Field Dressing Antlered Game for the Purpose of Taxidermy

Cut off the cape well back of the shoulders and down behind over the brisket, leaving plenty of cape for a shoulder mount. This type of mount is most desirable

Make your next incision along the back of the neck and the second cut forming a "V" running to the base of each antler. Use a heavy screwdriver to pry skin loose around the antlers (Figure 1, 1b, 1c, 2, 4 & Photo 1, 1b, 4).

Skin down the skull, being careful not to cut through the skin, especially around the eyes, lips and nose area (Figure 5, 6 & Photo 5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, 6b).

Extra care should be taken as not to cut the cape especially on the face areas as the hair is very short and is difficult to repair.

Cut ear cartilage from skull on the inside (Figure 3 & Photo 3a, 3b, 3c), turn inside out and cut away flesh at base of cartilage.

If guide is not experienced in removing the cartilage from the ear; salt area and leave this delicate work for a qualified taxidermist. Removal of ear cartilage illustrated with description.

It would be ideal if all capes after skinning could be placed in a suitable freezer. However, in most situations this is not possible.

After skinning, lay capes on the ground (hair down) and salt with fine grind salt NOT pickling salt. Spread and rub salt generously into all areas. Roll hide up and place into a suitable container such as a burlap or canvas sack. Such packaging materials as burlap or canvas allows the air to circulate through the cape and reduces the chances of spoilage.

Removal of Antlers: The top of the skull with the horns attached is all that is required. Merely saw off the top of the skull through the centre of the eyes after skinning of the cape has been completed. If antlers must be separated for shipping purposes there should be enough skull left attached to each horn so that they can be joined at time of mounting. Tag both antlers to avoid mix-ups.