taxidermist that has a good reputation and returns mounts within 6-12 months. LDK

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