How to Cape a Deer
Many hunters choose to have a trophy deer mounted as a memento of a memorable hunting season. One of the first steps a taxidermist will take in the process of mounting a deer is to cape the deer's hide. Caping a deer means removing the hide from the deer from the lower neckline to the area behind the shoulders. A taxidermist will charge an additional fee to cape a deer. Save a few dollars and learn to cape the majority of the deer at home.
Instructions
-
-
1
Lay a tarp on the floor. Caping the deer on the tarp will mean an easier cleanup.
-
2
Cut a circle around the entire deer's body approximately four inches behind the front legs with a sharp knife. Make another cut around each of the deer's legs right above the knee.
-
-
3
Cut a slit from the back of each deer's knee to the first circular cut that was made. These two slits should appear on the underside of the deer.
-
4
Peel the fur from the deer's meat by pulling forward on the fur with both hands until the ears are reached.
-
5
Cut another circle around the deer's neck approximately three inches below the ears.
-
6
Grasp both antlers and gently twist the deer's head from the neck.
-
7
Place the caped deer fur into a large garbage bag. Leave the antlers out of the bag to avoid damage.
-
8
Freeze the deer's hide if it cannot be immediately taken to a taxidermist. Otherwise, transport the deer's hide within a few hours of the caping.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Leave the caping of the deer's face to the taxidermist. This is a delicate procedure that is best performed by a professional.
References
- Photo Credit deer image by Henryk Olszewski from Fotolia.com
