How to Skin a Deer Head
Skinning a dear head in preparation for taxidermy is as much an artform as it is a skill. It takes practice to get good at it, but anyone can do it with a little bit of background knowledge and guidance from experts. Most taxidermists have a specific way they like to skin game so that their particular mount will look best. If you have already decided on the taxidermist you are going to use, contact her and get her preference before you begin skinning. This article outlines the basics for skinning a head using the "back of the neck" method.
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Instructions
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Make an incision under the skin (but avoiding any muscle) starting at the base of the neck, behind the shoulders and extending up to the base of the skull (see diagram).
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Make an incision from the one main cut to each antler (if your deer has antlers. If not, skip this step).
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Carefully peel the skin away from the skull. Use your knives to remove as much meat and fat as possible.
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When you get to the base of the ears, carefully cut the cartilage so that the ear comes with the skin. Pull the skin to the nose and carefully separate the cartilage here as well.
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If need be, cut the antlers off at the base and bring the skin and antlers to your taxidermist.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your knives sharp and change them out often to avoid dulling the blade and potentially cutting yourself.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.selbywildlife.com
