How to Measure Eye Size for a Deer Mount

A mounted deer can be an attractive item for your hunting cabin or home.

Avid hunters typically hunt for either food or sport, and sometimes both. For sport-hunters, mounting a prize game animal such as a buck deer is generally an option. This process is generally performed by experienced taxidermists; however, one can mount a deer on his own if desired. One aspect of mounting the deer cape is measuring for the eye diameter for the glass or plastic eyes that will be needed to fit into the foam mannequin. This can be accomplished by following a simple formula.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure or ruler

Instructions

1. Measure from the deer's nose tip to the inside corner of the eye, using a tape measure or ruler. This needs to be done prior to removing the skull and antlers.

2. Determine the deer's size. Small deer or doe, medium size deer or a large buck or mule deer -- 250 pounds or larger.

3. Compare the measurements that you took with the determined deer size. For larger deer with measurements from tip of nose to corner of eye of 6 1/4 inches or greater, choose an eye diameter of 32 millimeters. For smaller deer with measurements from tip of nose to corner of eye of 6 1/4 inches or less, choose an eye diameter of 28mm. Typically, the average deer or medium-size deer will need 30mm for eye diameter.

Tips & Warnings

• Taxidermy books and charts are available at many sporting goods stores to aid in selecting deer eye size and for other mounting needs.

• Use caution when skinning and mounting deer.

• Ensure that you have a valid hunting license for your state prior to hunting deer.

References

• Taxidermy.com: Measuring Eye Sizes
• Noadi's Art: Eye Size Chart

Resources

• Taxidermy.Net: Deer Taxidermy