CAPING FOR A SHOULDER MOUNT

1.  With a sharp knife, slit the hide circling the body behind the shoulder at approximately the mid-way point of the ribcage behind the front legs.  Slit the skin around the legs just above the knees.  An additional slit will be needed from the back of the leg and joining the body cut behind the legs. 

 2.  Peel the skin forward up to the ears and jaw exposing the head/neck junction.  Cut into the neck approximately three inches down from this junction. Circle the neck cutting down to the spiral column. After this cut is complete, grasp the antler bases and twist the head off the neck. This should allow the hide to be rolled up and put in a freezer until you can transport it to the taxidermist. These cuts should allow ample hide for the taxidermist to work with in mounting.  REMEMBER, the taxidermist can cut off excess hide, but he can't add what he does not have.

When field dresseing a trophy to be mounted, do not cut into the brisket (chest) or neck area.  If blood gets on the hide to be mounted, wash it off with snow or water as soon as possible. Also, avoid dragging the deer out of the woods as best you can.  Place it on a sled, rickshaw, or 4-wheeler. Rope, rocks, or a broken branch can easily damage the fur or puncture the hide.