Trophy Care - Skinning for a shoulder mount

Trophy Care

A great shoulder mount begins with a great cape! Every year taxidermists are faced with deer capes that are cut short in the brisket area or have cuts through the armpit of the animal.  This is a common mistake when skinning a deer for a shoulder mount by hunters of all experience levels.  We will continue to share tips to help you prepare your animal for delivery to the taxidermist, but start with the most common mistake that can be easily avoided with a little understanding.  Spend a little time preparing and assure your taxidermist starts with the best cape possible to produce a great mount.

Skinning for a shoulder mount 

Many people will ring the body of the deer midway between from shoulders and hind quarter.  We typical start with deer on skinning rack, head down.  Start skinning as normal and bring belly cut down to mid point only. Next, we start making our leg and shoulder cut.  This is the area that hunters struggle with.

• Ring the front leg and cut up the leg along the white/brown hair line on the back of the leg. 
• Continue up the leg to the shoulder/body, staying on the back side of the leg
• Continue cut up the side to the mid point cut or bring to the belly cut you started.

Below is a photo of a whitetail cape on a shoulder mount form.  This deer was NOT skinned correctly and you can see how the cut goes through the armpit creating a challenge for the taxidermist to produce a mount you will be proud to display.

 We hope this gives you a better idea of your cuts and what part of the deer will be show side and wall side.  It's important to keep the wall side in mind when making cuts on your deer.

For more information, DIY taxidermy and deer processing supplies, Taxidermy Kits Online and Sausage Making Kits and Seasonings, www.Deer-Mount.com