Caping a deer for a shoulder mount is a delicate process that ensures the

taxidermist has enough quality skin to work with. Here's a step-by-step guide to

help you do it properly:

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Caping is free of charge if I mount your animal.

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🦌 Tools You'll Need

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• Sharp skinning knife

• Latex or nitrile gloves

• Clean cloth or paper towels

• Cooler or freezer (for storage)

• Tags (if required by local regulations)

🪓 Step-by-Step Caping Instructions

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1. Field Dress the Deer First

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• Remove the internal organs as usual, but do not cut up into the chest or neck, do not cut through the rib cage. Reach into the cavity and remove the organs. Never slit the throat of an animal that you plan to shoulder mount.

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2. Make the Initial Cuts

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• Cut around the mid-body: Make a circular cut around the animal’s body. Start where you ended the cut at the ribs while field dressing the animal.

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• Cut up the inside of the legs: Make a circle cut around the knee of the animal then follow the color change of the hide toward the circle cut that you made around the body. Skin the legs.

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3. Skin Toward the Head

 

• Peel the hide forward toward the head, carefully separating it from the meat and connective tissue.

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• Be gentle around the shoulders and neck to avoid holes or tears.

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4. Cut Around the Neck

 

• Once you reach 3 to 4 inches behind the head, cut the neck meat around the spine then grasp the antlers and twist the head off with the hide still attached.

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5. Leave the Face to the Taxidermist

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• Do not attempt to skin the face, lips, eyes, or ears unless you're trained. Leave the hide attached to the skull and let the taxidermist handle that part.

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🧊 Storage Tips

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• Wrap the cape in a clean plastic bag.

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• Keep it cool and dry.

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• Freeze it if you won’t be getting it to the taxidermist within a day or two.