How to Cut the Skull for a Deer Shoulder Mount

Cutting a deer hide correctly is important if you plan to have the head mounted.

Skin your deer correctly if you plan to have a shoulder mount. Cutting around the skull can be tricky, and is one of the most important parts of preparing a deer for mounting. Skin the hide as soon as possible after the deer has been taken. Keep it cool until the time comes to mount it.

Things You'll Need

• Skinning knife

Instructions

1. Cut from the breastbone down to the anus without cutting into any organs. Cut deeply around the anus; avoiding make cuts into the anus.

2. Remove the bladder and urinary tract carefully. Do not spill the contents.

3. Roll the deer on its side. Pull the entrails from the abdominal area.

4. Cut away the diaphragm on both sides of the deer. Cut the esophagus and windpipe as far up as you can. Pull out the windpipe, lungs and heart.

5. Skin the front portion of the deer hide. Start your cut about five inches behind the front legs. Cut around the front legs, starting at the knee and along the hairline on the back of the legs.

6. Separate the hide from the meat by carefully working your way up the neck.

7. Cut as close to the skull and as close to the ear canals as possible. Feel inside the ear canals to determine the best place to cut.

8. Cut around the eyes; cut as close as possible to the deer's skull.

9. Cut the lips carefully, leaving them attached to the hide.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the hide cool. Freeze it until such time as you can take it to the taxidermist.

• Use caution when working with a skinning knife.

References

• IMB: How to Cape a Deer
• Wildlife Designs Taxidermy: Caping Instructions
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources: How to Field Dress a White-tailed Deer