Quick Answer
Removing the head before caping a deer is not necessary and may even be counterproductive, as it can lead to uneven drying and make it more difficult to properly mount the hide.
Preparing the Deer for Caping
When caping a deer for a shoulder mount, it’s essential to have the animal in a cool, dry environment as soon as possible. If you plan to freeze the deer, you can store it at 0°F (-18°C) to slow down spoilage. If you’re preserving the hide through salt or a similar method, it’s crucial to skin the deer within 2-3 days to prevent bacterial growth and decay.
Removing the Head for Caping
Removing the head from the deer before caping can be unnecessary, but it’s not always a bad idea. If you’re experienced with caping and have a well-designed skinning and caping setup, it might be easier to work on the deer without the head attached. However, if you’re new to caping, it’s usually better to leave the head attached to the hide, as this provides additional support and makes it easier to manipulate the cape during the caping process.
Tips for Successful Caping
To cap a deer effectively, you’ll need a sharp knife, a skinning tool, and a cape buck. The traditional cape cut typically removes the hide from the throat, back, and shoulders, leaving the legs and lower body intact. For a shoulder mount, you should aim for a cape length of around 36-40 inches (90-100 cm) and a width of around 20-22 inches (50-55 cm). After caping, you can treat the hide with a preservative or freeze it for future taxidermy preparation.
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