Hi all,

out of curiosity what is the procedure for preparing a deer for a shoulder mount. Pete E explained to me the way to cape it off and I am happy with that part, although I would probably leave the top of the neck in place and allow the taxidermist to take the neck and skull out.

However, what is the next stage after you have done this in the field or at home? Would you just freeze it or brine it first?

Regards,
FB

If you are not going to skin out the head (including turning ears, splitting lips and what-not), and you can't get it to your taxidermist within a day or so (depending on the temperature you can store it under), then you should see whether you can't drop it into a freezer. That will keep it in good shape until your taxidermist can take care of it for you.

Does that answer the question??

- mike

My advice would be to strike while the iron is still hot and take it straight to the taxidermist.

Reason I say is that enthusiasm to spend the money wanes the longer the cape is in the freezer. I have 2 fantastic trophies in the freezer but am no longer so keen to spend the money.....

1894,

You may have a point. Especially as I have done some research ito shoulder mount costs here in the UK!!! Nearly £700 for a red and not much less for a Fallow...

I'll have to speak to RW tomorrow and see who he uses. Did you salt the capes before you froze them?

I'm probably getting ahead of myself here but it would be handy to know when a decent buck turns up... assuming I can convince myself to shoot it huh Pete?!?!?!

Rgds,
FB

Fallow buck

No salting required just stick it in the freezer.

You only need to salt them down if it is going to be a matter of days before you get them in the deep freeze.

If you salt a cape and you have a little meat in one area the hair WILL slip on the opposite side where the meat was left.

Never salt unless you are good at scraping hides.

Just freeze it (folded neatly to keep the hair in good shape)

Thanks guys,

Now for the tricky bit!!!

FB